When starting an online business, the significance of driving traffic to your company website can be vague. Many entrepreneurs however soon realize with time that their success depends on it.

Website Traffic Basics

What is website traffic? Essentially, it is the total number of people who view a website, the web pages they view as well as the time spent. In fact, when an online visitor stumbles unto your website, that visit is recorded by your web host and any additional analytics services you’ve linked to your site (e.g., Google Analytics). Also, any link that is clicked is also recorded. These numbers contribute to giving a website owner an idea of the popularity and engagement on their website.

Why Site Traffic Matters

Although there are ample reasons why every small business owner should give importance to website traffic, key reasons include:

• Generating more targeted traffic to drive conversions and revenue.

• Time spent on a website will increase the likelihood that interested visitors will take advantage of incentives and offers providing opportunities to cultivate relationships.

• Targeted customers who engage with your site can contribute to additional referral traffic.

9 Simple Ways to Boost Website Traffic

Here’s a look at nine smart ways every business owner can increase website traffic:

1. Update your website.

   Add new, high quality and useful content to the site regularly. Keep in mind, website traffic comes from visitors who are in search of solutions to paint points. Offer online searchers the right solutions early and often. Web visitors will visit once and often return once you’ve solved their problem.

2. Employ search engine optimization.

   SEO is a great tool to improve your site’s search engine ranking. Website traffic improves with respective improvement in search engine ranking. For example, “the top listing in Google’s organic search results receives 33 percent of the traffic, compared to 18 percent for the second position, and the traffic only degrades from there,” according to research (Search Engine Watch). Most online visitors will not click through to the 10th or 12th search engine page to find what they need.

3. Try forum marketing.

   Join forums that are related to your industry or niche. Set a goal to provide useful information and create value when interacting with various communities, including a signature which offers a good backlink to your site.  Find forum threads that are relevant and share your subject matter expertise and feedback. Prioritize threads that have ample reviews, comments and engagements. Lastly, don’t spam; follow the rules and regulations of forums carefully. Some forums permit affiliate links while others do not. Ultimately, forum marketing is a smart tool to augment website traffic.

4. Consider social bookmarking and social media.

   The best time to use social media is after the launch of your company website. Create a brand page account on leading social networks and share relevant articles and blogs that your customers would find useful. Meanwhile, don’t forget about social bookmarking sites too. Sites like reddit.com and stumbleupon.com can bring in a lot of traffic.

5. Use mobile apps.

   Consider creating a mobile application for your site and promote it on different social platforms. Mobile apps can improve traffic and expose your business to new audiences on mobile platforms too.

6. Launch local listings.

   Using local directories as an effective means to create local impact. You can also use classified sites to promote your website. “People now conduct quick searches on one of the many popular online directories. Since Internet search is the primary tool to finding businesses today, it’s vital to make sure your business is listed on all applicable online directories. (Vertical Response)”

7. Test PPC initiatives.

   Especially in the case of e-commerce companies, leveraging pay-per-click (PPC) advertising is a must. Create a PPC campaign can drive qualified and cost-effective traffic to your website.

8. Create email marketing campaigns.

   Email marketing is a smart way to engage customers, continue conversations, and build relationships. For example, “for only a few pennies, email can drive traffic to your storefront or Website,” and “gently lead a prospect through the sales process, provide important data and drive the prospect to your Website. (Experian)”

9. Consider offline ideas.

   Along with online strategies for generating website traffic, employ offline marketing methods. Meanwhile adding social media handles and a website URL can easily point customers back to your website when they’re online.

Most business owners think that developing a website spells immediate success. But unfortunately, there may be countless sites in your niche looking for similar prospective clients. Gaining their attention and converting prospects into buying clients, is a difficult proposition.

Merely having a great website filled with quality content will not do the trick, alone. Driving quality traffic is essential. So, follow the aforementioned 9 tips carefully.

This article has been edited and condensed.

Sophia Smith is a consultant writing on behalf of Submit2Rank, an India-based SEO company. She is highly experienced, with around 10 to 12 years of experience in digital marketing. She earned good number of successes in her career by offering online marketing solutions to clients. Connect with @high_position on Twitter.

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