How to Get More Traffic to Your Website: 5 Essential Steps

Many business owners believe that once they launch a shiny new website, customers will magically start rolling in. It’s the classic "If you build it, they will come" mindset.

Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

We hear it all the time, businesses invest in a website, only to be disappointed when they get little to no traffic, no sales, and no inquiries. When we ask, “What are you doing to drive people to your website?” we usually get silence followed by, “We thought people would just find us.”

The reality? If you build it, they won’t come, unless you actively drive traffic to your site and make sure your website is optimized with foundational SEO so people can actually find you.

If you’re wondering why people aren't visiting your website, start here. These are the basics every business owner should be doing to get eyes on their site.

1. Start Talking About Your Website.

Your website is only useful if people know about it so don’t be shy. Promote your website every chance you get. Tell your customers, friends, and network about it in conversations, emails, and social interactions. The more you talk about it, the more people will come.

Spread the word about your website:

• Hand out your business card with your web address.

• Add your website to your email signature so every message you send is an opportunity for visibility.

• List your website on directories like Google Business Profile, Yelp, and industry-specific sites. The more places your website is mentioned, the more opportunities people have to find you.

2. Optimize Your Website for SEO

If your website isn’t optimized for SEO, it’s like having a store with no sign. People won’t know it exists. Look at your website and ask yourself: Does it have enough words? Was it built with SEO in mind, or was it simply designed to look good? Are we using keywords that our customers are actually searching for?

Many businesses overlook content. So many sites are designed with very little text, which is a big mistake. Without words, Google has no idea what your website is about or who to show it to in search results.

Increase your website's visibility with foundational SEO

• Include at least 500-1,000 words on your homepage that clearly communicate what you do, who you help, and how you provide value.

• Use long-tail keywords. These are longer, more specific search phrases that reflect what real people are typing into Google. Instead of just “marketing services,” think “affordable small business marketing services.” The more specific your keywords, the better chance your website has of showing up in relevant searches. A good rule of thumb is to use 3-5 long-tail keywords per page.

• Make sure each page of your website is structured for search engines. This means improving your headers, page titles, and descriptions. Google needs this information to understand what your website is about and rank it properly. Every page should have a clear, keyword-rich title, an engaging meta description, and image alt text that describes what’s in the image. If this sounds overwhelming, don’t worry, we can help.

3. Blog Consistently to Boost Search Rankings

Google rewards websites that provide fresh, relevant content, and blogging is one of the best ways to do that. Writing helpful, informative blogs that answer common customer questions not only positions you as an expert but also increases your chances of appearing in search results.

Drive more traffic with blogging:

• Write helpful, informative blogs related to your industry.

• Use keywords in your blogs that people type into Google.

• Answer common customer questions to position you as an expert.

How often should you publish a blog post?

At a minimum: Once per month to maintain visibility. For faster results: Once per week to significantly improve search rankings and website traffic.

If blogging feels overwhelming, consider outsourcing it. Consistent, keyword-rich content can be a game-changer for your business.

4. Use Social Media to Drive Website Traffic

Your social media accounts shouldn’t just be about engagement. They should be a tool for driving people to your website. Posting regularly keeps your brand visible, while including strong calls-to-action (CTAs) encourages people to click through to your site.

Increase website visits with social media:

• Post regularly on platforms where your audience hangs out.

• Use strong CTAs that direct people to your website.

• Share content that educates, inspires, or shows the human side of your business, then point people back to your site for more.

• Share promotions, special offers, or events to drive immediate action.

Social media isn’t just about being present, it’s also about strategically guiding people to take action and visit your website.

5. Collaborate with Other Businesses to Expand Your Reach

Driving website traffic doesn’t have to be a solo effort. Partnering with other businesses allows you to tap into new audiences and gain exposure.

Expand your audience with strategic partnerships:

• Write guest blogs for complementary businesses and include a link back to your website.

• Feature each other on social media. Cross-promoting with another business can introduce you to a whole new audience.

• Create referral partnerships. Build relationships with businesses that serve a similar audience and send customers to each other’s websites.

For example, a real estate agent might partner with a home staging company to share content and recommend each other’s services. These types of partnerships help you expand your reach and build credibility.

Final Thoughts

Getting people to visit your website doesn’t happen by accident, it happens by being intentional. These five steps are a great place to start. They may seem simple, but when done consistently, they lay the groundwork for stronger visibility, better brand awareness, and more opportunities for your website to do what it’s meant to do, bring in leads, build trust, and help your business grow.

What's Next?

In the coming posts, we’ll explore how your website supports your business, why investing in it pays off, and how to use it as a powerful tool for growth.

Here’s What’s Coming:

• Why You Should Invest in Your Website

• What Makes Your Website Your Most Powerful Business Tool

• How to Use Your Website to Grow Your Business

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