5 clever Growth Hacks to instantly increase your website Traffic

74 replies
If you're running an early stage startup, you're probably looking forward to the day that you'll be featured in The Next Web, Techcrunch or Mashable. You'll get thousands of users and probably have the best day of your life. World domination is now looming tantalizingly on the horizon.

However, if you're an early stage startup you've probably only coded a prototype and put a landing page up to accept some signups. You have your minimum viable product (MVP) in hand, you're eager to get your first customers and have them test your product. Here's a list of 5 simple growth hacks to reach that goal.

Hack #1: Betali.st

Betali.st helps people discover and get access to the latest internet startups. They've been operating since 2010 and have over 23,000 people following them on twitter and thousands more subscribed to their email newsletter.

Let's do this!:
  • Betalist gets 55,000+ pageviews per week, their daily newsletter has 9,000+ subscribers and they have 20,000+ followers on Twitter. Getting on betalist is typically good for ~150-250 unique sign-ups on your landing page. It's not really a hack, but just do it!
  • You must sign up before you launch your product, but after you have a landing page set up to collect email addresses/signups. Don't miss this opportunity by sitting on it.
  • Once you have your landing page ready to go, pay the small fee to expedite your listing. It's worth it.
Pro tip: Don't forget to copy & paste your listing onto StartupList and BetaBound while you're at it. Although they are much less popular, they will still result in a decent amount of free traffic and sign-ups. Not bad for under five minutes of work!

Hack #2: Google News + MTurk = Press


Getting press is daunting for just about every founder. Who do you talk to? How do you find them? What do you pitch them? All questions I spend hours thinking about...for...every...project.

But with a little creativity, and a little hacking, getting press is easier than you may think.
  • Step #1: Use Google News API to find journalists who write about topics relevant to your startup or company. (How? Download these files, unzip, and open 'index.html')
  • Step #2: Use MTurk to get their email adresses
  • Step #3: Send them press kits, and get press!
Go here to read the full instructions for this hack.
Pro tip: Remember, YOLO (You Only Launch Once). I don't recommend generating press until you've validated your customer segment(s), their pain(s), and much of your solution. Use this to spark a flame you're sure will turn into an inferno.

Hack #3: TweetFavy

TweetFavy is a simple growth hacking tool for Twitter. It's a great and cheap alternative to twitter ads for small businesses to gain targeted followers, mentions and website traffic.

You get consistent social media activity benefits without having to perform labor-intensive incremental work or worry about things like content or tweet timing. Just continue to use Twitter as you normally would and enjoy the added benefit of TweetFavy working alongside you!

Learn more: TweetFavy.com

Hack #4: Craigslist

Craigslist is a convenience and discovery engine. Ways you can get discovered include job posts, gig posts and "beta tester wanted" requests. Get creative, although this can cross over into "black hat" territory fast..

You definitely don't have to be in real estate (i.e. AirBnB) to leverage craigslist for awesomeness, although if your hack isn't interesting or provocative, your traffic quality will be low. Automate to the extend possible.
Pro tip: These strategies can also be used to a lesser extent with smaller task marketplaces like Taskrabbit.

Hack #5: Friendbuy

Want Dropbox-style affiliate referral links without having to roll your own? Friendbuy has a straightforward, intergrated API, widget and analytics solution for affiliate sharing setup with a lower technical learning curve.

You can read more here

-----------

And that's it! Hope this is helpful to some of you
#clever #growth #hacks #increase #instantly #traffic #website
  • Profile picture of the author SteveSRS
    Nice list especially #2..

    As for #1 also add producthunt.com that site is serious booming right now.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9691570].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author egyptik
      Originally Posted by SteveSRS View Post

      Nice list especially #2..

      As for #1 also add producthunt.com that site is serious booming right now.
      Yes, producthunt is great!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9692245].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author mspanwar8924
      yes, tweetfavy is my favorite tool.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10403658].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author longnhvietnam
      Originally Posted by SteveSRS View Post

      Nice list especially #2..

      As for #1 also add producthunt.com that site is serious booming right now.
      Agreed. Producthunt is really good when you finish product in beta version. You will collect many ideas from this community.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10611333].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author RachelTravels
    This is a awesome compilation!
    Thank you for this!
    Signature
    Journey On,

    ~ Rach
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9706428].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author profitsouth
    Very nice list, thanks!
    Signature

    Jim Cotton
    "Those Who Act Receive the Prizes"
    ProfitSouth Marketing

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9719088].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author MikeShaw
      Thanks for the share
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9719189].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author wealthbuilder
    Thanks egyptik, these are some really powerful and actionable PR tips! I like #2 a lot and will consider it for my next project. Kudos!
    Signature
    http://www.retirein365.net Affiliate programs and "Howtos" for the Newbie and Seasoned Affiliate Alike.

    http://jamaica-wedding-resources.com Everything you need to know about getting married and honeymooning in beautiful Jamaica.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9719655].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author SaraM2261
      Google News API is deprecated?
      Here's a list of other news outlets that allow you to search by keyword:
      With Google News API going away, what is the best option for company news search/feed? - Quora

      This is an awesome post!!! Thank you, I am book marking this and putting it to use today!
      Signature
      To Your Success!
      Sara Murray
      Web Master, Internet Marketing Solutions
      http://freeyouup.com
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9719918].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author egyptik
        Originally Posted by SaraM2261 View Post

        Google News API is deprecated?
        Since when? It wasn't the last time I tried it ('bout a week ago)
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9731680].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Vincentbre
          Pretty awesome list you've got there! I've been buying targeted traffic from Webtrafficgeeks.com and so far, it's working out fine for me. I'll probably try the #2 in the list because it's kind of interesting. Thanks for sharing!
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9732213].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author wickedsam123
    Thank you for the list. =)
    Was especially amazed by the second strategy. I am not technically inclined and have tried creating a hit template on Step #3 without any success. Every time I tried to edit the form it simply states: "Unable to update your project".

    I simply tried to type the instructions I deemed appropriate for the Hit. It would be greatly appreciated if anyone could advise as to what I might have missed?

    On a separate note, wonder if MTurks is only available for requester within US? I reside in Canada and wonder if it would be possible to use the tool?

    Thanks
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9747134].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author egyptik
      Originally Posted by wickedsam123 View Post

      Thank you for the list. =)
      Was especially amazed by the second strategy. I am not technically inclined and have tried creating a hit template on Step #3 without any success. Every time I tried to edit the form it simply states: "Unable to update your project".

      I simply tried to type the instructions I deemed appropriate for the Hit. It would be greatly appreciated if anyone could advise as to what I might have missed?

      On a separate note, wonder if MTurks is only available for requester within US? I reside in Canada and wonder if it would be possible to use the tool?

      Thanks
      Take a look at this: Creating a HIT Template - Amazon Mechanical Turk

      I'm also outside the US, just search for a valid US address and give them fake info, worked for me
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9752837].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author amcg
    Some good advice, thanks for taking the time to write.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9747634].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author herbie9
    I wonder if these hacks work for all kinds of website/startup. But I'll definitely try all of them. Thank you!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9760113].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Mike Acquaviva
    Great list of Apps!! Thanks!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9984808].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author alexmobile
    Guys,

    you could surely skip the BETALIST.com or BETALI.ST, unless you want to pay $100 to be listed in there. It has been already 50 days since I've submitted my startup in there, with absolutely no response and no listing.

    What I have submitted is pretty innovative mobile app project - QRID.com, by all means it should be there, but it has not been listed yet and I doubt it will ever get listed unless I pay $100 for a listing.

    So I am pretty sure you should not bother with BETALIST submission unless you are willing to pay for it.

    I am posting this here to save you 30 minutes otherwise spent on registering there and filling in their 4-page submission form.
    Signature
    QRID.com - login to websites by scanning QR code on your monitor! No Passwords!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10032759].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author egyptik
      Originally Posted by alexmobile View Post

      Guys,

      you could surely skip the BETALIST.com or BETALI.ST, unless you want to pay $100 to be listed in there. It has been already 50 days since I've submitted my startup in there, with absolutely no response and no listing.

      What I have submitted is pretty innovative mobile app project - QRID.com, by all means it should be there, but it has not been listed yet and I doubt it will ever get listed unless I pay $100 for a listing.

      So I am pretty sure you should not bother with BETALIST submission unless you are willing to pay for it.

      I am posting this here to save you 30 minutes otherwise spent on registering there and filling in their 4-page submission form.
      Yes, they almost never place sites without paying, but it's absolutely worth the money ten times over if you have a solid product.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10033370].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author liltceo
    thanks for the lists
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10032857].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author gcreationz
    Thanks Great tips and information !!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10056518].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author mikfoxx
    Interesting lists. Thanks for sharing! Gotta explore some of it some time.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10057783].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author henrykene
    Banned
    [DELETED]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10063931].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author iam8iam
      All startups on a tight budget can benefit from the good and proven free marketing methods such as blogging, webcasts, webinars, interviews, free adds, press releases, articles, and so on. Plenty of hacks here.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10064078].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jolly Serath
    Great tips to bring more traffic to a blog..
    Thanks for adding @ Egyptik
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10064084].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author yawjihagu
    More like of a strategy rather than hacking...It's like traffic engineering sort of-ishhh. But...I like the #2 in you list. I'll try it and this is cool.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10068954].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author stevereel
    Excellent article. Much thanks!
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10090169].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author bankrol
    hi, nice list, thanks, by the way, to the point Craigslist i will add fangrow.com
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10090819].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author TweetPilot
    #1 is brilliant mate! I know the post is old now but I'd avoid #3 now. Twitter has changed their ToS meaning you can no longer automate favouriting tweets. I don't know about TweetFavy, but a similiar app TwitFox have now been shut down by Twitter.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10091057].message }}
  • {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10096789].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author LJBlake189
    Banned
    Thanks for guide. I will try this.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10126228].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author noma01
    Good article, Whererr.com launched similar site but this one is not targeted only to startup but also shopping websites and service website online and apps.

    The #2 idea makes a lot of sense. i will check it out.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10134160].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author adtech2
    wonderful post...I like google news method
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10150862].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author tommygs92
    Originally Posted by egyptik View Post

    Hack #2: Google News + MTurk = Press


    Getting press is daunting for just about every founder. Who do you talk to? How do you find them? What do you pitch them? All questions I spend hours thinking about...for...every...project.

    But with a little creativity, and a little hacking, getting press is easier than you may think.
    • Step #1: Use Google News API to find journalists who write about topics relevant to your startup or company. (How? Download these files, unzip, and open 'index.html')
    • Step #2: Use MTurk to get their email adresses
    • Step #3: Send them press kits, and get press!
    Go here to read the full instructions for this hack.
    This is especially interesting to me - but from another perspective.

    As a former affiliate marketer for a network, getting publisher's phone addresses & e-mail addresses was a large part of my day. Should have I known about this method I would definitely suggest it to my boss and boost the team's effectivity greatly.

    Are there people or companies who get ALL, or at least a massive portion, of their marketing leads that way?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10177616].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author boostgram
    Love the twitter software. testing it out now!
    Signature

    --
    Boostgram - The #1 Instagram Marketing Suite
    --
    Instagram Scheduling, Auto Liking, Follow / Unfollow, and gender selection are some of Boostgrams top features.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10191709].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Max Anderson
    Amazing share thanks for that!
    Signature

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10191928].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author egyptik
      Originally Posted by boostgram View Post

      Love the twitter software. testing it out now!
      Awesome!

      Originally Posted by Max Anderson View Post

      Amazing share thanks for that!
      No problem
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10303802].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author hankster
    Good stuff!
    Signature

    Sports News You're Sure to Use! >>>www.sportsbarker.com<<<

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10307909].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ddesigns
    I really like 1st and 2nd point, i am going to try them now for my newly setup website. Thanks for sharing.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10308541].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author drexo922
    Thanks for sharing this!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10317613].message }}
  • Thanks for the list am trying Tweetfavy. wanted to use the Turk but cant here in the UK :-(
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10319054].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author c00p
    Awesome post! Thanks for sharing with us.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10322026].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author mohsin qureshi
    thanks for the great compilation... I want to add one thing more and that is, Luck .. you cannot buy luck but you can turn the things in your favor by postivie thinking.... remember The Secret? a
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10397132].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author kimanierick
    great share there, will make sure that I apply them practically for better results. I actually owe you one for that. thanks
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10398172].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author SmartTim
    Awesome this is the best growth post I have read ever, will try to apply those in my sites. Giving out my review some days later.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10398438].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author cnich23
    Some great advice, thank you. I'm currently trying craigslist as a growth hack. Made two clickbank sales so far.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10399248].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jasonjoel
    Great post. I didn't expect to see something like this. Thank you.
    All this time I thought long posts are mostly garbage. But your post is pretty awesome. Thanks again.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10410931].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author tomhunt88
    Just signed up for your Twitter automation tool!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10411074].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author damascan
    thanks man, is a good post
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10463458].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Abanoubksaid
      HiNice list.
      It could be heavily enriched with many more startup traffic sources (like the additions other members did) but it is a good starting point.
      Thanks for sharing.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10637908].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author monachus
    Nice list.
    It could be heavily enriched with many more startup traffic sources (like the additions other members did) but it is a good starting point.
    Thanks for sharing.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10467653].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author smasif15
    This is an awesome list.The time is always right to do what is right. I am waiting to see the results...
    Signature

    To know more or if you need any sorts of help
    https://www.zestapps.com/
    https://bd.linkedin.com/pub/s-m-asif/a0/a93/82b
    E-mail : s.m.asif@zestapps.com
    E-mail:abrar.arroza@gmail.com

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10475276].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author aiva
      Having an effective call-to-action on your page such as an email sign up is important! Remember to add that touch of personalization and/or offer incentives like ebooks, cheat sheets, video courses etc.

      Also, A/B test your CTA's or other website elements (basic ones include colours and fonts) to see what works best for your website visitors.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10755463].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author egyptik
        Originally Posted by aiva View Post

        Having an effective call-to-action on your page such as an email sign up is important! Remember to add that touch of personalization and/or offer incentives like ebooks, cheat sheets, video courses etc.

        Also, A/B test your CTA's or other website elements (basic ones include colours and fonts) to see what works best for your website visitors.


        Good point! Do you have an example of how you personalise your CTA's for each user?
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10916738].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Lex Koelewijn
    [DELETED]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10477986].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author onconference
    Great Stuff, I have worked with Craigslist. Its just amazing. will use other mentioned tools surely
    Signature

    Organize Toll-Free Conference Call with Onconference

    http://www.onconference.com/

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10545535].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author mdbennett3
    Nice. Just signed up for TweetFavy!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10652997].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author paulreffill121
    can we manage two or more start up with single betalist account?
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10662553].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Reddevil007
    Some gem of a resources shared!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10663396].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author broadsword
    Hack #2 is 100% illegal under the CAN-SPAM Act. FYI. Unsolicited commercial emails sent as the result of scraping emails from websites is the legal definition of Spam.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10688501].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author egyptik
      Originally Posted by broadsword View Post

      Hack #2 is 100% illegal under the CAN-SPAM Act. FYI. Unsolicited commercial emails sent as the result of scraping emails from websites is the legal definition of Spam.
      You must have misunderstood #2. It's legal as no emails are being scraped. Mturk is actual people looking up the emails, not algorithms.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10688513].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author broadsword
        It's still 100% unsolicited, total violation of CAN-SPAM. Try a service like www.muckrack.com instead, you'll be way less likely to get prosecuted and fined in to the dirt.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10688536].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author egyptik
          Originally Posted by broadsword View Post

          It's still 100% unsolicited, total violation of CAN-SPAM. Try a service like www.muckrack.com instead, you'll be way less likely to get prosecuted and fined in to the dirt.
          Beside the fact that it is 100% legal, we are talking about press websites and their special submission email addresses. They WANT to be mailed to find relative topics to write about. You can't and won't be prosecuted for that.

          Now ofcourse, if you don't mind paying a premium you can use a service like Muckrack or one of the many others out there, but that wouldn't be as much of a growth hack.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10688543].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author broadsword
            Sure, or for free you can use a service like HARO (Help a Reporter Out).
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10688652].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Rhoefnagel
    Growth hacking is a new process that combines traditional marketing, analytical skills and product development skills. It focuses on the idea that you understand your users first, let them discover and use your product so you can build features that will acquire and retain them as users.

    The term growth hacker was coined by Sean Ellis out of his frustration in finding the right fit for the job he does. According to him, "growth hacker's true compass is north."

    Signature
    Entrepreneur and Growth Hacker at Growthcasts.co
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10751850].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author wordsandthebees
    This is a great thread, thanks so much for the info!
    I'm in the process of building my new website so once it's finished I'll be implementing all of those tactics!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10751926].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author 1nspire
    Great list thank you.

    I think one of the major growth hacks we as internet marketers take for granted is CMS's like WordPress.

    Being able to launch a website in matter of minutes vs what would take weeks or even months is amazing.

    Sales funnels are another aspect of our industry that would take months of planning and require expertise at certain intervals of the funnel. Now all you need is a service like Click Funnels and you can have a very elaborate funnel setup in days.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10752494].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author joansmith
    Wonderful tutorial...never thought it could be as easy as you make...you are awesome!!!!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10756206].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author RadonRn
    There are different types of growth hacks techniques available which will help you to increase traffic on your website. By making use of growth hacks, you can increase profit amount for your particular site.

    If you are just starting up your online business then surely you will need different growth hacks for boosting your business standards. There are large number of different growth hacks tricks available but top most important five growth hacks are Betali.st, Google News+MTurk= Press, TweetFavy, Craigslist, and Friendbuy.

    These listed growth hacks are amazing and by making use of these you will be able to increase traffic for your respective website. Large number of visits on your particular website means more money. If you have started your new online website and if you will not get traffic for your website then your online business will go in loss.

    As nowadays, almost everyone is doing online business and there is competition for increasing traffic for a profitable business. Without making use of these Growth Hacks techniques it is not possible to increase the traffic for your successful business.

    So, it is essential for you for a good online business growth that you should start making use of Growth Hack techniques.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10773178].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author squeebo
    Did the OP mention that he is the owner of Tweetfavy, the company featured as hack #3?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10921121].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Steve Mark42
    great list here well i'm going to try this method hope will get success.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10921442].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author FoxMetricsATL
    I will check out the twitter software it is one I have not heard of.
    I am not sure about using Craigslist. I can see how a job posting may boost your traffic but what kind of traffic will it be? It seems like you are inviting people to your site who are in need of money, not people who have money and are in need of your services. Anyone have any experiences or testimonials on this?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10977374].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Joyce Birmingham
    Interesting information, especially about Amazon and MTurk. Thank you.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11043441].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author putu mega
    Wow this article is very informative. Thank you for the great contribution, egyptic. Really appreciate it
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11117894].message }}

Trending Topics