Sure is quiet out there.
I mean seriously, with a gabillion people online these days, wouldn’t a few even accidentally stumble across your website?
Isn’t it statistically impossible (or at least, improbable) that you should have so little traffic to this darn blog that you’ve spent hours coaxing into existence, one precious post at a time?
What? Offline rejection isn’t enough, now writers have to be rebuffed online, too?
Don’t be discouraged, dear writer, help is on the way!
Building traffic can take time. It’s not always easy to find the people who are interested in your topic and receptive to your point of view, your voice and your style.
Plus, you also need to consider the “share-potential” of your audience. Do your readers have large followings on social networks like Twitter and Facebook? Or better, do they have their own blogs or websites?
Or does your audience (or potential audience) have small networks of the usual suspects: friends, family and a few peers?
Be careful when comparing your growth with the internet gurus. If your target audience isn’t bloggers, businesses or online entrepreneurs, the share-potential of your readers will be much lower – and your growth, therefore, may be much slower.
Consider changing your goal from quickly growing your traffic, to focusing on ensuring that the traffic you are attracting is right for your author blog. You want the traffic you funnel to your site to be targeted, invested and closely aligned with your way of thinking.
And the results you seek – increased book sales, a supportive community, authority and influence in your genre or niche – are not *necessarily* linked to high traffic numbers.
To achieve those results, you must remember that it’s not traffic or “the numbers” that are most important, but building relationships with people that value what you have to say and how you say it. (Although highly targeted traffic + big numbers = the holy grail 
)
The more targeted the traffic you draw to your site, the better your chances of turning visitors into fans.
I Know You Want it, But Are You Ready for a Surge in Traffic?
Attracting the right people to your author website is important, but a key ingredient in exponential traffic growth is retaining as many of those readers as possible.
If you don’t stop the leaks, you end up spending a lot more time and resources than you need to.
Therefore there are two components to “getting more traffic”: ready your website and social media outposts to receive visitors AND draw the “right” people to your site. (Tweet this idea!)
You’ll need to focus on both to begin seeing an increase in traffic and to start growing your fan base.
Optimize Your Website, Profiles and Content to Receive Visitors
Before you start
desperately
eagerly looking for ways to funnel more visitors back to your site, follow the next several tips to ensure that you are fully prepared and equipped to receive your visitors gracefully.
1. Your Domain Name and Blog Title Require Some Forethought
Choose your domain name carefully. Having the same blog title and domain name is good for SEO as well as it makes it simpler for people to find you.
In most cases, fiction authors should use their name (you’re building a brand and online presence around you, not just one book), and non-fiction authors should ensure their domain and blog title are descriptive, relevant and clear.
Avoid difficult spelling, dashes, numbers or words that can have more than one spelling. The easier your domain is to remember, the better.
2. Streamline Your Site Design
Site design is essential for building trust, authority and credibility. People judge books – and websites – by their cover, so focus on designing a beautiful, functional and professional looking website.
A quality look, combined with quality content will lead to a positive user experience which means readers will spend more time on your site and view more pages per visit.
The simplest (and least expensive) way to achieve a professional design is by purchasing a premium template and making some small tweaks to reflect your brand style.
Ensure the template you choose “fits” with your theme and content, allows you to easily incorporate email opt-in forms, and is accessible and easily viewable across a range of devices (responsive design).
3. Tweak Your About Page Copy
Don’t confuse your visitors’ interest in you, with their interest in what you can do for them. It may seem like a subtle difference, but your traffic will increase when you make it abundantly clear what your readers will gain from visiting your site.
4. Prioritize Calls-to-Action
Determine exactly what you want your visitors to do when they get to your site.
Simplify your menu, clean up your sidebar and give one or two calls to action per page. Too many options leads to confusion or overwhelm, so limit the amount of scrolling and clicking that’s required before your reader finds what they’re looking for.
Decide the priority of your content or calls-to-action (email sign up, book purchase, share content, etc.), and lead readers in that direction.
5. Make Sharing a No-Brainer
To help your work spread, create share-worthy content and make it dead-simple for people to share it with their networks.
Add tweetable quotes with click to tweet, add the Pin It button to your post images and choose a social media share plugin (I use DiggDigg) to encourage those who are enjoying your content to spread the word.
6. Focus Your Content and Target the “Right” Audience
Remember, you’re not looking for just any audience, you’re looking for YOUR audience. The traffic you drive to your author website will (hopefully) be targeted, but there will still be some “weeding out” once visitors hit your site.
Some of the traffic you drive to your site will not be transfixed by your literary savvy, some will quickly opt out of your email list and some might even leave unpleasant commentary in your comments section or your inbox.
You can’t be all things to all people, and by offering specific, detailed and highly valuable content to a particular group, you are necessarily excluding other groups whose ideas and interests don’t align with your message and content.
This is okay! Be exclusive. Focus on becoming the must-read resource of your future readers and fans.
7. Write Compelling Headlines
Think of a headline as your post’s book cover. If your headline isn’t irresistible, your post goes unread.
Headlines can make or break your post; readers will use your headline to determine whether or not reading your article is worth their time. If it doesn’t draw them in, pique their interest or offer a clear benefit, you’re out of luck.
And, keep in mind that search engines also “read” your headlines, so deftly adding a keyword into the mix is also a good idea.
8. Increase Your Use of Quality Images
Visuals catch our eye and anchor our attention. Much like headlines, images draw readers in.
By incorporating images and graphics that add to the content, you can not only improve the engagement of your readers, but you can generate another traffic source via image search as well.
Add your post title and url in your blog post images and include a watermark (with your logo and url), for when they’re pinned or shared.
Note: be careful with copyright and giving proper attribution for images that are not your own.
9. Create Content for the “Overindulged”
Getting your content ready for crowds of online visitors requires some attention to detail.
People’s communication and consumption habits are evolving as we struggle to manage the deluge of information that is now accessible at any time, and anywhere.
Attention spans are practically non-existent, mobile is taking over, and we’ve developed a “Diva complex”, where we want, what we want, when we want it.
So, to maintain engagement, mix photos, videos, and other visuals into your written posts, and format for scanners (use subheadings, bullet points, bolded text to highlight key points). Stick to a conversational tone, skip the jargon and don’t forget to check spelling and grammar.
To ensure that people can find your site when they search for your name, your book titles or a related topic, do keyword research to target terms and phrases your audience is typing into search engines.
SEO optimized posts – over time – will help move your content up in search engine results. (And believe me, the Diva’s are not looking past page one of the search engine results page!)
10. Research the Competition
There are oodles of ways to
stalk
do some friendly recon on other writers and influencers in your genre or niche.
One quick way to get some insight into what’s working is to use BuzzSumo to discover the social performance of your “competitors” sites and content. This allows you to quickly identify what topics are resonating with their readers (and the readers you seek). Emulate that kind of content to draw readers to your site.
11. Spread Some Serious Link Love
Even the highest profile writers and bloggers are looking for more traffic, more attention for their work and for more ways to get their ideas to spread.
So, when it’s relevant to do so, link to authority sites in your articles. Try post round ups, a listing of your favourite author sites, or reference particular posts that enhance or clarify points made in your posts (make sure to send those you reference a quick email to let them know about it).
Frequently reference your own posts as well (internal links). This will help draw people in and keep them on your site longer, while at the same time sending a signal to search engines about those posts.
And if other writers, bloggers or influencers have already linked to your site, THANK THEM! They obviously enjoy what you have to offer, so make sure they know you appreciate the mention.
12. Connect Your Social Media Profiles (and All Online Content) to Your Blog
Include your blog’s URL on all your profile pages: Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Flickr, LinkedIn, Pinterest, etc.
Add a watermark (name and website URL) on any photos or graphics you create and if you upload videos to your YouTube channel, make sure to add a link to your website in the description below the video.
Tie everything you produce online back to your blog.
13. Foster a Sense of Community
Build your “tribe”.
People like to be a part of something that’s worthwhile, so encourage your visitors to weigh in and speak their minds.
Stimulate conversation by implementing a robust commenting system and respond thoughtfully to any comments.
Provide the ground rules for participation, and make it clear that your community supports a safe and respectful environment for people to share their thoughts and opinions.
For more on building a powerful and engaged audience, check out this Slideshare presentation:
7 Core Elements to Building a Powerful and Engaged Audience for Your Book from Kimberley Grabas
14. Install Google Analytics and Learn to Interpret the Results
If you don’t consider yourself very technically inclined, even the term “Google Analytics” sounds intimidating, right?
But it just so happens to be one of those extremely useful tools that – once you try it – you wonder why you waited so long to implement. (Here’s a super helpful walkthrough of how to get set up: How to Install Google Analytics in WordPress for Beginners)
An invaluable source of data on almost every aspect of your site, Google Analytics will help you determine who visits your site and when, which sources refer high quality targeted traffic, and what posts and pages are most popular.
Interpreting the data gleaned from your analytics will help shape the direction of your content and promotional plans going forward.
15. Maximize Limited Time by Creating a Content Calendar
There is much debate in the blogosphere about how often you should be posting new content to bring in the most traffic.
It used to be that the more you post, the more traffic you could expect. Nowadays, posting schedules seem to be considerably more flexible and much more dependant on individual audiences.
If you’re a superstar, and can pound out content five+ days per week that is highly relevant and engaging to your audience AND can be comfortably and willingly consumed by said audience – go for it!
For the rest of us mere mortals, a regular and consistent posting schedule of your best stuff once a weakfish, works just fine.
It’s much better to ensure quality content then just to post to meet the schedule (but also important to push a little outside your comfort zone).
The best way I’ve found to effectively use limited “online-presence-building” time, is to create a content calendar. By mapping out a few weeks (or better, a few months) worth of post topics at a time, you rarely find yourself staring at your computer, wondering what to write about.
Driving Targeted Readers to Your Site
Now that your website and content are optimized to not only catch, but direct traffic down the appropriate paths, it’s time to open the faucet!
16. Build Up Your Social Media Profiles
Build your author brand by filling out your profiles to the fullest extent, linking back to your website, staying consistent with brand colours and photos, and sharing content that your readership will find valuable.
Choose a careful combination of platforms where your potential audience is active AND that you actually enjoy using. It will take time to build up a network, so don’t choose a platform you find frustrating or painful to interact on.
Start following industry influencers, connectors and the followers of those writers and bloggers who have the audience you seek. Share other people’s content (they’ll notice), share your own content, and start or encourage interesting conversations that go deeper into your topic or genre.
Be social, be authentic, and work towards gaining trust rather than racking up your follower count.
17. Become an Authority on Your Topic or Genre
You can gain authority by not only sharing your expertise, but by curating and sharing the expertise, insights and opinions of others in your field.
Cite influencers (and @mention) when you share their work on social media or reference them in your post. The more you share other people’s content, the more likely they are to share, Retweet or reference your content (because it increases their authority).
Actively participate in groups or forums, answer questions, and engage with your readers.
Write book a book or a guide. Yep, still one of the best ways to build authority!
18. Join Industry Facebook and LinkedIn Groups
LinkedIn is a valuable publishing platform in its own right. Post content to LinkedIn to boost traffic as well as increase your profile within your industry. Join groups relevant to your genre and offer valuable advice, ask relevant questions, and share thoughtful opinions. Be careful to adhere to the group rules when/if posting links to your work or website.
Join or consider starting a genre or niche specific Facebook group where members can ask questions and get support. Point them to additional resources and – when relevant – posts on your site.
19. Benefit From Blog Commenting
If you’re not already an avid reader and thoughtful commenter of other blogs in your genre, then it’s time to get started.
Reading what other writers and industry influencers are sharing on your topic, as well as “listening” to the questions, concerns and feedback that they are receiving from their readers is a golden research – and relationship building – opportunity .
Determine the communities and blogs where your readers already gather. Listen, answer questions and participate by adding your own insights and ideas.
Remarkable comments stand out – both to readers and to blog owners. Blog readers may click on your link to find out more (increasing blog traffic and your own site’s visibility), and relationships with blog owners can be made that may lead to future traffic (a popular blog Retweeting your post, or guest blogging opportunities).
20. Join Blogging and Writing Communities
Aside from social media groups, there are numerous online and offline writing communities that you can build connections with.
Do a Google search for writer’s groups, guilds or retreats to see if anything pique’s your interest. Search for groups specific to your topic or genre, and look for local groups or meet ups.
Networking with other writers in your community, as well as cross-promoting your work and your website with others, will give you access to new audiences and help grow traffic to your site.
21. Discover the Power of Guest Posting
Guest posting is one of THE best ways – particularly when you’re just starting out – to spread awareness of your author brand to new audiences.
It allows you to “share” the audience of a more popular site, generate links and references back to your author website (which helps your search engine rankings), and often gives a you a big boost in traffic for a few days after the post goes live (the better you’ve done at optimizing your website above, the more of these new visitors you’ll retain).
You draw new readers to your site, those readers benefit from fresh, relevant content, and you build contacts with other bloggers and writers in your niche. Win, win, win!
22. Set Up Google Alerts
Sometimes increasing your traffic requires a little spy work.
Setting up Google Alerts for your name, the name of your site, book names and so on, will help you to track who’s talking about you and what they’re saying.
Use this intel to follow up with a thank you, or to open the door for a more formal introduction.
No idea what Google Alerts are or how to benefit from them? Here you go:
Google Alerts: How to Leverage Google Alerts "Intel" to Build Your Writer Platform from Kimberley Grabas
23. Get Quoted
Get some free publicity by answering a HARO query. Help a Reporter Out (HARO) is a website that allows you to showcase your expertise in your respective field by responding to journalist queries on your topic.
Establish relationships with reporters and other potential industry collaborators. A good relationship with a few journalists is worth a thousand press releases.
Your efforts could result in significant referral traffic, increased authority and high quality links back to your site.
For more, read Copyblogger’s 109 Ways to Make Your Business Irresistible to the Media.
24. Use Back of Book Call to Actions
A reader has just read your book from cover to cover. Their engagement level is high and they’re most likely looking for more.
Do not waste the opportunity to help your reader to more of what you have to offer!
Capitalize on your reader’s interest by providing a link to your website (your home page, or your books’ summary and sales page), and to your email list where they can grab a super relevant and enticing opt-in incentive or bonus offer.
25. Increase Your Email Subscribers
One of the most important investments you can make toward the growth of your writing career (and your website traffic) is to start building an email list of like-minded and eager supporters.
Don’t assume that even those that love your site will find their way back again. Most won’t, and that represents a huge loss in opportunity.
Grow your audience and community and then ensure you’re contacting them regularly with highly valuable and interesting content.
Email your list when you post a new article, create an autoresponder series that directs subscribers to additional resources and pillar posts on your blog or create a newsletter that your audience will clamour for.
Use your list to gather intel and feedback, ask questions, give surveys – discover your readers’ pain points or what they’d love to hear more about. Then give it to them!
Draw people to your site by creating a stellar opt-in incentive, and offer “member only” content. Build a community and make it exclusive.
Don’t forget to add a signature to your outgoing emails, promoting your blog or most recent post.
26. Attend and Host Events (Both Online and Off)
There is a repeating theme when it comes to generating traffic to your site: build relationships before you need them.
In-person meetings, offline events, speaking engagements, clubs, mastermind groups, conferences and so on, are all hot beds of opportunity. You never know who you are going to meet that may be the catalyst for your career expansion.
By working on these relationships now – before you desperately need them – you have the time to cultivate friendships and business partnerships that are authentic and mutually beneficial. You’ll have earned the right to ask for a favour, instead of having to beg for one.
Attending events may lead to guest post opportunities, increased traffic and shares, and even business tips and ideas. Hosting events, including contests and giveaways, blog carnivals, launch parties, webinars and training seminars will also grow traffic and extend your influence.
27. Include Your Website on All Marketing Materials
You would think that this would be an obvious one, but adding your website URL to EVERYTHING you use to market yourself and your work is often overlooked – particularly with offline marketing materials.
Double check that your author website URL is clearly printed on any bookmarks, postcards, flyers, business cards, or handouts and encourage people to head to your website for more.
You could add the URL for your email sign up, and entice people even more by boldly advertising your opt-in freebie.
(Do also add your contact info, like your email address or phone number. You want to remove as much friction as possible, and make it super simple for people to get the information they need to make the decision to buy.)
28. Promote, Promote and Promote Some More
This tip actually deserves a post of its own, since content promotion is as important to your success as creating the remarkable content itself. (Tweet this!)
But for now, here are a few ways to get your content into the hands of your audience:
The more relevant and highly valuable your content is perceived to be, the more likely it is to spread. Knowing your audience well is critical to creating content that resonates.
Optimize your older content by updating it, linking to it from newer posts, promote it again on social media, or add additional content and visuals.
Try your hand at crafting highly shareable infographics. If your ideas can be represented in visual form, infographics can help your ideas spread.
Find the post types (list post, video post, response post, landmark post) that work best with your readership. Mix it up and try new things (evergreen or pillar articles vs. timely or trendy articles) to see what drives more traffic to your site.
Develop a series or a 30 day challenge to capture and hold attention, as well as encourage participation.
Add your input to popular conversations in your genre; what’s a hot topic right now? Shoot a quick email to the blogger or writer your post references; they may link to you or share your viewpoint.
If your post is highly relevant to a particular group or organization, send them an email to let them know about it.
Curate the best of the best in your niche. When you publish the top or the “best of” in a a field, everyone who is ranked highly shares and links to it (again, make sure to let them know that you’ve featured them).
The key to good promotion: write great content and let the right people know about it. Remember that social media, email and the connections you’ve made to this point can all help you maximize the reach of your fabulous content.
29. Have You Heard About This Little Video-Sharing Site Called YouTube?
With 1 billion users and over 6 billion hours of video watched per month on YouTube, you may want to consider ways that you can utilize video in your posts (and in your overall marketing strategy).
YouTube is an excellent way to grab and hold your audience’s attention and boost traffic.
It also allows you to reach a different subset of your market that written posts alone may not reach.
Of course, it’s not as simple as just slapping up a video and BOOM – you’re internet famous. For additional YouTube conquering strategies, here’s my favourite YouTube “how-to” guy, James Wedmore.
30. Partner and Collaborate
“Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.”
~ Martin Luther King Jr.
Many of the tips above have included networking or working in collaboration with others to help boost traffic, but I do think partnering with other writers and professionals deserves its own section.
Joint product creation (including courses, offline training and guides), co-writing projects, webinars or teleseminars, interviews, co-hosting podcasts, virtual book or blog tours, affiliate promotions and sales, working with charities or other organizations – all can have a significant impact on the growth of your traffic and writing business.
Partnering allows you to share audiences, cross-promote products and services, and develop content that you may not have been able to produce on your own.
31. Paid Advertising
This may be considered a more advanced traffic building strategy, with the return on investment somewhat more variable for each individual author than the previous tips.
Authors have experienced mixed results when it comes to determining the success of their paid promotional campaigns, so it’s up to you to test and validate whether this particular strategy fits with your traffic generation goals.
Here are two articles – one looking at the positive experiences of a group of authors paying for advertising or book promotion, and one covering some of the negative aspects:
Book Marketing Using Paid Advertising (Part 1) – The Good News
Book Marketing Using Paid Advertising (Part 2) – The Bad News
And here’s another interesting post on paid advertising that raises some questions you should consider for determining gain vs. costs.
Over to You
If you’ve been struggling for awhile to increase traffic to an eerily quiet blog – hang in there!
By implementing even a few of these tips, you’ll find that your audience will start to build, one happy fan at a time.
Create an experience for your readers that makes it difficult NOT to share.
And if you have seen some growth in your site traffic recently, please share a few of your tips below in the comments. If you’ve tried any of the above, what were your results?
Original photos by David Marcu and Carli Jean via Unsplash