The ideas in this article are not new and they have been shared by numerous other blogs and bloggers.
So why am I repeating the same advice?
Because so many bloggers simply miss or don’t carry out these simple tasks.
Many bloggers think they can make a blog and traffic will come instantly. They don’t realize it takes a lot of effort to get traffic.
But it can also act as a reminder for experienced bloggers, as well.
Getting traffic is a challenge that everyone faces as even the most popular bloggers experience a decrease in viewers every now and then.
Some people simply give up altogether when the traffic doesn’t come and don’t even bother to update their blogs anymore.
Keep in mind that quitting is the worst thing you can do, as it’s the only real way to fail at blogging and internet marketing.
In fact, whenever you’re experiencing difficulties, you need to work harder than usual in updating your blog.
Here are some of the best ways to increase traffic:
1. Post comments and messages on other blogs and forums.
However, you need to do so in a way that doesn’t seem spammy. You can do this by actually contributing something to the conversation other than just “read what I wrote about this by visiting my site.” Your comments should add value to the subject at hand. Even no-follow blogs are worth commenting on, just as long as you know a lot of people will see it. Posting on public message boards is also a good idea, since anybody—not just other members—can read it and click on your link.
If you want to follow do-follow blogs (i.e. the ones that provide you with a back-link), here’s a great list: http://niceblogger.com/2009/08/21/dofollow-list/
2. Social networking and messaging sites are definitely great sources of traffic.
Sites like Twitter, Myspace, and Facebook have millions of members all around the world. Even if your blog isn’t about a popular or trendy subject, you can still meet many people who have an interest in the niche. Now, don’t sign up as a member just so you can advertise your blog. People will get tired of being your friend if all you do is go on and on about your site. Participate in conversations and link to other blog posts as well.
3. Guest Blogging.
Try to get a blog post you have written (and not published), published as a guest post on someone else’s blog. Only pitch your best posts to them and explain why you feel the information is relevant to their blog. Be personal with your request so that they don’t think you’re spamming the same email out to every blogger on the internet. If they’re unwilling to publish your blog post, move on and try another blog. Be warned, you will be rejected several times before someone says ‘yes’.
4. Search Engine Optimization.
No matter what you do or do not try, always optimize your blog for search engines. Search engine optimization is a long-term commitment, which means you won’t see results from your SEO techniques overnight. However, you should always optimize as best you can. In your blog posts, use a variety of keywords and make sure they look like they fit in to your content naturally.
Use the All-in-one-SEO-pack plugin.
See my video on how best to set-up this “must have” plugin:
How to use the All in one SEO WordPress plugin to your advantage
5. Advertising.
As a last resort, you could always buy an advertising spot on a larger blog that’s more popular than yours. Some bloggers are fair with their advertising rates, and your site’s ranking will improve if your banner is placed on a site with a higher PR. If you’re not good with graphics, get somebody to professionally make your banner. Yours should stand out among the other logos or banners on the page.
In summary…
Make sure your blog is optimized for the best keywords. Here are my videos on finding the best keywords for your site:
The tool I use for keyword research and helps me on the first page of Google
Get into a daily plan of commenting on say, 10 different blogs and social bookmarking.
On at least a monthly basis, get one of your best-written unpublished blog posts, published as a guest post on someone else’s blog.
I know these are simple pieces of advice, so what would you add to increase your traffic? Share your views in the comments below.
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Almost 100% of my traffic currently comes from blog comments, but that is because my blog is quite new. However I know if I focus on do-follow comments I will start to build my SEO traffic, which will help in the long run.
Tom,
How often do you comment? Do you have a daily plan for commenting?
Andrew
I have my rss reader with about 100 blogs in it, that I read as soon as I start in the morning, and then I try to get a few do-follow comments to each of my new articles as well.
I would probably average 15-30 comments a day.
.-= Tom@Squeeze Page Tutorial´s last blog ..Squeeze Page Tutorial =-.
Tom,
Thanks a good amount of comments per day. You might want to check out http://www.commentsniper.com
Andrew
Andrew, I think it’s great that you provide the basics for everybody. Follow through definitely seems to be an issue when promoting a blog. To ensure success, I encourage my clients to create a promotional calendar with measurable milestones. In other words, write goals for each week that you can check off as you do them. For example:
– post comments on at least 4 other blogs each week
– spend 1/2 hour each week optimizing your SEO
– follow at least 50 people a week on Twitter
– RT or reply to conversations at least 5 times per day, etc.
By having measurable milestones I find people follow through more consistently. It’s important to note that goals are not all self-promotion, but working towards developing a positive social presence, which in the long run becomes a great marketing engine.
Bonnie,
You have taken the words right out of my mouth. That’s exactly how I work with my clients. I encourage them to have a daily, weekly, monthly plan and an overall yearly ‘what do you want to achieve’ plan.
Excellent advice.
Andrew
Good advice. I am momentarily trying to follow two of your advices. I want to build up my Twitter profile and I am also commenting on other blogs 😛
Anyway thanks for the reminder
Julius
great – I hope they work for you. Let us know how you get on.
Andrew
Repeating the basics never hurts. I never advertise, but it is a viable route for some. I do more Twitter work though.
.-= Anne Moss´s last blog ..Keyword Synonyms and Google =-.
Anne,
Twitter can work as long as you don’t over do it.
Andrew
Almost 100% of my traffic is from commenting also. 🙂
I have one suggestion to make and it’s a strong one. I was a staunch user and avid supporter of the all-in-one SEO plugin for a looooong time…..
Now I have switched and suggest everyone switch to the Platinum SEO plugin. It is built upon the AIO so it has everything that plugin has, and THEN SOME…much more on top of it actually.
It even imports all you AIO settings upon activation, so you don’t lose them. Check it out. 😉
.-= Dennis Edell´s last blog ..Blog Move Is Imminent ! I’m Looking For Launch Partners… =-.
Dennis,
Thanks for the tip – will look into it.
Andrew
Advertising and search engine optimization is best plat form to get traffic. Displaying your banner in other website is best option.
I usually do 10 blog commenting/day, social bookmarking , press release and few Angela’s backlink 🙂 I also register to related niche forum and put my keywords as my signature. Yahoo answer also helps a lot 🙂 I love backlinking 😆 Thanks for sharing this 🙂
Aaron,
Sounds like you put a lot of effort into increasing your traffic. Ever thought about guest posting?
Andrew
Although normally I am not a fan of reading the same ideas over, these are tips that need to be repeated for sure. We all tend to lose sight of the objective every now and again. 🙂
Ms. Freeman,
That’s true. A reminder often helps as we do foget the simple things, sometimes.
Andrew
thanks Andrew
Your post reminded me that I need to do more work with twitter and definitely make comments.
David
.-= David Stillwagon´s last blog ..Balance Exericses =-.
David,
I would recommend you set a daily target for commenting.
Andrew
These are some simple but effective tips to increase traffic to your website or blog increase in traffic also means increase in earnings simple but effective advice
.-= lawmacs´s last blog ..Why Do Bloggers Blog =-.
lawmacs
Thats’ true. If you want to increase your income, you have to increase your traffic!
Andrew
Thank you for listing my dofollow list in your post !
.-= NiceBlogger´s last blog ..NiceBlogger’s monthly contest – January =-.
Bitu
You are welcome – it’s a great list.
Andrew
Yes! I prefer to leave comment in others blog. Instead of just promoting my own blog, i can learn from others article too. Thanks for sharing!
.-= Kok Siong Chen´s last blog ..9 Steps of Peritoneal Cancer Progression =-.
Kok Siong Chen
You are welcome.
Do you have a daily target to comment on a certain number of blogs?
Andrew
Yes! I make promise to myself to leave at least 10 comments in others blog everyday. However, i won’t able to do that when i was outstation.
.-= Kok Siong Chen´s last blog ..9 Steps of Peritoneal Cancer Progression =-.
Traffic means money, sure bro. I need your advise about plugin, platinum SEO and All in one SEO, which one is the best?
Latief,
Imagine having 50 ‘experts’ in a room and asking the same question – “Platinum SEO and All in one SEO, which one is the best?” There would be a big fight because 25 would say “Platinum SEO” and 25 would say “All in one SEO”.
Personally I don’t think there is much difference between them or should I say I have not seen any research that says one is better than the other – just peoples opinions.
I use the “All in one SEO” plugin and my advice is whichever one you use, make sure you use the best and correct keywords.
For keywords see my videos here: https://www.webuildyourblog.com/1007/tool-keyword-research-helps-page-google/
For the “All in one SEO” plugin, see this video: https://www.webuildyourblog.com/987/seo-wordpress-plugin-advantage/
Andrew
thanks for the reminders andrew.. many of us really needs a lot of reminding since we have a lot of things going in our heads.. i will definitely try to focus on the things that matter to get more traffic..
thanks again..
Carlo,
You are welcome – I hope they make a little difference!
Andrew
Decreasing blog viewers is expected due to overloaded blog post these days. A lot of writing over web do speak about having the quality blog. I think this would help avoiding such decrease. Another thing I learned from this reading that is new to me is buying advertising spot to someone who is more popular than mine is. It brings me to a realization that its quite advantage on me coz chances to increase my blog’s popularity may possibly become visible. Hmmm.. I will try to do it soon.
Weng,
Make sure you come back and tell us your postive results.
Andrew
Your first suggestion “commenting” is used not only for referral traffic or link, but also it helps you spread you online visibility and existance.
Suresh,
Of course, what you say is very true.
Andrew
Good tips Andrew as a forum owner I would like to add that bloggers should take an active role in participating in the forum. Just dropping by a link isn’t going to cut it.
.-= Rose DesRochers´s last blog ..How to setup a 301 Redirect in WordPress =-.
You are right, Rose. An active role is crucial.
What’s your forum?
Andrew
I am new to blogging and getting my seo started up and I am beginning to realize the importance of getting backlinks to my blog. I also try to keep a regular schedule of commenting on blogs and adding relevant content to my blog as often as I can. Thank you for the great advice. I will be back to get more.
.-= Rob Stouffer´s last blog ..Woodshop Projects And Surface Preparation 5 =-.
Rob,
nice to see you hee. I’m hope the advice is making a difference and hope to see you again – soon!
Andrew
Thanks for this post. I have only been doing internet marketing for a few months and I must say I have been overwhelmed by how much there is to learn. After reading your post I think the biggest thing I need to do is write out a schedule as far as visiting blogs and forums each day.
Thanks again
Ed
Ed,
Set a target. Something like ‘add 10 valuable comments each day’ and ‘respond to 10 forums questions and add your own question per day’.
Getting into a routine really helps (well it does me!).
Andrew
You’ve definitely laid it all out here, can’t go wrong with this advice. I’ve had a lot of success on Facebook, there are a lot of groups on it devoted to whatever niche you could imagine. Forums are another one, my top post gets soooo much traffic from just one forum post I did a while ago. Better than all paid advertising or search engines etc. Oh and I believe I originally found your site on Facebook.
Thanks for coming across from Facebook.
Get the right forum…get the right blog post and bam…tons of traffic.
A great formula.
Andrew