How to Get More Traffic to Your Blog and Keep It There

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by Jeff Goins | 67 Comments | Twitter, Facebook, Google+
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How to Get More Traffic to Your Blog and Keep It There | Goins, Writer http://goinswriter.com/more-blog-traffic/
1 of 15 3/19/2012 3:08 PM
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It eventually happens. It’s inevitable. Every blogger ultimately faces the same problem — the blog traffic jam. If you’ve been
blogging for a while, you’ve faced this nemesis, too, and you’ve found yourself asking:
How do I get out of this? How do I get more traffic flowing through my site?
To help answer that question, I came up with a list.
But before that, here’s a quick word…
How to Get More Traffic to Your Blog and Keep It There | Goins, Writer http://goinswriter.com/more-blog-traffic/
2 of 15 3/19/2012 3:08 PM
Photo courtesy of Flickr (Creative Commons)
So, you have a blog, but want more traffic? First, check your motives.
Is it help people, be a resource, and make a difference?
Or to make you famous?
If it’s the latter, you should quit blogging right now.
If you’re blogging for self-serving reasons, then that may be the main inhibitor to your blog’s growth. Because the truth is:
People want you to talk about them, not you.
It’s okay to write about personal experiences and share what you’ve learned from a first-hand perspective, but be careful of
making yourself into some kind of blog rock star.
Instead, aim to be a resource and to help to others. The irony is that if you do that, you’ll end up becoming a star.
Here are some ideas for how to get more traffic to your blog (click the links for more helpful resources).
Leave thoughtful comments on other people’s blogs. 1.
Write shorter posts. 2.
Blog consistently. 3.
Write less. 4.
Be a resource. 5.
Use trackbacks. 6.
Organize your posts with lists and subheads. 7.
Get on Twitter. Tweet links to your posts and other useful content. 8.
Link out to other sites (but only ones that will help people). 9.
Share your content on Facebook (and ask your friends to share it, too). 10.
Write stuff people will want to link to. 11.
How to Get More Traffic to Your Blog and Keep It There | Goins, Writer http://goinswriter.com/more-blog-traffic/
3 of 15 3/19/2012 3:08 PM
Ask questions. 12.
Be funny. 13.
Be clever. 14.
Be remarkable. 15.
Request a link from someone else to a blog post. 16.
Do some public speaking. 17.
Write attractive headlines. 18.
Optimize your site for search engines. 19.
Deliver killer content. 20.
Guest post on someone else’s blog. 21.
Write in the second person (“you” not “me”). 22.
Tell stories. 23.
Any serious blogger will eventually hit a plateau and need some help extending her platform beyond its initial reach.
This happens to all of us. And there’s nothing wrong with asking the question: “How can I get more traffic?” (Just make sure
that your motive is to help and not merely to make you famous.)
We all get stuck some times. This is where using a “jump starter” like this list may come in handy.
Thanks to Seth Godin for inspiring this post with his own list of tips for how to get traffic for your blog.
By the way, this week, I’m learning how to be a better speaker, and I’m blogging and tweeting the whole experience. Last
night, we went through the painful process of evaluating our speeches, which was uncomfortable but helpful. To find out
more, check out the Dynamic Communicators Workshops.
What tips would you offer for getting more traffic to your blog?
*Photo credit: epSos.de (Creative Commons)
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How to Get More Traffic to Your Blog and Keep It There | Goins, Writer http://goinswriter.com/more-blog-traffic/
4 of 15 3/19/2012 3:08 PM
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About the Author
Jeff Goins
I help people tell better stories and make a difference in the world. I live in Tennessee with my wife and dog. Follow me on
Twitter and Facebook.
Anonymous
Using “you” more than “me”–Never thought of that! Thanks Jeff.
http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
Depending on your writing, it can be very effective!
Usama Ahmed
Well, its tough to write “you” when writing a personal experience.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001508726791 Rahul Kuntala
Yeah, you are right. Depending on one’s writing, it’ll effective but it reaches targeted audience
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001508726791 Rahul Kuntala
Yeah, you are right. Depending on one’s writing, it’ll effective but it reaches targeted audience
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002140203132 Sonali Sweet
http://www.smskabolbala.blogspot.com
How to Get More Traffic to Your Blog and Keep It There | Goins, Writer http://goinswriter.com/more-blog-traffic/
5 of 15 3/19/2012 3:08 PM
http://davidsantistevan.com David Santistevan
Helpful tips, Jeff. You do a great job with this. Another one I would add is to respond to people. I know big bloggers are busy,
but when they don’t ever respond to a question, tweet, or comment, I lose part of my desire to return to their site. If you are
responsive, I will come back and tell my friends to come back.
http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
Good one, David!
http://www.tillhecomes.org Jeremy Myers
Just what I’m looking for! I do most of that, but need to step up on Guest Blogging I think.
http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
You’re doing great, Jeremy! Love your vast knowledge of SEO. That puts you ahead of a lot of people.
http://www.thedailywalk.net Adam
Staying active in the comments. It lets your readers know you read and care about their comments.
Greta list Jeff. Agree with all you mentioned!
http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
Great one! I may need to update my list.
Anonymous
Great list Jeff. I never thought to ask others to link to a post or share the post on their facebook page. I’ve always been worried
about coming across as self-centered or egotistical. But I guess the truth is, if you want to be a resource and help for others, then
you want as many people as possible to see and read it.
http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
A good place to start, John, is by asking people who may have commented on your blog to share it on Twitter and
Facebook. Most of the time, they’ll say yes. Relationship is important, but not always essential.
Anonymous
How to Get More Traffic to Your Blog and Keep It There | Goins, Writer http://goinswriter.com/more-blog-traffic/
6 of 15 3/19/2012 3:08 PM
Great advice, thank you very much!
http://www.geekforhim.com Geek for Him
Great list brother!
http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
Thanks!
MichaelDPerkins
Your list is way solid. The only thing I differ often is the use of first person. But that’s just because so much of what I write is to
tell a story.
The only thing that I would add is be yourself. I think readers can smell a phony or someone trying to be something they are not
a mile away.
http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
Good call, Michael. Authenticity is essential. You do that really well.
MichaelDPerkins
Well thank you. And your knowledge and ability to share it is what I love about you.
http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
Thanks for sharing! Glad it’s working.
http://movethemountains.blogspot.com Chad Jones
Don’t intend this as a dissenting opinion, but as complementary to your list:
Write for yourself first–if it doesn’t move you, chances are it won’t move your audience either. What I’m not saying us that the
blogger should make himself the center of attention, but rather that if he’s not 100% behind something, his readers know it.
This speaks to authenticity and artistic integrity.
A writer has to love the work first, and not try to pander–because nobody appreciates condescension.
How to Get More Traffic to Your Blog and Keep It There | Goins, Writer http://goinswriter.com/more-blog-traffic/
7 of 15 3/19/2012 3:08 PM
So write what moves you, let your passion shine through.
Actually blogged about this today in my “Life & Art” series:
An Artist Creates for an Audience of One
http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
Good call
http://movethemountains.blogspot.com Chad Jones
Thanks, Jeff! Curious to hear what you think of today’s post (if you
get a chance to read it).
http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
loved it, Chad
http://twitter.com/ThatGuyKC K.C. Procter
That’s a great list. Thank you for calling out motive. I almost started out blogging to make money and I really would have
missed out on community. I haven’t made a dime yet, but the support, encouragement and engaging discussion I’ve experience
with others via blogging and Twitter holds lasting value.
http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
good call, KC. motive is so important.
Anonymous
As a brand new blogger, I really needed these tips. Especially the one about writing shorter posts and beign consistent. It’s hard
to balance quantity with quality. How do you handle that? Thanks!
http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
I write in spurts and capture ideas as they come. Thanks.
Pingback: What would you recommend for a new blogger to get traffic? | The Easy Web
How to Get More Traffic to Your Blog and Keep It There | Goins, Writer http://goinswriter.com/more-blog-traffic/
8 of 15 3/19/2012 3:08 PM
http://twohourblogger.com Martyn Chamberlin
Seth Godin spent nine hours writing that article on getting traffic. He told me so himself. It’s a masterpiece ain’t it?
I like this too. But I would put #21 and #22 as #1 and #2.
http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
Wow. (Yeah, the numbers were in no particular order.)
http://twohourblogger.com Martyn Chamberlin
Wow is right. Seth spent more time on that particular article than any other he’s ever written, apparently.
Fascinating.
–
Martyn Chamberlin
twohourblogger.com
http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
It really is. When did he tell you this?
http://twohourblogger.com Martyn Chamberlin
In an exclusive email. Everything he says in email is off record, but he understood in this instance that I
could share it. I was putting together a wiki interview of major A-listers about how much time they spend
writing their articles.
Just curious, how does the traffic from a guest post on michaelhyatt.com compare to Copyblogger or
Problogger? I might have to write for him…
http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
It was comparable to Problogger’s. As I’m sure you know, Martyn, guest posting isn’t just for the
raw traffic but for the influence and long-tail effects. Every time Mike retweets me or shares some
of my content, my Twitter influence grows, as do my RSS subscribers. I gained over 100 RSS
subscribers with in 24 hours of my guest post on his site.
How to Get More Traffic to Your Blog and Keep It There | Goins, Writer http://goinswriter.com/more-blog-traffic/
9 of 15 3/19/2012 3:08 PM
http://twohourblogger.com Martyn Chamberlin
Haha good point. A better question would have been “how many subscribers did you get from
it?”
And you’re right, you don’t see all the fruits of guest posting within the first 48 hours. I’ll have
weeks where I literally do nothing online and my list keeps building. You get a snowball going
and it just keeps rolling.
Thanks man. I shall think on this.
–
Martyn Chamberlin
twohourblogger.com
http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
Exactly.
Pingback: Startling Cocktail of Useful Information for Bloggers – Starting and Growing | Linchpin Bloggers
Pingback: Here’s What You Need To Do In Order To Grow Your Community | Linchpin Bloggers
Shardiy
Thanks for the great list of tips. I love how you listed some pretty obvious tips, that people often forget about (like being clever,
funny, remarkable). Well, duh. Everyone wants to be those things, but sometimes you need someone to tell you to be funny
before you realize you’re not doing it. Thanks for the knock on the head in the right direction!
http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
my pleasure
http://twitter.com/aeveland Andy Eveland
Good tips Jeff. I think your list is spot on. I will occasionally get spikes in my views but following your list is more likely to result
in long lasting readers.
Not sure if this is a tip or not but I have many drafts of stories I have started. ie I might find a link to something interesting. Ill
draft a post, add some notes and move on. I find this helps me have more perspective and offer more engaging content.
How to Get More Traffic to Your Blog and Keep It There | Goins, Writer http://goinswriter.com/more-blog-traffic/
10 of 15 3/19/2012 3:08 PM
http://andyeveland.com
http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
I do this, too, Andy. I am constantly tweaking stuff.
Mtthoughtaling
visit my blog
http://littlehoblog.blogspot.com/
Joannamazzotta
Thank you Jeff. Having 2 FB pages one is named, Joanne Viccione Mazzotta for socializing, and one for my book, Why
Whisper? Where I talk with other writers.
I clicked Like on your page, and the link processed to my social page. I should just copy paste your link to my Why Whisper FB
page.
Just me, the queen of stupid questions.
Anyway thanks,
Jo
http://www.whywhisper.net
http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
thanks, joanna
Usama Ahmed
Short and accurate. I learned a lot from this post. Thanks
http://www.mspy.com/ Vojteck Zcechny
When you write a blog you are asking the readers to venture into your
world, to have a peak into your mind, read your thoughts and listen to
your opinion. And there lies the key it is your mind and your thoughts
so that means being yourself.
How to Get More Traffic to Your Blog and Keep It There | Goins, Writer http://goinswriter.com/more-blog-traffic/
11 of 15 3/19/2012 3:08 PM
Lucyslifelessons
Awesome advice! Easy read too, I will definitely bookmark this. If you have the time please stop my page and give me some
pointers, I’m just a beginner =) Thanks! Lucy =)
lucyslifelessons.com
Rochellestewart21
Wow I have never heard to write less. Usually they tell you to write more up to 1000 words a post which seems hard to do.
Writing less seems more attainable!! http://www.roros-world.com
http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
yep. totally attainable. write what needs to be written. no more. no less.
Lauren Twombly
I love how you put into practice exactly what you encourage your readers to do. Just in the past 10 or 15 minutes I have looked
through three different articles of yours! I am just starting to blog, and curious about how to make it “successful.” I definitely
want to be an inspiration to people, but I wouldn’t entitle my blog a “self-help” site necessarily, but I know I still have so much
to learn. I would really appreciate your feedback, if at all possible. [suddenlyastranger.blogspot.com]
Thanks for this blog. It’s wonderful. I will definitely be back for more
http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
Thanks, Lauren. Appreciate it.
Sfiyal
Useful.. Thanks
http://www.varikal.com
Sarthak Ganguly
Excellent post! Greetings from sgownblog.com
Anthony Kpodo
How to Get More Traffic to Your Blog and Keep It There | Goins, Writer http://goinswriter.com/more-blog-traffic/
12 of 15 3/19/2012 3:08 PM
A great eye opener. Many new ideas have come out from this illuminating article. Thanks, Jeff
Indrianto Hary
thanks for the tips visit my blog @ Transformer 3 dark of the moon Download
Hasnat Asgher
thnx for sharing bro , i create a new blog
hasnatwallpapers.blogspot.com
i will try these on my blog.
Saleem
i really like your post..
baap.me thanking u for such a great post
http://twitter.com/JoleeDonnelly Jolee Donnelly
“People want you to talk about them, not you.” True not just in blogging, but in everyday conversations. Learned a lot. Loved
the interview with Gretchen Rubin too. Thanks! -Jolee
http://www.chalk-paper-scissors.com
http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins
Thanks!
http://www.vishmax.com/ Veena
Really thanks for your tips, Some peoples says participating link exchanging programmes will make negitave effect on blogs, is
it right?
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002140203132 Sonali Sweet
nice job
misspre-school
This has been an eye opener, you don’t realise all the things you have to consider when starting and writing a blog!
How to Get More Traffic to Your Blog and Keep It There | Goins, Writer http://goinswriter.com/more-blog-traffic/
13 of 15 3/19/2012 3:08 PM
http://www.misspre-school.blog.co.uk
http://www.revisitors.com/a/DeeDatKiid DeeMan
This Is Great Ways To Get Traffic To Your Blog I Have been Using Most Of These Tips To Get Traffic To My Blog Also. Another
Effective And Most Easiest Way I Use To Get Traffic To My Site Is This. I Use This For All My Sites And I Am Gladly To Say This
Has Increased My Site Hits, Earnings, And My Traffic Has Increased In The Hundred Thousands.
DeeMan
http://www.revisitors.com/a/DeeDatKiid
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