Many bloggers struggle with driving organic traffic to their blog. In fact, low traffic and low engagement are two top reasons bloggers give up on their websites. So how can you send more organic traffic to build an audience, and keep you motivated?

There are two main ways to generate real traffic to your website. The first is by increasing awareness of your blog, by exposing it to a larger audience. The second is by building a community of repeat-visitors.

Increasing Exposure & Awareness

By increasing exposure, bloggers let their potential audience know the blog exists, and what it may provide. This may range from providing information, to entertainment, to advertising services.

Bloggers can boost awareness for their brand by:

• Posting new blog posts on a regular basis
• Guest-blogging on more popular websites
• Sharing their blog posts on social media, especially if they have a large following
• Advertising via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Google Ads
• Employing SEO Tactics
• Asking people (family, friends, and even strangers) in person, to check out their blog

Building a Community

Once you’ve attracted a large influx of visitors, the next goal is to keep them coming back by building a community. This will create repeat-visitors with little or no prompt from you, in the future.

Creating a community requires a two-way street for communication. To do this, you will need to find a way to reach your audience, and spark genuine conversations. You may choose to use the comments section of your blog, social media, or email. Take an interest in what your followers have been up to, and use your knowledge of their interests and preferences to shape the content you publish.

I once took a 5-day trip to New England, just because one of my readers suggested it. When I blogged about it, I acknowledged and thanked her for the suggestion, and added a link to her website. That proved to her; and other readers, that I am paying attention and take their comments and suggestions seriously.

Obviously, taking a trip based on a reader’s suggestion is a big investment, but there are plenty of smaller ways to show you’re listening. Readers will almost always make suggestions when you engage them. Apply what you can.

—

Increasing organic traffic to your blog can sometimes feel like rocket science, but it doesn’t have to be. My personal blog brings in up to 64,000+ views in a month, and so can yours. If you need professional assistance with reaching that goal and higher, email us to get started.

About the Author

Alexis Chateau is the Founder and Managing Director at Alexis Chateau PR. She is an activist, writer, and explorer. Follow her stories of trial and triumph at www.alexischateau.com.