Using Content Marketing to Build a Better Blog
If you ask any company’s marketing team their goals, one of them would likely be to increase web traffic.
After all, more website visits mean more potential customers — and that’s what we all want. A blog is not only key to driving that traffic, and it’s an engaging way to share your thoughts, insights and ideas with the world. But how do you go about increasing traffic and visits to your blog?
One budget-friendly way to do so is by creating compelling posts, infographics, videos and other educational content that attracts your target audience without being overly “sales-y.” Below, we’ll break down the top ways to increase web traffic, including some new ideas, such as licensing content and how to get the most out of your content marketing strategy.
Top 12 Ways to Increase Website Traffic With Content Marketing
Any marketer knows that content is critical for driving website traffic. Without quality content, there would be nothing on your site for your consumers to read. However, simply providing content isn’t enough. To see a boost in website traffic, you need to be strategic.
Below are some of the top tips to get you started:
1. Brainstorm new blog ideas.
If you’re suffering from writer’s block, one of the best ways to get inspired is to see what other companies are blogging about. Look at your competitors’ blogs and see which posts are doing well. Then ask yourself how you can put your spin on that topic.promotional experts GoPromotional
In addition to looking at your competitors, try thinking of new content ideas that haven’t been tackled before. For example: What questions do your customers always ask you? What topics are you passionate about? You’ll be one step closer to writing a killer blog post by brainstorming a list of potential issues.
2. Emphasize SEO-optimized content marketing.
Arriving at the top of a search engine is every marketer’s dream. But what does it take to get there? Of course, search engine optimization is one piece of the puzzle. Still, while you can drive web traffic without SEO, even the best-optimized site will struggle to rank without quality content.
3. Plan your strategy.
Before you start thinking about ways to increase website traffic, you need to plan your content marketing strategy. What do you want to achieve? Who is your target audience? What types of content will appeal to them? Once you understand your goals and your audience, you can start creating a blog content strategy to help you achieve your objectives.
4. Design a content marketing editorial calendar.
Creating a content marketing editorial calendar may seem daunting, but it’s worth taking the time to do it right. With some planning, you can ensure that your editorial content aligns with your business goals and resonates with your audience. Plus, a well-executed editorial calendar will save you time in the long run by helping you to avoid last-minute scrambles to find topics to write about.
To get started:
- Brainstorm a list of potential topics you could write about.
- Once you have a solid selection of ideas, start mapping out when you would like to publish each piece of content.
- Remember that some topics may require more research or planning than others, so be sure to build in some flexibility to help you plan for the unexpected!
5. Use industry thought leaders.
Getting your voice heard above the noise can be hard when you’re first starting can be hard. One of the best ways to break through and establish yourself as a credible source is to amplify the voices of industry thought leaders. You can instantly add credibility and third-party validation to your blog or website by featuring guest bloggers and thought leaders in your industry.
Why is this so important?
Industry thought leaders would not only help boost your credibility, but they will also provide a fresh voice that can help attract new readers and followers. And when it comes time to pitch articles or stories to editors, you’ll have an easier time getting them on board if you can show that you’re connected to influential people in your industry.
6. Create consistent brand messaging.
As a business owner, trustworthiness and credibility are essential for attracting and retaining customers. One way to build these qualities is by having a consistent brand voice across your content and website. This means using the same language, style and tone in your communications. For example, if you’re known for being friendly and approachable, ensure that comes through in everything from your website copy to your social media posts.printed pens are an inexpensive promotional item
Creating a consistent brand voice will give potential customers a clear sense of who you are and what you stand for — two critical factors in building trust and credibility. To strengthen your brand, start by creating a consistent message.
7. Incorporate video into your content strategy.
Video is one of the most powerful tools in a content marketer’s toolkit. It’s highly engaging and a great way to convey complex information in a format that’s easy to digest. And with the rise of digital channels, there are more opportunities than ever to incorporate video into your content strategy.
How do you leverage the power of video?
There are many ways you can use video to support your content marketing efforts. You can use it to create product demos, how-to guides and even mini-documentaries. You can also repurpose existing video content, such as webinars and presentations, into bite-sized pieces that can be easily consumed on the go. No matter how you go about it, incorporating video into your content strategy is essential if you want to reach and engage your target audience.
8. Create authentic content.
If you want customers to stick around, creating content that feels authentic to them is essential. After all, people are more likely to be loyal to brands they feel a connection with.
But what does “authentic” mean?
In short, it means creating content that is true to your brand’s voice and values. In addition, authenticity means being transparent, relatable and consistent — three things that can be difficult to pull off. But are essential if you want to build trust with your audience.
So, how can you ensure that your content feels authentic?
Start by getting to know your audience and understanding what they’re looking for. Then, stay true to your brand’s voice and values as you create and curate the message you want the world to hear about you.
9. License content from renowned publications.
Consider licensing content from renowned publications if you’re running low on time or resources. This is a great way to fill your content needs while attracting new visitors, as licensed content comes with the bonus of instant credibility and can help you quickly establish yourself as an authority in your industry.
When choosing which publications to license or outsource content from, select ones relevant to your audience and that offer high-quality, well-written articles. With some effort, you can easily find licensable content to help you meet your content goals and grow your business.
10. Curate news.
A solid online presence is extremely important when it comes to marketing. Potential customers are more likely to find you through a Google search than a physical advertisement in today’s digital world. By curating news stories on your blog and featuring credible news sources, you can build trust with potential customers and show that you’re an authority in your industry.
If you’re unsure where to start, check out some top news aggregators like Google News or Feedly. Then, add a widget to your blog and share the latest headlines with your audience. With time and planning, you can quickly turn your blog into a go-to source for news and information in your industry.
11. Write posts based on evergreen topics.
Trending news and topics are important since they provide valuable insights and information to your audience. However, your editorial calendar should also feature evergreen content.
Creating content around evergreen topics helps in the long term because they will always interest your audience. These posts accumulate more traffic and links over time, especially when you are regularly optimizing and refreshing the content. Both types of content are important to include in your long-term strategy.
1. Write catchy headlines.
Headlines are a crucial element of your content. Based on a study from Wired, effective blog headlines can drive 500% more traffic than those without. Not having a compelling headline can stifle traffic growth, with even the most comprehensive blog posts potentially going unread.
