Directing Traffic

Many small business and self employed individuals rely greatly upon websites for sales of products and services.  Although it is generally understood that having online presence is necessary for success, many people also struggle with actually generating the traffic that is needed to keep a business running.  With websites that actually conduct ecommerce, it is important to make sure that the shopping process is not only easy to navigate, but is also attracting customers.  This can be compared to a brick and mortar store, where getting consumers through the door is the first step in making sales.

It can be a good idea to test out a new website.  This can include checking functionality for the check out process and navigation, but also seeing if the headlines are eye-catching, and if building a client base with capture information is easy and prominent.  Once these fundamentals have been addressed, actually driving traffic to the site is the next area of focus.

One of the most financially viable options is to use pay-per-click ads.  This will generate prominence on search engines, and also allow for an evaluation of metrics through keyword hits.  With this information, keyword optimization and content may be used to gain better search ratings with free engines.  Content will also help drive customers by offering information and engagement that distinguishes the website from other similar pages on the internet.

Social media advertising and email newsletters are another way to generate better connections.  This can include promotions on different feeds that will be further passed along by word of mouth.  These connections can often lead to an organic marketing drive by linking the sales sites with related topics.  Free ads can also be used by forging professional relationships with other websites, and this helps support internet commerce in general.  Affiliate programs can give greater visibility as well, and with a set commission, a number of online pages will run ads for the storefront.