In a Traffic Rut?

lisa · #1 (**permalink**) 08-29-2007, 03:43 PM

When it comes to building traffic, you can't escape articles surrounding the topics of search engine optimization, blogging, social networking sites and article submissions. While these are all key components of building traffic, what are you to do if you've utilized all these methods and still cannot yield any decent traffic levels.

Here's a video where I talk in depth about unique content, building credibility and learning how to talk to your audience. These are three aspects of traffic building that are often overlooked by many Webmasters.

Click the "I agree" link in the box to view the video.

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attackdepression · #2 (**permalink**) 08-29-2007, 04:26 PM

Awesome video Lisa. That is something I struggle with... being unique. While I feel my content is helpful, a lot of it is common knowledge and I am constantly trying to find ways to re-invent myself and make my site stand out. I agree that is why so many get stuck.

attackdepression · #3 (**permalink**) 08-30-2007, 11:18 AM

Another question regarding video... Do you have any stats from YouTube about referring traffic? I haven't explored this much.

max · #4 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007, 01:43 PM

Yes, YouTube does give you stats on your video (referring links).

Lisa, great job as usual. You are so calm, cool and collected in your videos. I want to start experimenting but I have to admit the idea of sitting in front of a camera with no script scares the crap out of me!

I do agree whole heartedly with your video and I believe too many websites are cold and faceless. People don't trust you unless you prove you are helpful, trustworthy and not just out to take their money. Most affiliates don't do that. They just try too hard to get the sale without establishing their own voice.

lisa · #5 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007, 03:49 PM

Thanks, Max and attackdepression. The first few videos I did, it took me 4-5 takes before I was happy, but the more you do, the easier it gets.

It's actually very fun. And even though I hate Vista, it has a very user-friendly movie maker program that makes publishing your videos a breeze.

webdev · #6 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007, 10:32 PM

Hey great video lisa. I just want to list out teh things you mentioned in summary points before i forget.

- Build content but unique content
- Think about what your visitors want, what they are looking for and what kind of question they might have when they visit your site.
- Look at your competitors and offer something unique/different that they aren't.
- Build credibility by engaging and interacting wiht your visitors.

I hope i covered all of them.

Like most others i too have trouble building that unique content. I read somewhere that being humorous in your content can go a long way because that's one of that ways in keeping your visitors interested in reading. I applied this technique in my early pages i build for my site but after that i lost track. lol. Thou it's hard to do but i think you should adopt a unique way of saying things.

Second, about doing something ddifferent from your competitors. I think this comes when you have built a base for your site. That is, you have lots of content and good consistent traffic from SE. As you grow your site, you will get lots of idea of doing unique things to your site but the key is to not get overwhelmed. I get so many ideas of doing this or doing that to my site but i want to wait until my site is established with good traffic which i'm happy with.

Thirdly, about interacting with your visitors. I think its very important as well. Because they will think about your site and come back to your site when they have more questions on the related stuff. I get 2-3 emails each week from people visiting my site for help in PHP. I take some time to help them answer their questions. This gives them confidence in me and they probably return to my site again.

HaroldP · #7 (**permalink**) 09-11-2007, 12:05 AM

Great video (as usual) and sound advice webdev. I think comedy can help a bit too because it gives your site some personality and lightens things up a bit. Particularly if you have a tutorial based site like both webdev and Lisa.

I definitely need to work on the connecting part myself!

lisa · #8 (**permalink**) 09-11-2007, 11:52 AM

I somehow missed your reply Webdev. Thanks for the compliment and great summary. You too Harold.

I agree Webdev that adding a comedic approach (where applicable) can be helpful if you do it right. I try to add a few fun comments in when I can to lighten the mood a bit.

Bingo · #9 (**permalink**) 09-14-2007, 05:00 PM

It has taken me ages to actually get to see this video, problems with Youtube on this end.

What can I say Lisa? Brilliant Video! You practised what you preached, being more personal with your visitor and showing character. What I really like about this video is that its like sitting in the same room and having a friendly chat about useful methods.

Unfortunately for me these type of videos wouldn't work, if you heard my accent you would understand why.

lisa · #10 (**permalink**) 10-04-2007, 11:50 AM

Gavin,

Thanks so much for the compliment. Accents can be very charming and I bet your video would sound fine!

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