14 Free Traffic Strategies for 2012 that DON’T Depend on Google [Traffic and Conversion #9]

Welcome to the ninth edition of the Traffic and Conversion Series!

This monthly post describes what I’m currently doing to drive traffic to my blog and email list.  By listing these techniques, I hope to help YOU increase your own traffic numbers.

Today’s post will talk about how to get web traffic – Even if you’ve been penalized by the recent Google Penguin update.

Many site owners have become a victim of the changes to the search engines.  That’s why it’s important to use these fourteen strategies to get more web traffic.

But, before dive into the main topic of this article, let’s go over the stats from last month:

First lets recap the stats from April:

• 23,720 Visits 
• 78.39% Bounce Rate 
• 1:22 Average Visitor Duration 
• 4,560 Returning Visitors
• 247 Email Subscribers

So what happened in May?

Here is a screenshot from last month:

I use five metrics to measure the “success” of  my traffic generation efforts.  Here’s how they did in April:

• 17,980 Visits (48.89% Decrease)
• 73.60% Bounce Rate (6.1% Decrease)
• 1:50 Average Visitor Duration (34.4% Increase)
• 4,339 Returning Visitors (4.85% Decrease)
• 284 Email Subscribers (14.97% Increase)

Once again my traffic numbers have taken a serious hit.  I’m pretty sure this is directly related to the recent Google Penguin change. In March, I had 28,954 visitors from the search engines.  Now it’s down to 8,294 visitors.

Frankly, it’s pretty frustrating to get penalized by Google.  I’ve gone out of my way to NOT do aggressive backlinking.  There are more than 550 pages of content – Most over 1,000 words apiece.  And if you count comments from readers, we’re talking about a million+ words of unique content.  So I’m completely baffled as to why Google would target this site.

On the flip side, I’m happy to see a decrease in the bounce rate and increase in visitor duration.  This shows that while I’m getting less traffic; the overall quality has increased.  Hopefully this is a trend that will continue.

The final metric I like to look at is the “Time on Page” for blog posts in the last  month.  This stat lets me know if people are consuming my content:

1. How to Master the “Deep Inner Game” of Traffic Generation(Time on Page – 5:16)
2. How to Mix Broadcast Emails and Autoresponders (without Pissing Off Subscribers)(Time on Page – 3:26)
3. 8 “Minimalist Blog Tricks” to Build a Massive Email List(Time on Page – 4:24)
4. The Shocking Truth About Niche Sites [a 1,027 Word Manifesto](Time on Page – 7:04)
5. 10 Surprising Reasons Why You Should Become an Authority Affiliate Marketer(Time on Page – 5:28)
6. The Future of Affiliate Marketing – Using iPhone Apps To Skyrocket Your Revenue(Time on Page – 5:39)
7. My #1 Bulletproof Strategy for Selecting the Best Affiliate Products(Time on Page – 5:29)

Overall, traffic numbers are down because of the Google penalty.  I’m not sure if my site will ever get any love again from this search engine.  So that’s why I’ve decided to implement a promotional strategy which doesn’t include the Big G.

Here’s my plan…

[title color=”green-vibrant” align=”scmgccenter” font=”verdana” style=”normal” size=”scmgc-2em”]How to Generate Traffic without Google[/title]

Last month, I talked about why relying on Google is not a smart business model.  You can’t predict what this search engine wants.  So I’ve decided to STOP worrying about Google and focus on long-term traffic generation strategies.

The truth is there plenty of ways to get traffic even if you decide to ignore Google.  The following are fourteen strategies I’m currently implementing (and I recommend you do the same!)

[title color=”green-vibrant” align=”scmgccenter” font=”verdana” style=”normal” size=”scmgc-2em”]#1 – Create Focused; Quality Content[/title]

Previously; I talked about the importance of focusing on a single niche.  That’s why 100% of my content now teaches readers how to build a successful, single affiliate business.

The first step to any traffic strategy is to create in-depth content around one subject.  This is the best way to get repeat visitors and build an audience.

You shouldn’t write a lot about a lot of things.  Instead it’s best to create LOTS of content about a tightly focused topic.

Getting Started: 

Think carefully about your niche.  Find that one angle or problem that gets people’s attention.  Then create content that around this sub-niche.

It’s not that hard to focus on a single niche.  For instance, check out my post how I would start over with affiliate marketing to see my plan for attacking a brand new niche. 

[title color=”green-vibrant” align=”scmgccenter” font=”verdana” style=”normal” size=”scmgc-2em”]#2 – Build an Email List[/title]

As an affiliate marketer it’s easy to become obsessed with certain metrics (ie: Likes, shares, followers, Tweets, etc.)  The problem is these metrics don’t help you build a business.  Your end goal is to turn social media followers into email subscribers.  Because as you’ve probably learned – The money is in the list!

Email marketing should be the end goal of any traffic generation strategy. Your list is where you’ll build relationships with subscribers and promote affiliate offers.  Plus it lets you leverage existing contacts to get more traffic (See idea #13 for more on this.)

Getting Started:  

I’ve written a lot about email marketing on this blog.  The best place to start is the post about 8 “Minimalist Blog Tricks” to Build a List.  This teaches you how to create a website that’s designed to capture email addresses.

[title color=”green-vibrant” align=”scmgccenter” font=”verdana” style=”normal” size=”scmgc-2em”]#3 – Blog Commenting[/title]

Blog commenting was the first traffic technique I ever implemented.  It’s how I made my first connections in the Internet marketing/lifestyle design niches.  In my opinion, it’s one of the best ways to market a brand new site.

You won’t get a flood of traffic with blog commenting.  But it’s a great way to make connections. Your blog comments will get noticed by leading authority figures in your niche and fans of these sites.  From there, you open the door to guest posting, social media shares, or even a potential JV deal.

Getting Started:

Blog commenting works best when it’s done on a consistent basis.  I recommend the “Rule of 5” where you leave five blog comments every single day.  Check out the first post of this traffic series for how to do this.

[title color=”green-vibrant” align=”scmgccenter” font=”verdana” style=”normal” size=”scmgc-2em”]#4 – Networking [/title]

Networking goes hand-in-hand with the previous tip.  You want to go beyond leaving comments on other people’s blog.  It’s important to make solid connections with other leading figures in your niche.

Becoming friends with the “top dogs” can do wonders for your traffic numbers.  These people have the power to share your content to their audience members.  So it makes sense reach out and establish yourself as someone worth getting to know.

Getting Started:

There are a few ways to start a great networking relationship:

• Share their content on social media sites
• Write a heartfelt post/status update about how they’ve helped  you
• Send a personal email thanking them (and nothing else.)
• Include them in a round-up blog posts of other authors that asks a simple question

You don’t want to bombard any “guru” with too much information.  Often they’re really busy people who like to maximize their time.  So be friendly, get to the point, and avoid pestering if you’re not getting an immediate response.

A great read is the massive 12-part blog post series that Steve Pavlina wrote about how to network with busy people.  This is the best guide I’ve ever read about contacting authority figures without being annoying.  Read it, print it out, and take notes.

[title color=”green-vibrant” align=”scmgccenter” font=”verdana” style=”normal” size=”scmgc-2em”]#5 – Guest Posting [/title]

Guest posting is a traffic strategy that’s often discussed but isn’t properly implemented.  The trick to getting results with guest posting is the “network effect.”    You can’t just write one article and expect a flood of traffic.  Instead you want readers to find your articles on multiple sites and you want to be everywhere.  {Thanks to Pat Flynn for that suggestion.}

Getting Started:

The best example of the results you can get with guest posting is Danny Iny.  In early 2011, he didn’t have a huge online presence.  Then he took massive action and guest posted on popular sites like Copy Blogger, Pro Blogger, Smart Passive Income, Think Traffic, Get Rich Slowly – Even a lowly blog called Steve Scott Site.

Today Danny is widely considered to be a top marketing expert.  He’s published a book and has his content on hundreds of websites.  All of this is a direct result from guest posting.

To learn more, check out his killer product called: Write Like Freddy.

The purpose of Write Like Freddy is to teach marketers how to get results with their content.  It talks about topics like: Writing articles for your site, how to write killer guest posts for other sites, and how to create a web of content where people will think you’re someone worth following.

I’m going through Danny’s material right now.  I’m hoping to get him on a webinar in the next few weeks.  So stay tuned for more details…

[title color=”green-vibrant” align=”scmgccenter” font=”verdana” style=”normal” size=”scmgc-2em”]#6 – Write “Trophy Pigeon” Posts[/title]

The “Trophy Pigeon” is a term coined by an Internet marketer named Chris Munch.  The idea is simple.  You put together an epic post that gives out awards in your niche.  Ultimately this generates traffic because you’re creating a linkbait article that gets lots of attention.

A Trophy Pigeon post is based off people’s inherent ego.  Whenever we get an award or a mention, it’s only natural to tell people about it.  So you can get a flood of traffic by having people in your niche discuss (and link to) this great piece of content.

Getting Started

The best place to learn this technique is Chris’s Trophy Pigeon report.  Yes, you’ll have to pay around $15.  But I think it’s a nominal fee considering it details a highly effective traffic technique.

[title color=”green-vibrant” align=”scmgccenter” font=”verdana” style=”normal” size=”scmgc-2em”]#7 – Twitter [/title]

Twitter is a popular way to get lots of traffic to your site.  Like a lot of techniques, it’s often discussed and rarely used to maximum results.

You can’t hit people with a ton of offers on Twitter.  Instead it’s best to link to compelling content that gets the attention of your audience.  This gives them a reason to follow your Twitter stream.

Getting Started

There are countless Twitter guides on the Internet.  My advice is to use a strategy that blends automation with regular manual updates.

Here are two posts I recommend:

• How to Get 5293 (Automatic) Monthly Twitter Visitors {My post}
• What You Need to Know About Twitter {Guest Post by Tom Ewer on SmartPassiveIncome.com}

Read both articles and you’ll get an instant crash course on getting results with Twitter.

[title color=”green-vibrant” align=”scmgccenter” font=”verdana” style=”normal” size=”scmgc-2em”]#8 – Facebook Fan Page[/title]

I’ll admit it.  I’m kind of late to the “Facebook Party.”  I’ve had a page for two years now, but haven’t done a lot with it.  This is about to change…

Facebook is another strategy where it’s important to tightly focus on a single topic.  That’s why I’ve decided to re-brand my Facebook presence and create a page that just talks about focusing on a single affiliate marketing niche.  (Check out my page here and be sure to like it.)

You can build a massive online presence with Facbook.  The trick is to do three key things:

• Have a purpose for your FB page. (ie: Building an email list.)
• Post status updates which regularly engage followers about YOUR niche (1x – 2x a day.)
• Link to quality content in your network (ie: blog, YouTube, and podcasts.)

It’s easy to get zero results on Facebook.  That’s why it’s important to have a plan for what you want and stick to it!

Getting Started

Again, I’m not an expert on Facebook.  Actually I had to go out and buy a course from the guys at “Get 10,000 Fans” to learn how it works.   So far, I’ve learned an amazing amount of information from this course.  That’s why I recommend their new product: The Facebook Traffic System

[title color=”green-vibrant” align=”scmgccenter” font=”verdana” style=”normal” size=”scmgc-2em”]#9 – Google Plus[/title]

Google Plus is another social network site that can be leveraged for maximum traffic.  Like Twitter and Facebook, you get results by posting great content.  Or you’ll get ignored if you’re always linking to spammy/junk offers.

What’s great about Google Plus is it has seamless integration with Gmail.  This makes it easier to build a database of networking and guest post contacts (ideas #3 and #4.)   You can create “Circles” based on relationships and use them to stay in touch with your most important contacts.

You won’t get a huge amount of traffic from Google+ like you can with Facebook.  But it still gives you another avenue to reach a certain sector of your niche.

Getting Started

Brock Predovich offers a ton of content on his Google+ Decoded website.  He does have some paid information products, but his freebie content is also pretty awesome.   I recommend Brock’s videos and blueprints to learn how to maximize your Google Plus efforts.

[title color=”green-vibrant” align=”scmgccenter” font=”verdana” style=”normal” size=”scmgc-2em”] #10 – Pinterest[/title]

Pinterest is the last social site I’ll mention.   How is it different from the others?  Basically Pinterest is a photo driven social site that takes advantage of the growing trend around people responding to image-based offers.

As the web evolves, pictures have become an important part of storytelling.  With Pinterest you can get a lot of traffic simply by “Pinning” and uploading market-specific images.  The trick is to do it in a way that gets people’s attention.

Getting Started

I’m just getting started on Pinterest.  In fact, I opened my first account yesterday.  {So feel free to add me!}  I learned a lot about Pinterest from this blog post: Ultimate Guide to Pinterest.  Check it and start Pinning images that will attract the attention of your audience.

[title color=”green-vibrant” align=”scmgccenter” font=”verdana” style=”normal” size=”scmgc-2em”]#11 – YouTube [/title]

Okay, technically YouTube is part of Google.  So you’re still catering to the Big G!  With that said, YouTube is another strategy that can provide a flood of traffic.

The secret to YouTube is to create videos that provide strategies that people can immediately implement.  You don’t want to overwhelm people with too much content in each video.  Instead break up your video presentations and turn them into actionable content.

Here are a few tips:

• Keep it Simple.  Create short videos (2 to 3 minutes) about a single topic.
• Build a Brand.  Have a uniform style and intro/outro to each video.
• Ask for Shares.  It’s important to build up your social presence.  So ask for shares/comments/likes at the end of each video
• Include a Call to Action.  Give people a reason why they should check out your site {ie: a free report.}

Video marketing is an incredible way to drive traffic.  There are still plenty of opportunities to create a massive following on YouTube.

Sidebar: I’m currently re-launching my video channel.  My plan is to make it the #1 video channel on affiliate marketing.  The first video should be out in less than two weeks.  I’ll provide more details in a future post.

Getting Started:

My best advice is to study how other people market on YouTube.  Start by checking out these channels:

• Tyrone Shum
• Lisa Irby
• Paul Wolfe
• Six Pack Shortcuts
• How to Get a Girlfriend

All these channels have a unique way of presenting valuable information.  What makes each stand out is they provide a TON of free content and genuine value to the viewer.  Study each channel to see how they go about marketing their personal brand.

[title color=”green-vibrant” align=”scmgccenter” font=”verdana” style=”normal” size=”scmgc-2em”]#12- Amazon Kindle Publishing[/title]

With their Kindle technology, Amazon offers an amazing opportunity to make money while driving traffic back to a website.

The strategy that I’m currently testing is to publish low cost reports ($.99 to $2.99) that provide great content.  Then I include an offer for my free report throughout the product.  That way I’m building a list of proven buyers.

Frankly, I think the Kindle market is wide open – Especially if you provide great content.  Sadly, most publishers slap together junk content and think that will make people happy.

You can corner the market in any niche if you create a catalog of Kindle books that solve specific problems.  Think of each book like a massive blog post that provides great value.  It’s not too hard to crank out one of these books every month.  In a year, you’ll have 12 books that make money and drive traffic back to your email list.

Getting Started:

I’m currently working on my 2^nd Kindle eBook.  This will be released in a few weeks.  Till then, I recommend that you check out my article on how to make money with Amazon Kindle.  This post details the exact strategy I’m using to on Amazon.

[title color=”green-vibrant” align=”scmgccenter” font=”verdana” style=”normal” size=”scmgc-2em”]#13 – Email Old Subscribers  [/title]

One of the best ways to generate traffic is to use your email list.  What’s funny is many affiliate marketers never think about using their existing database to leverage the reach of new content.

My advice is to cycle subscribers through an autoresponder sequence that lasts at least a month.  After that, send them updates about any new content from your personal brand.

Getting Started:

There is a trick to cycling subscribers between autoresponders and broadcast messages.  This is especially true if you don’t want to overwhelm folks with too much content.

Check out my post on how to mix broadcast messages and autoresponders for more details.

[title color=”green-vibrant” align=”scmgccenter” font=”verdana” style=”normal” size=”scmgc-2em”]#14 – Podcasting[/title]

Podcasting is technically challenging and hard to do on a consistent basis.  Most people don’t podcast because of these two reasons.  That’s why there are plenty of opportunities with this traffic technique.

The best thing about podcasting is you’ll build a fiercely loyal audience.  Provide great content and listeners will stick around for years.  This makes it the most “sticky” of the traffic generation tactics that I’ve included on this list.

Getting Started

Sidebar: I’m in the process of starting my first podcast.  Right now, I’m consuming a ton of information about how to maximize this traffic strategy.  But I’m hoping to release my first episode sometime after my cross-country trip through the U.S. in the summer.  So I’m thinking sometime in September. 

During my research, I found an amazing resource on podcasting – Podcast Answer Man run by Cliff Ravenscraft.  What makes Cliff so awesome is he provides access to 250+ free podcasts on his site.    {He’s a great example of how to build a successful brand by giving away everything.}

Download his episodes and you’ll get an amazing education on podcasting.

[title color=”green-vibrant” align=”scmgccenter” font=”verdana” style=”normal” size=”scmgc-2em”]Traffic Generation in 2012 (and Beyond)[/title]

The Google Penguin update is yet another reminder that you can’t build an affiliate marketing business with weak content.  It’s also proven that you can’t rely on the search engines as your #1 source of traffic.

To achieve success in affiliate marketing you need to provide awesome content.  You use this content to attract attention and build a loyal audience.  From there, you can make money by recommending offers that provide real value.

I listed fourteen traffic generation strategies in this post.  Each is designed around giving great content that people love.  There are no shortcuts here.  It’s 2012.  No longer is it possible to create thin articles and expect to succeed.

Well, that’s it for this edition of the Traffic and Conversion Series.  As you see, I’m implementing a lot of strategies moving forward.  So be sure to check out the July post to see how things are coming along.

Comments?  Suggestions?  Questions?

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