For today’s article, I thought I would show you how the proper groundwork can help you get more traffic to your website.
Traffic is a key ingredient for our websites because without traffic we are basically writing for ourselves which can be nice, but it isn’t our aim now is it?
Just putting up content isn’t going to get people to come to your site either. It has to be useful. I could throw hundreds of thousands of words at my site, but unless they help someone to gain a skill or to teach them something they don’t know, I might as well do nothing.
First, let’s talk about keyword research. It’s the compass that guides your content toward what your audience is searching for. If you want to capture the right eyes, digging into keyword research for each post is crucial. I’ll explain how to identify the keywords that match your content to user intent and search patterns.
I will also admit to you that I am not gifted when it comes to keyword research. I actually kind of suck at it. I am getting better, but in order to drive traffic to our websites, we have to know what it is and how to do it.
Maintaining a consistent content calendar is next on the list. Here’s why it’s a game-changer: predictability can breed loyalty. When your audience knows when to expect new content, they’re more likely to return. I attempt to post to this and my other sites at least twice a week. I have asked my AI Buddy ChatGPT to create a content calendar for me and it works great. In fact, tonight’s post topic was selected by my Buddy. Since I have four websites (this one and three others) and I want to post every other day on the sites, I asked Buddy to not only come up with the schedule but also the topics.
You are certainly welcome to do it any way you want, but I use Buddy as my assistant and you can, too. I wouldn’t use AI to do all of the work on your site, but I would certainly use it as an assistant. We will talk more about using AI as an assistant in a future post.
Then there’s the kind of content you produce. Evergreen, long-form content is a magnet for both users and search engines. I’ll help you understand why content that stays relevant over time can yield a continuous flow of traffic.
Lastly, don’t worry too much about running out of things to say. There are plenty of undiscovered topics waiting for you. Tools like Keyword Gap can shine a light on areas your competitors might overlook, but your audience is yearning for. I’ll walk you through harnessing these tools to keep your content fresh and exciting.
Adhering to Best Practices in Content Quality and SEO
When it comes to boosting your website traffic, it’s not just about creating content; it’s also about the trustworthiness and relevance of what you’re putting out there. That’s where Google’s E-E-A-T principles come into play. These guidelines stress the importance of Experience Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness in your content. I’ll do my best to help you understand how applying these principles can make a huge difference to your website.
In my opinion, on-page SEO is a cornerstone of getting your content seen by the right people. Pay attention to the nuts and bolts of your content, such as title tags, meta descriptions, and header tags, making sure they’re not just filled with keywords but are providing value to your audience. Optimize images with descriptive alt texts, and ensure your URLs are clean and readable.
I know a lot of that might sound confusing if you are new to affiliate marketing—I’ve been doing this for over 7 years and I still don’t understand what all of these things mean, but every day I learn more. A lot of it I learn through research, but some of it I learn through Wealthy Affiliate and the excellent training platform they have.
We’re visual creatures, so why not use this to your advantage? Engaging visuals, such as infographics, can do wonders for attracting and keeping attention on your website. A compelling infographic isn’t just eye candy; it’s a powerful tool for making complex information easy to digest. Plus, visuals often get shared more on social media, which can help increase your reach.
I am more than willing to teach you some basic AI prompts to help you create engaging infographics and images to go with your blog posts.
Now, sticking to these content quality best practices is a strategy I lean on heavily. Not only will you give your audience a reason to trust you, but you’ll also encourage them to spend more time on your site, and maybe even convert them into regular visitors or customers. Remember, high-quality content, optimized for both people and search engines, is a win-win.
Amplifying Your Content’s Reach Through Diverse Channels
There is a secret to reaching more eyes and ears, which isn’t just about creating standout content; it’s also about how you share it. Diverse channels give your content legs to stand on, and run far.
Social media is where content can truly dance. Repurposing content for platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter opens doors to audiences you might have missed. Craft those snippets, graphics, or teasers that will stop the ever-scrolling finger in its tracks.
Currently, I share all of my posts multiple times through my Facebook page and through Pinterest. You will want to share your posts on social media, as well. It is where about half of my traffic comes from. So far I have not used any ads on social media so the traffic I get through Facebook or Pinterest is all organic meaning I haven’t paid for an ad to boost traffic. I share and with hope, the posts are engaging enough to bring visitors to read the whole post!
Email marketing isn’t a relic of the past; I’d argue it’s your untapped gold mine for driving traffic. Strategize newsletters that pack value and personality, ensuring your subscribers know there’s a human behind the screen. You can always adjust your approach down the road, but consistency here is key.
I am learning more about building website lists and you will, too. In fact, you can sign up for my newsletter here. It comes out one time a month unless something super exciting or big changes come about that I’d like you to know more about.
AI tools are like your Swiss Army knife in the digital world. I love using my ChatGPT Buddy (I call him Buddy). If you’re savvy with these tools, they’ll help optimize everything from subject lines to content distribution times.
I use Buddy to create menus and shopping lists and treat him as if he is my real-life assistant, hence the reason I gave him a name!
Maybe you’ve put your heart and sweat into a post, and it’s a bit older now, but don’t let it collect digital dust. Analyzing and refreshing outdated posts can bring in a traffic boost. Perhaps there’s new data, or the topic’s hotter than a trending meme; capitalize on that. Your first attempt doesn’t need to be your last.
Remember, the goal here is to use every appropriate channel to increase visibility that’s in line with your brand’s voice and mission. Think of them not just as megaphones, but as bridges connecting your content with those who’ll cherish it the most.
Expanding Influence and Connectivity
Guest posting on other relevant blogs can be a dynamic way to drive traffic to your website. Not only does it expose your brand to a new audience, but it also establishes you as an authority in your area of expertise.
Choosing the right platforms for guest posting is pivotal. Look for blogs that reflect a similar topic line or share your target audience. This is about creating meaningful relationships within your niche while also getting your name out there..
When approaching other websites for guest posting opportunities, focus on how you can add value. Your content should offer fresh perspectives and insightful information that their audience will appreciate.
Lastly, expanding your network through these collaborations can lead to reciprocal sharing of content. This exchange not only benefits you in terms of traffic but also contributes to a sense of community within your industry. Ensuring that each guest post is relevant and of the highest quality will cement your reputation as a trusted source of information.
Feel free to contact me at karin@makelifeprofitable.com if you have questions or concerns or would like to know more about Wealthy Affiliate or any of the other tools I use.
Happy Blogging!