The dynamics of blogging have changed the past decade, and what was relevant then is now outdated as competition amongst the blogging fraternity increases. If you are an ardent blogger, you must have realized that changes in search engine algorithms affected the results of many high-ranking sites. And so, the only way to remain relevant is to use new methods to drive traffic to your site. As a matter of fact, you should focus on white-hat SEO methods lest you get banned and penalized by Google.
On the brighter side, there are numerous techniques you can apply to achieve better results. Here are some of the things that will help you get the best of results.
Drive Relevant Traffic to Your Blog
Create an Email List
The best way to turn your blog into a viable business venture is to have an email list that you can use to make sales. Importantly, email list will help drive relevant traffic to your blog without necessarily spending a fortune. Remember, a high percentage of people who visit your blog are new and you need to find a way to capture their email. You can use freebies like eBooks or something similar, and if you are good enough, then your list will grow day after day. In as much as the list is important, sending them relevant information will make them keep coming to your site.
Guest Posting
As sure as the sun rises in the east, so does guest blogging increase your site visits. The better part of it all is that most, if not all, guest posts will have your picture and website URL. You can always take advantage by regularly sending pitches to high ranking sites that allow guest posts, and before you know it, traffic will be headed to your site. It doesn’t matter whether you have a new or old site, as this technique has been known to work for all. What you need to do is consider their editorial policies, niche of site, and nature of the content they publish before sending your pitch.
Social Media Platform
It is acknowledged that dynamics of online business have changed, with customer centric strategies taking the center stage. For this reason, social media platforms have become a powerful marketing tool that bloggers can only overlook at their own peril. It is highly recommended that you have a strong social presence not only for networking, but also establishing your brand. If you want to get tons of traffic, ensure that you use all relevant social media platforms.
Search Engine Optimization
It doesn’t matter whether you are a new or seasoned blogger, white hat SEO is still king of the web. It would be suicidal if you do not consider SEO as part of your blogging activities. Of course, writing great content is something that will move you to the next level, but if you don’t apply SEO technique, search engine spiders will find it pretty difficult to determine relevance of your blog. You are advised to use great headlines that are optimized, keywords (both short and long tail), and do some backlinking from sites that have a high ranking. If you combine several SEO techniques that work for you, sooner than later, you will have lots of traffic to your blog.
Start a Forum
If you want to see your traffic sky rocket in no time, start a forum that will attract as many people as possible. Take note that your forum should be relevant to your niche, and also the industry in which you operate. There are several things that forums will help you out with and these include: visitors staying longer, your site will start ranking high for long tail keywords, and the bounce rates will drastically reduce. It is not all about having visitors, but ensuring that those who visit are converted to customers. Remember, blogging is a channel that can help you generate thousands of dollars if your income funnels are at par with accepted standards.
Be a Part of Blogging Community
This is one of the simplest methods that you can actually consider in regard to driving traffic to your site. It does not only offer traffic benefits, but you will also learn a lot about blogging activities. It is one sure way of networking with people who share the same interest. As a blogger, you will have the opportunity to cross-promote content and give new life to your site.
Post Consistently
Any experienced blogger or online marketer will tell you that posting consistently will always drive traffic to your site. As a new blogger, try your best level to post on a regular basis so that your ranking remains high. If you find that you are running short of ideas, you can brainstorm using techniques that have proven to work. Of course, make it a point to do this at your best time when your mind is fresh.
All in all, these are only but a few methods that you can use to rank high. You can as well try to interview industry influencers, use images, be open to guest post, and respond to controversial posts in your niche. It is all about being strategic and getting the most out of your blogging venture.