Many people ask me what are the most important things they can do to increase quality website traffic?  Although there are many “most important” things there are two very simple things you can do right now.  I boiled it down to two but still after reading this many of you will not implement the advice below.  You all want to, but I’ll bet you’ll eventually say, “I just can’t find the time” (or some other excuse). Unfortunately for these people all the articles and books in the world on marketing and advertising will not help them.  They will constantly be in “learning mode” and never get into “doing mode”. But for the aggressive “want to move my business forward at all cost” business owners here they are.

1) Stop waiting for the search engines to bring you quality visitors.

Many companies put their website online and expect miracles to happen.  They expect the search engines to find you in a few days and then be in a great first page position in the organic search engine results with the hopes of it bringing them enough traffic to make a significant amount of sales.  Although this does happen it does not happen that often.  In fact, it is such a strong wish that companies will be taken by unscrupulous search engine optimization companies praying on them.

So in addition to search engines you can surf the web and find quality places to advertise.  Keep in mind that this is not a quick fix and that it takes a strong effort to make sure your website is placed in the correct places.  If not then the traffic you receive will be unqualified.  It’s like advertising your hair salon in an auto shopping guide.  It might get some traffic but the demographic you’re looking for might not be reading this media.

So every night (yes I said it, every night) browse the web for sites, other than search engines, that target your specific demographic, see if they accept advertising, make them prove the visits to their site and then ask for their rate card.  Buy a short run and see what happens. BUT YOU MUST BE ABLE TO TRACK THE INBOUND CLICKS TO YOUR WEBSITE OR FORGET IT.

2) Place your website address in every advertising and marketing you do.

This one is overlooked by many companies.  They either don’t put the site in the ad or they make it so small that it is almost impossible to read.  Your company website is the least expensive form of advertising.  You should be telling everyone about it everyday.  Don’t stop a conversation without letting people know about it.  And from now on ALWAYS include it in your advertising and marketing.

When I say everywhere I mean everywhere.  Put it on your letterhead, business cards, envelopes, invoices, advertising specialties, t-shirts, baseball caps, pens, etc.  Don’t forget to put it on your business check and make sure that every bill you pay you include a business card with the website address on it.

If you do those two simple things it should help you.  But keep in mind that it is still frequency and reach that is important so don’t slack off.  Keep doing it.  Everyday do something to promote your website.

Good luck and let us know how you are doing.  Your comments are always appreciated.