Getting more traffic to your blog should be priority one. But growing organic visibility and free blog traffic takes time, effort, and the right strategies.
In this comprehensive 1800 word guide, we’ll cover step-by-step how to genuinely grow your site’s traffic through free and paid channels. Let’s drive more visitors!
Optimize Existing Content
Start by ensuring your existing published content is optimized for exposure:
– Update old posts to incorporate relevant new keywords that are gaining searches. Add sections to refresh and expand the content.
– Improve page titles and meta descriptions for core posts. Make titles compelling. Write crisp meta descriptions that make readers click.
– Review page URLs for keyword opportunities. Change vague links like /blog/post1 to keyword-rich URLs.
– Add related internal links in old content pointing to newer relevant posts to pass authority.
– Enhance on-page SEO including image alt text, keyword integration, formatting, and page speed.
– Audit and fix technical errors or access issues that could impact organic rankings.
Optimizing your current content gives your site more opportunities to rank for a variety of search terms. This establishes a foundation for growth.
Publish New In-Depth Content Frequently
Adding new content regularly is critical for free blog traffic. It gives search engines fresh pages to index and attracts recurring visitors.
Aim for at least 2-3 substantial posts per week. More content means more keywords, traffic potential, and opportunities to rank.
Follow a consistent production schedule and promotion process:
– Research relevant topics and keywords using tools like Ubersuggest and Google Trends. Identify rising searches.
– Craft in-depth content over 1000 words addressing searcher intent. Include stats, expert perspectives, examples etc. that add value.
– Optimize pages onsite for SEO during creation targeting focus keywords. Perfect page titles and H2 subheadings.
– Insert useful internal links to related content where relevant. Link anchor text phrases, not generic words like “click here”.
– Promote freshly published content on social channels. Ask engaged followers to share with their networks.
– Send new content in email newsletters to current subscribers with an engaging preview.
More high-quality blog posts compound your results. Old and new content link together to increase search visibility.
Get Indexed Faster with Sitemaps
You want search engines to quickly discover and crawl your growing content. Submit XML sitemaps through Google and Bing webmaster tools.
Sitemaps act like a roadmap of all your pages to guide search engine bots. Make sure your sitemap includes:
– Links to all published pages, posts and important site sections
– Last updated timestamps for each URL
– Priority tags on more critical or popular pages
– Code that highlights changes like new or modified content
Keep sitemaps updated. Re-submit periodically after publishing lots of new content or making site architecture changes. Faster indexing means faster traffic.
Build Authority-Passing Backlinks
Links from other reputable sites to your blog pages signal trust and authority to search engines, amplifying your rankings.
Here are actionable tips to earn high-quality backlinks:
– Create and distribute stellar guest posts with a natural site link to interested webmasters in your space. Avoid over-optimizing anchor text.
– Reply with thoughtful expertise on forums and Q&A sites related to your niche. Add a short bio with a link back.
– Conduct and share original research surveys and infographics. Include a credit link.
– Use HARO to connect with journalists seeking quotes from niche experts. Mention your blog.
– Suggest link-worthy content to niche-relevant sites. Make sure links get approval, not just added.
Focus on earning links from sites with engaged visitors and domains with metrics like age, traffic levels, and trust flow. Quality over quantity.
Promote Content on Social Media
Don’t underestimate the power of social media for driving free search traffic. Share new content consistently on platforms where your audience is active.
– Craft engaging social media posts with compelling captions to share content. Include eye-catching visuals.
– Post content previews and links on networks like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Instagram.
– Join relevant social media groups and subreddits to share content and engage – select groups that allow promotion.
– Run occasional organic social contests and giveaways that encourage shares and links.
– Experiment with different posting times to determine when your followers are most active.
– Use hashtags related to your niche, but not excessive amounts that appear spammy.
Social traffic converts exceptionally well because visitors originate from an actual recommendation. Smarter promotion equals more free visitors.
Leverage Paid Ads to Supplement Organic Growth
While organic strategies form your core foundation, paid advertising done right offers a turbo-boost for expanding traffic. Test it out.
– Run Google Ads campaigns targeting relevant keywords, audiences, and placements related to your niche and content. Track conversions closely.
– Retarget engaged visitors across the web via platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Turn one-time visitors into regulars.
– Promote great content offers, like eBooks or email courses, via native ads on niche websites.
– Partner with relevant influencers andpaid sponsorship opportunities to expand reach.
– Consider paid social media promotions to get additional eyeballs on new posts and build followers.
– Always track paid traffic results and calculate your ROI. Tweak campaigns to profitability.
The combination of organic and paid strategies truly maximizes discovery and free traffic.
Drive Referrals through Influencers
Influential brands and people with engaged audiences can send high-converting referral traffic your way.
– Guest post and interact with microinfluencer sites related to your niche. Feature their content in yours too.
– Make sure happy clients and brand partners are aware of and promoting your content.
– Interview experts and thought leaders in your space. Ask them to share with their own following.
– Join co-marketing partnerships and group content projects that expand reach.
– Build genuine connections and relationships with others creating quality content in your field.
Look for mutually beneficial ways to tap into the followings of influencers, companies, and websites that complement yours.
Cultivate Email Subscribers and Social Followers
Your own subscribers and followers represent a highly targeted audience to receive your content and visit your blog.
– Offer compelling lead magnets in exchange for email signups, like limited-time discounts or free tools.
– Send regular email newsletters and content updates your list would value. Share your latest blog posts.
– Reward loyal subscribers who regularly engage with your emails and content.
– Run giveaways and contests exclusive to current subscribers.
– Make it easy for site visitors to follow your social media profiles and never miss content.
Your readers can become your traffic growth engine, sharing and amplifying what you publish.
Analyze Traffic Sources and Visitors Behavior
Understanding your traffic sources, audience, and visitor behavior is crucial for focusing your efforts effectively.
Install Google Analytics early. Review regularly:
– Your top referral sources and keywords driving traffic
– Visitor personas – locations, interests, needs, device use
– Content resonating based on page views and engagement metrics
– Typical visitor paths through your site
– Conversion points for email sign ups, downloads, purchases etc
Refine your organic and paid strategies based on insights. Double down on what works and eliminate ineffective efforts.
Building free traffic takes persistence and leveraging multiple channels. But the payoff for your blog is well worth the effort. Measure results, stay focused on high-value content, and continue expanding your reach. The visitors will come!
