52 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
52 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Best New Ways of Getting FREE Traffic - 3 Methods That Have Helped Me Bring in 1000's of Visitors!

by PaulV
44 replies
Since Panda/Farmer updates have occurred many of us have experienced a loss in traffic due to SEO changes as well as major changes within the Article Directories for all of us who were into Article Marketing.

I have still been getting traffic though SEO and some of my Ezine Articles.
However I've also added a few other ways of getting traffic into the mix.

My new favorite ways of getting free traffic include:

YouTube Videos - where I optimize a video and get traffic through Youtube and Google

Social Traffic - through social networking sites but also through services such as YouLikeHits.com (you can bring in lots of traffic this way directly to your website).

Groups and Forums - Yahoo and Google groups can be great ways of bringing in targeted traffic to your sites along with forums on the topic of your niche. This isn't really a new way for me but I thought it was worth mentioning.


My Question is: What Are Your Favorite Ways of Getting Free Traffic?

Maybe they are similar to mine... maybe they are different.

I look forward to hearing your feedback!

- Paul
#free #seo #social #traffic #youtube
  • Profile picture of the author china9
    Or you could just try building a loyal blog following.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4132375].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author myob
      Nearly all of my laser-targeted traffic is directly driven by the strategic leveraging of articles. SEO has never been nor will ever be more than an insignificant factor for traffic. Google is so way over-rated.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4132434].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author patselby
    Thank you for your tips
    Signature

    Pat Selby
    http://patselby.com/

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4148601].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author NateRivers
    What you guys are saying is true to a point, but if you are providing the most relevant, useful info in your niche- then you cannot beat SEO traffic... I'ts free and it converts.

    One thing that made a huge jump was when I turned some of my ebooks into membership sites that were hosted on the same domain as my blog- that led to really long average time on site which sent my sites up even higher in the rankings.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4148625].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author PaulV
      Originally Posted by AlwaysFearless View Post

      Hey Paul, I think you definitely hit the nail on the head with those 3. I agree that blogging is another good way, just that it takes time to build up.

      I'm of the opinion that we should be building long term businesses anyway though so a good long term strategy is something good to have in your back pocket.
      Yes blogging can be great.

      AND Blog Comments can be another highly effective way for traffic and can give some SEO to your site.

      For Traffic - If you find a great site to leave your comment you should subscribe to its RSS feed.

      Then when a new post is made you can have your comment at the top of the comments section so everyone will you yours first!


      Originally Posted by NateRivers View Post

      What you guys are saying is true to a point, but if you are providing the most relevant, useful info in your niche- then you cannot beat SEO traffic... I'ts free and it converts.

      One thing that made a huge jump was when I turned some of my ebooks into membership sites that were hosted on the same domain as my blog- that led to really long average time on site which sent my sites up even higher in the rankings.
      Nate - Thanks for sharing this strategy!

      If you add your ebook as a PDF extension to your site, they will still be on your site reading the PDF and give more avg. time on site that well as well right?

      Do you provide the content as a PDF this way or just extra pages/posts onto your site?
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4148670].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author WebPen
    Press releases work pretty well, guest blogging, and of course emailing your list...
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4148633].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author NateRivers
    I'm not sure if an uploaded PDF getting read in the browser counts for time on site but probably.

    The membership site is paid. I set it up through clickbank.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4148692].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author lowkey786
    my top 3 ways of getting free traffic is:

    1. The Bummarketing technique, write 5 to 10 articles and submit them to the free article directories. Off course you must include a link to your site in the article itself or in your bio box. The articles should be optimised for a keyword your site is targeting.

    2. Find blogs related to your topic and leave useful comments with a backlink to your site. In the same way you could go to answers.yahoo.com, and answer questions related to your site's topic. Off course put a link to your site in each of your answers. Another thing you should consider, is joining the most popular forums that deal with you site's topic and becoming an active poster. Include a link to your site in your signature.

    3. This one can be very powerful. Write a press release about your site and submit it to press release sites such as prweb.com. If you are not familiar with press releases, take some time to do a little research : a press release is not written like an article.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4148786].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author fitz10
    Leaving Links on Other People's Blogs- This could include everything from "thoughtful blog commenting" (meaning meaty comments that are relevant and enhance the conversation) to blog parties.

    Article Marketing- This would include directories, as well as marketing in newsletters and offline markets (ie- actual magazines)

    Offline Marketing- Carry around business cards with your website(s) on them.

    Social voting bookmarking- You need the right type of content for this to succeed but social voting bookmarking sites like Digg and Reddit can be quite powerful, as well as niche voting sites like BizSugar.
    Signature



    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4148814].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author goindeep
    Originally Posted by PaulV View Post

    Since Panda/Farmer updates have occurred many of us have experienced a loss in traffic due to SEO changes as well as major changes within the Article Directories for all of us who were into Article Marketing.

    I have still been getting traffic though SEO and some of my Ezine Articles.
    However I've also added a few other ways of getting traffic into the mix.

    My new favorite ways of getting free traffic include:

    YouTube Videos - where I optimize a video and get traffic through Youtube and Google

    Social Traffic - through social networking sites but also through services such as YouLikeHits.com (you can bring in lots of traffic this way directly to your website).

    Groups and Forums - Yahoo and Google groups can be great ways of bringing in targeted traffic to your sites along with forums on the topic of your niche. This isn't really a new way for me but I thought it was worth mentioning.


    My Question is: What Are Your Favorite Ways of Getting Free Traffic?

    Maybe they are similar to mine... maybe they are different.

    I look forward to hearing your feedback!

    - Paul
    Ive come to the realization that there is no such thing as FREE. It may not cost dollars and cents, straight off the bat. But it costs time. Time is more precious than money. There are only 24hours in a day, no more no less.

    I still do most of these things. But i outsource my traffic getting. Yes i pay for it, but it saves me so much more time and probably even money.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4148879].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Boricua
      Where ever you can place a one way link and leverage your time with other people's hard work, it's AT LEAST good in my view.

      Article marketing does wonders, but you can't submit 2-5 articles a month and expect to see a difference. An ezinearticle account is just one account and you can reach 450,000 people to see your article with around 300 articles, but it's just one network. I'll consider using more. Has kept working since 2005 for me and my clients no matter what type of Panda algo change strikes.

      Press Release - again, another hot one. Free it will eat up your time just as article marketing. But again, it works beautifully. I've received less traffic from press releases but actually more clients for my own eBooks and services.

      They all keep working, mixing 2-3 traffic methods and focusing your time on what you've more strengths shall work wonders for ya. But if it takes to much time on your end Paul, I am sure you'd agree that it's much better to leverage or barter your way into an exchange for getting traffic instead of just focusing on free stuff alone.

      For me...
      -- Free
      -- Paid
      -- Bartering agreements

      All three negotiations method work quite well. 3rd one sounds quite sexy as not many do it
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4149089].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Sigmachi
    Which Press release services do you guys use? Have you heard anything good about MelbourneSEO?
    Signature
    Concert Photography and Music Reviews
    Learn How to Take Photos
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4150183].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Sigmachi
    Oh and, what is the difference between a Press Release and Article Distribution?
    Signature
    Concert Photography and Music Reviews
    Learn How to Take Photos
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4150286].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Shadowflux
      Originally Posted by Sigmachi View Post

      Oh and, what is the difference between a Press Release and Article Distribution?
      The difference is that a press release is almost like short sales copy. It's meant to be distributed to a number of different places and details the who, what, when, where and why of a product or service.

      Articles are more focused on a particular topic and are meant to be read much like an article in a magazine or newspaper.

      Press Release: "Internet giant, Google, is moving into social media with it's brand new Google+ platform. Promising to allow a greater range of connectivity, Google+ represents a paradigm shift for the way people share information on the web. etc etc etc"

      Article: "Many people use social media. Sites like FB are a great way to keep in touch with friends and family. Social media is also one of the best ways to share information, links and web content with friends. Looking to capitalize on this, Google is releasing it's new Google+ service. etc etc etc"

      The differences may be subtle but they both have different aims and objectives.
      Signature
      Native Advertising Specialist
      Dangerously Effective
      Always Discreet
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4161955].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author PaulV
        Originally Posted by Shadowflux View Post

        The difference is that a press release is almost like short sales copy. It's meant to be distributed to a number of different places and details the who, what, when, where and why of a product or service.

        Articles are more focused on a particular topic and are meant to be read much like an article in a magazine or newspaper.

        Press Release: "Internet giant, Google, is moving into social media with it's brand new Google+ platform. Promising to allow a greater range of connectivity, Google+ represents a paradigm shift for the way people share information on the web. etc etc etc"

        Article: "Many people use social media. Sites like FB are a great way to keep in touch with friends and family. Social media is also one of the best ways to share information, links and web content with friends. Looking to capitalize on this, Google is releasing it's new Google+ service. etc etc etc"

        The differences may be subtle but they both have different aims and objectives.
        Thanks for providing such a great description here on what press releases should look like.

        I agree that they can be great ways of generating traffic. I've used a company here on the forum that do press releases and am getting regular traffic from just one directory.

        I also think document sharing sites can be a valuable gem and a great traffic getting avenue that is worth the while to tap into.
        Signature
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4199566].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Targeted Traffic
    As for me it would be SEO....
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4150339].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Michael Johnson
    Definitely SEO and Press releases have helped me get alot of traffic
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4161867].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Shadowflux
    Great tips Paul, I'll add a secret I discovered that I don't have much use for right now.

    I was running a Photoshop tutorial blog, mostly as a hobby which I hoped to monetize a bit. This is a pretty saturated market so I wasn't expecting much by way of traffic.

    What I found was that submitting links to my tutorials through a few major tutorial indexes drove a lot of traffic to the site, so much so that I mainly focused on that technique. This worked like article marketing in that the directory sites ranked well with Google and so the links to my site ranked well also.

    Obviously, I submitted to directories that cover Photoshop tutorials but there are a number of directory sites that cover a range of different topics.

    I'm sure that you can come up with a few tutorial ideas that relate to your website. Adding these to your blog and then submitting links to tutorial directories could help boost your overall traffic and has the dual benefits of ranking your links well and bringing in targeted visitors. Adding screenshots that have optimized titles also helps your site show up in an image search.

    Hope that helps!
    Signature
    Native Advertising Specialist
    Dangerously Effective
    Always Discreet
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4161911].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author WebPen
    I've heard several times lately about Google groups. I personally havent tried them yet, but at least a few guys seem to be having success.

    I guess the key is just not to be spammy, right? Actively participate (just like any forum), and when you link don't make it seem like you're obviously promoting it?
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4162142].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author PaulV
      Originally Posted by AYoungMillionaire View Post

      I've heard several times lately about Google groups. I personally havent tried them yet, but at least a few guys seem to be having success.

      I guess the key is just not to be spammy, right? Actively participate (just like any forum), and when you link don't make it seem like you're obviously promoting it?
      Right, you never want to seem spammy. There are a lot of ways of posting but some of the best are when you ask questions to the group.

      Tell them you've found "a site" and you're interested in hearing their opinion of it.

      Include a catchy question in the headline like.

      Lose 15 pounds in 2 weeks? Does this actually work?

      (Obviously only do this if you're in the weight loss niche).

      That way it will trigger their interest enough to want to find out what it's all about.

      I hope this helps.
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4163168].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ProvenViral
    Groups and forums are by far the best way to get what you can define as targeted traffic. It is the most targeted, especially since you will be using it to drive an insane amount of visitors that are looking for your offer.
    Signature
    "Things may come to those who wait, but only things left by those who hustle". - Abraham Lincoln
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4199675].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author cinkz
    Originally Posted by PaulV View Post


    My new favorite ways of getting free traffic include:

    YouTube Videos - where I optimize a video and get traffic through Youtube and Google

    - Paul
    Can you explain how to optimize a video on youtube?

    Thank you before
    Signature
    Click here to learn how to get paid INSTANTLY ! The world's first instant pay compentation plan
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4199891].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author PaulV
      Originally Posted by cinkz View Post

      Can you explain how to optimize a video on youtube?

      Thank you before
      There are many tricks you can do that will help you optimize the video. In a sense it can almost be like setting up the on-page SEO for a website.

      In short you will want the following essentials:

      - Keyword in Title
      - Keyword in Description
      - Keyword and LSI keywords in Tags

      Doing these simple steps will position you much better than your competitors who do not have these factors.

      I will soon release a report that will consist of further strategies that will help you to quickly bring your site to the first pages of Google and YouTube.
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4200663].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author cinkz
        Originally Posted by PaulV View Post

        There are many tricks you can do that will help you optimize the video. In a sense it can almost be like setting up the on-page SEO for a website.

        In short you will want the following essentials:

        - Keyword in Title
        - Keyword in Description
        - Keyword and LSI keywords in Tags

        Doing these simple steps will position you much better than your competitors who do not have these factors.

        I will soon release a report that will consist of further strategies that will help you to quickly bring your site to the first pages of Google and YouTube.
        Wow..Great!
        I cant wait to see your next posts, looks very interesting.
        Signature
        Click here to learn how to get paid INSTANTLY ! The world's first instant pay compentation plan
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4202888].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author simonbuzz
    Banned
    my favorite way of getting traffic is by social bookmarking and guest posting....
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4200791].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author blillard
    Originally Posted by PaulV View Post

    Since Panda/Farmer updates have occurred many of us have experienced a loss in traffic due to SEO changes as well as major changes within the Article Directories for all of us who were into Article Marketing.

    I have still been getting traffic though SEO and some of my Ezine Articles.
    However I've also added a few other ways of getting traffic into the mix.

    My new favorite ways of getting free traffic include:

    YouTube Videos - where I optimize a video and get traffic through Youtube and Google

    Social Traffic - through social networking sites but also through services such as YouLikeHits.com (you can bring in lots of traffic this way directly to your website).

    Groups and Forums - Yahoo and Google groups can be great ways of bringing in targeted traffic to your sites along with forums on the topic of your niche. This isn't really a new way for me but I thought it was worth mentioning.


    My Question is: What Are Your Favorite Ways of Getting Free Traffic?

    Maybe they are similar to mine... maybe they are different.

    I look forward to hearing your feedback!

    - Paul
    I like to add an external link in wiki's that are about my niche. You can get real boost in traffic that way. Also if there is no wiki for your niche you have to opportunity to add one.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4201476].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Tylerbennett577
    I think that being active on forums is a great way to generate traffic. As well as social marketing. We think a lot alike
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4201484].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sscot
    Originally Posted by PaulV View Post

    Since Panda/Farmer updates have occurred many of us have experienced a loss in traffic due to SEO changes as well as major changes within the Article Directories for all of us who were into Article Marketing.
    My Google traffic were increased dramatically after panda updates. Most of Blogs are poor with backlinks, and also none page ranks. The point is I always publish fresh and unique contents. It's no difficult, find a small idea and build contents around it.
    Signature



    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4201893].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jt808
    Here are 5 methods of getting more traffic off the top of my head.

    1. Forum Posting
    2. Blog Commenting
    3. Press Release
    4. Guest Blogger
    5. Google Adwords

    Cheers!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4203127].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Vici
    All of these methods work extremely well, they're just very time consuming. For me personally, outsourcing is one of the best options for this.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4228648].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author celente
    Yes blogs are just another new web 2.0 form of forums. and work very well agreed!

    But you can outsource this much these days. So you can outsource your traffic, and work on your business and not in your business. This gives you time to test and measure more of you ideas.

    People think outsourcing your traffic is a waist of money, but if you know what brings in cash, and you outsource this your profits will increase. Been doing this now and have businesses on full outsource and I keep reinvesting into outsourcing. Its incredible to see the results. And I would highly recommend it too.

    Normally you have one or two traffic sources that makes you the most money. So just outsource those in elance, or odesk and you can work on other things will the money rolls in, or you can sit on the sidelines and collect it and count it as it comes in.

    Ahhhh the internet. Gotta love it. Some good tips in this thread.
    Signature
    Create a $5000 USD a month Business. 1-on-1 Coaching. By 6 figure marketer! - CLICK HERE
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4228858].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author magnates
      Originally Posted by celente View Post

      Yes blogs are just another new web 2.0 form of forums. and work very well agreed!

      But you can outsource this much these days. So you can outsource your traffic, and work on your business and not in your business. This gives you time to test and measure more of you ideas.

      People think outsourcing your traffic is a waist of money, but if you know what brings in cash, and you outsource this your profits will increase. Been doing this now and have businesses on full outsource and I keep reinvesting into outsourcing. Its incredible to see the results. And I would highly recommend it too.

      Normally you have one or two traffic sources that makes you the most money. So just outsource those in elance, or odesk and you can work on other things will the money rolls in, or you can sit on the sidelines and collect it and count it as it comes in.

      Ahhhh the internet. Gotta love it. Some good tips in this thread.
      Couldn't agree more .. Find your winners and outsource and so you are directing your business not working in your business
      Signature

      ==>[[FREE WSO]] -These Five Powerful Strategies Will Solve Your List Building Problems For Good !!


      ==>[**£7 WSO**] - 7 Ways To Drive An Extra 100,000 Targeted Visitors To Your Website

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4298853].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Gimitrix
    Good content to follow on
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4230500].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author shuvo
    There are no doubt that If you can ensure the best use of those social networking sites then the possibility of traffic from those places will be unlimited and valuable besides your SEO efforts.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4230567].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author nicholls
    Thanks for the useful tips guys
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4298543].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jolia
    Originally Posted by PaulV View Post

    Since Panda/Farmer updates have occurred many of us have experienced a loss in traffic due to SEO changes as well as major changes within the Article Directories for all of us who were into Article Marketing.

    I have still been getting traffic though SEO and some of my Ezine Articles.
    However I've also added a few other ways of getting traffic into the mix.

    My new favorite ways of getting free traffic include:

    YouTube Videos - where I optimize a video and get traffic through Youtube and Google

    Social Traffic - through social networking sites but also through services such as YouLikeHits.com (you can bring in lots of traffic this way directly to your website).

    Groups and Forums - Yahoo and Google groups can be great ways of bringing in targeted traffic to your sites along with forums on the topic of your niche. This isn't really a new way for me but I thought it was worth mentioning.


    My Question is: What Are Your Favorite Ways of Getting Free Traffic?

    Maybe they are similar to mine... maybe they are different.

    I look forward to hearing your feedback!

    - Paul
    My favorite ways of getting Free traffic are joining Groups and Forums, Social Networking and video marketing! We're just the same Paul, LOL!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4298898].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Zara Marie
    Originally Posted by PaulV View Post

    Social Traffic - through social networking sites but also through services such as YouLikeHits.com (you can bring in lots of traffic this way directly to your website)...
    Hi Paul and thanks for the list, though it's only three, you actually summarized it well. I'm curious with YouLikeHits.com since I haven't known this tool. Isn't it possible to be a doorway to hack your account or use for advertisements?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4298989].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author PaulV
      Originally Posted by Zara Marie View Post

      Hi Paul and thanks for the list, though it's only three, you actually summarized it well. I'm curious with YouLikeHits.com since I haven't known this tool. Isn't it possible to be a doorway to hack your account or use for advertisements?
      Glad you liked the tips!

      I am not sure what you are getting at here.

      You can use YouLikeHits to bring in traffic to your site or advertisements. But I do not see how it could be a potential concern for your account being hacked.
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4328583].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ab1962
    I use the following:

    1. Youtube.
    2. Forum posting.
    3 Blog commenting
    Signature

    Still not making money online? I use these top money makers
    to earn online. http://babo1.com/ew55

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10892218].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author netbull
    1. Use Flickr. Social photo sharing drives people to your website. Add good tags to the photos so they attract the members on the site. Write a post in your blog and add the link to the Flickr site. The two sites will work in unison to draw traffic to your site.

    2. Join a social bookmarking site. Share your favorite sites with other people sharing the same interests. Include your website. The social sites are like a specific search engine for many people. Add the bookmarks to your blog site to increase your internet traffic. Add interesting links to relevant products that the users are searching for. The more interesting links you have bookmarked the larger your following will become.

    3. Start blogging. Join several sites where you comment on the blog posts. Add your URL with posting. Keep in mind you are commenting on your posts so remain focused on the topic since you do not want your posting to be deleted or considered as spam. You want to appear knowledgeable and someone others can trust.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10892407].message }}

Trending Topics