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Simple Ways to Attract Traffic to Your Blog
It takes work to build up a readership when you first create a blog. Oftentimes, it can take months or even years before you see ANYTHING from your blog, including a readership and profit!
However, the most important thing a blog needs to succeed in the blogosphere is traffic; good, quality traffic that will repeatedly return to your blog day after day.
How do you attract traffic to your blog? Well, the following tips are a few simple ways that can drive traffic to your blog and keep them coming back for more.
1. Write Quality Content
A blog is only as good as the content that goes into it; if you’re not writing for your readers, you’re not going to be as successful as you could.
Pick a topic you’re passionate about; that way, you’ll be more likely to stick with it and come up with an endless stream of topics to write about.
2. Comment, Comment, COMMENT
The only way to let people know you’re around is to get the word out about your blog. Find blogs in your niche and comment, comment, comment.
Don’t spam people, but taking the time to leave a quality comment on someone else’s blog post encourages them to visit your blog and hopefully develop into a full-fledged reader. More readers = more traffic, which in turn can potentially equal more revenue for you.
3. Exchange Links
Link exchanges are a great way to see and be seen, and finding blogs in your niche to exchange links with is a win-win situation for both your blog and the other person’s.
While building traffic takes time and effort, these are a few simple ways you can drive more traffic to your blog without spending a dime. Remember to keep these tips in mind and have fun!
Blogging with Video – Vlogging
Ever heard of vlogging? It’s the catch phrase for “video blogging,” and continues to grow increasingly popular as more people start following the trend.
There’s no denying that video blogging can add a certain spark to your blog that traditional written blogs lack. The act of actually SEEING the blogger creates a greater sense of familiarity within a blog community, and can allow your readers to interact with you on a more personal level (ew, not like that creeps - get your mind out of the gutter!)
Are you interested in starting a vlog (video blog) or simply mixing up your posts with a few video blogs from time to time? Continue reading to find out how to get started.
WHAT YOU NEED
To get started vlogging, the most important piece of equipment you’ll need is a video-capable camera. You don’t have to drop tons of dough on a cam, either – find one that fits within your budget that’s fairly decent and will support video.
Once you have created the video, you’ll need some sort of video software (there are a lot of decent options available, including Windows Movie Maker.) You’ll also need a program that will be able to compress the file. (A good list of programs that do this can be found here.)
If you don’t already have a blog set up, go ahead and set up a blog on a free blogging site (WordPress, Blogger, etc.) There are several sites that cater to would-be bloggers where you can set up a blog for free. You definitely need a site to host your vlog for the world to see, so this is also an important step.
Of course, a vlog isn’t any good unless you’re passionate about the topic you’ll be blogging about. While written blog posts need to be indicative of the writers passion for the subject as well, video blogs DEFINITELY can’t be boring. No one wants to watch you fumble for words, talk in a monotone or fall asleep on camera!
If you choose a topic you enjoy and will be able to stick with, your vlogging days will be that much more enjoyable – for you AND your readers/viewers.
Copywriting vs. Standard Writing
I’m surprised at the number of webmasters who are unaware there’s a difference between a copywriter and a standard article writer. (Those who think “copywriting” has something to do with “copyrighting” are another story entirely, however.)
But, I digress.
If you’ve ever needed to contract freelance writers to populate your websites with content, you may or may not be aware of this serious misunderstanding amongst the webmaster community.
First of all, copywriters write copy to sell a product, service, company, etc; they write to SELL SOMETHING, persuade you to do something, and/or use the power of words to compel you to act.
Regular articles, however, are written to inform, enlighten, or engage the reader (for example, the post you’re reading right now has no hidden agenda to sell you anything.)
Still confused?
Well, let me try to put it a bit more simply. Copywriters write in order to compel the reader to do something; in other words, copywriters encourage action through their writing. Granted, standard writers often can compel others to act upon a cause or idea, but it’s not the sole aim of their writing.
Standard writers use words to convey emotion, thoughts or feelings; they oftentimes write to make you THINK about something, or help you learn something. Their personality often shines through, whereas copywriters remove every trace of personality from their writing in order for readers to become connected with the product, service, etc. that’s being sold.
Now that you know the difference between copywriters and traditional writers, you’ll be able to figure out what type of writing you need for your next website. If you want a sales letter, hire a copywriter; if you want standard articles, a traditional writer will do just fine.
About the Author
Brian Gardner
Starbucks addict and web consultant living in Chicago.
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