Please read pt. 1 first. =)
I pride myself in being honest with my readers, and I'm sure you have noticed the completely out-of-whack ads that appear on my site. Lately, I've attracted "love" ads, and it's killing me here, really. So how did I get these ads if Google AdSense does a good job in posting relevant ads? My mistake. Two days ago, I wrote a post about mooching, and used a certain celebrity group as an example. Google AdSense then effectively crawled my site and flooded me with these ads which are irrelevant to my content. So! A lesson we can all learn from; be vigilant on what you write.
Alright, so today's post will be all about increasing your traffic levels. I am going to provide you with my methods, as well as some famous (and very rich) bloggers out there.
This post can be divided into three sections: exposure, content and "wow-factor."
Exposure:
Exposure. This is of the utmost importance - how can you get large amounts of traffic if no one knows about your blog? Enter: diffusion of information. There are many types of information spread, but the ones most relevant to popularizing your blog are: catalogs, invasion and word of mouth.
Catalogs
Catalogs are very important for giving your blog the necessary exposure. Putting your blog on a list enables readers to see your blog and click on them. However, as of 2009, blogging is becoming increasingly difficult as major companies hoard readers. It's very hard to compete with professional blogging agencies because they pump out 20 - 30 blogs a day. Obviously, their frequency attracts a large number of readers, and their blogs rank high. But, just being on the list gives you some exposure - a chance for readers to see your site.
Some of the best catalogs are: Technorati, BlogCatalog, Digg...the list goes on.
Use Ping-O-Matic to get your blog on 30+ links instantly!
Invasion
This technique is one of my personal favorites. It's a little dirty, but my Google Analytics program tells me that it works. In today's day and age, most people are turning away from blogging and towards popular media sites that are a little easier to digest. Sites such as YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter steal many readers. So, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Take advantage of these services that propagating your site! "Invade" these sites with your domain name/catchphrase and instigate large amounts of people to visit your blog; YouTube has an audience in the millions, and redirecting the tiniest fraction of them will drastically increase your traffic levels!
Other places to, well, "spam", are forums, Facebook, MSN, Yahoo Messenger, Digg, Twitter. Basically, wherever there are people, that's where you should advertise.
Word of Mouth
This method is still effective, believe it or not. Having great content will prompt people to share your site with others. It creates customer loyalty. It brings repeat customers. It's a great way to popularize your site. However, it should be used in accordance with the previously listed methods for maximum effect.
Content:
What's going to bring customers back? What's going to dig you a niche? What's going to establish a customer base? Content. Great content.
What all bloggers should remember is that you get back whatever you put into it.
Having really good content that appeals to people is what's going to get you customers.
I will elaborate on this more tomorrow, because it takes a whole article to really get across how important content is. Also, tomorrow I bring more devious methods to the table: how to convince your reader (through your content) to click your blogs and come back, over and over again. As well as topics that are the most profitable!
WOW Factor:
Shock-value. This usually has to do with appearance and aesthetics, but with blogs it has to do with your style. Put yourself into your writing; put your personality, demeanor and passion into your work. This creates an identifiable voice that will appeal to your customers. People like intimacy and let me tell you, it works!
Don't try to sound professional. It's a blog, okay. Write as if you're speaking to someone very casually, and with a friendly tone. Nothing is worse than a scolding, and angry rant. It might be funny for a little while, but easily and quickly gets old.
Also, clarity = precision. But don't simplify too much: it's insulting.
It'll take time for you to find your voice, and create an appropriate one, but when you DO find it, that's when your blog will get a WOW factor.
Thanks a bunch!
Tomorrow: Tricks to get people to click your ads.
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