Increase the Traffic to Your Blog Using These 5 Ways

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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