With the popularity of social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn growing over the last few years, more and more people are using Social Media to communicate. In fact, many consumers turn to these sites to find products and services, as well as, to get opinions from others.
Here are 10 Ways that your business can use Social Media to increase online traffic to your website:
1. Share Blogs on Social Media Sites
The absolute best way for business owners to drive traffic to their websites by using Social Media networks is through blogs. Essentially, blogs are similar to regular articles, but they are written from the author’s perspective, and they usually welcome comments. Add new blog posts frequently and link to these on Social Media networks.
2. Update Statuses Frequently
One of the best social networking strategies involves updating statuses frequently, but not frequently enough to put off visitors. Daily updates are generally sufficient, and they should inform consumers of any new products, sales or information that is related to the company.
3. Build Backlink Relationships
It is very common for small business owners to backlink to one another’s Social Media profiles as a form of free and complementary advertising. For instance, a business that sells pet products may choose to offer consumers a link for pet boarding, and the pet boarding company may return the favor. These agreements are usually pre-arranged.
4. Hold Advertising Campaigns
Business owners should hold frequent online advertising campaigns in order to get more website traffic. As an example, a business owner can offer consumers the chance to win a free product or a significant discount once their Facebook page has so many ‘likes.’ The drawing should be held as promised, and the name should be chosen randomly from among people who have ‘liked’ the page.
5. Promote Other Small Businesses
Social Media networks are fantastic ways to promote other small businesses, so it may also be helpful for business owners to start a thread in which another business can post updates and links to promote their business. As a whole, the participants in the thread will gain exposure to other companies that offer products and services they desire.
6. Post Photos
Photos are always a great way to increase consumer interest in products, so it is important for business owners to post them on Social Media frequently. Some great times to do this include when a new product is added to a line, when a blog post is about a particular product, or when a certain product or service goes on sale.
7. Get Consumer Opinions
Consumers want to know that their opinions matter, so asking for opinions on items or services on a Social Media network can work wonderfully. When a pet store owner is thinking of adding a new product, for example, they can post a photo of the product and a brief description, and then, ask consumers if they would be interested in purchasing it if the business chooses to stock it.
8. Guest Blogging
Guest blogging is another phenomenal Social Media Strategy that can cause a sharp increase in the number of website visitors. Essentially, business owners form agreements with popular bloggers in which the guest blogger will write a positive review about a product or service, either for a cash payment or a free product. Then, the blogger allows the business owner to link back to the blog on their Social Media pages.
9. Word of Mouth Advertising
Social Media is a huge venue for word-of-mouth advertising, and business owners should capitalize on this in any way possible. Owners can ask customers to ‘like’ their Facebook pages or include their name in a ‘Tweet’ when they are satisfied with their products or services. They can also offer prizes for those who mention the business name in Facebook or Twitter comments and updates.
10. Article Marketing
Article Marketing and Social Media networking go together like salt and pepper. Consumers want information, and well-written, short, informative articles are just the way to deliver. The articles should be related to the industry’s niche, located on the company’s website or an article marketing site, and then linked via a Social Media network.
These ten ideas are some of the best and most cost-effective ways to advertise online with the help of Social Media. Businesses can truly thrive when they make the most out of the available opportunities, increasing their online presence and driving online traffic to their website.
