Comment posted on 5 Traffic Generation Strategies I Stay Away From by Max West
Seriously, there is no magic wand for pulling in more traffic. I was taught basic stuff like giving out business cards and putting my URL on everything from email signatures to fliers to postcards to my products. I was also taught to comment on other people’s blogs with genuine input as opposed to “Great Post!”
When it comes to driving in more traffic, you have to be careful of things that sound too good to be true. I still get offers in my email with promises like “get submitted to 500 search engines for only $1″ or “get 10,000 visitors for just 19.95″. Of course, we know better. 
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I have to admit that sometimes the Internet and its vast resources have been a distraction to me too. Nobody’s perfect. But still, you are very right. It’s important to make time for blogging and resist those distractions…even if it isn’t easy. - Traffic Generation Step by Step: So You Published a New Post, Now What?
This is handy! I never even thought of some of these before. In fact, I already made use of Pingomatic. - Promote Yourself: More About You & Your Business
I’m an up-and-coming cartoonist who wants to promote his series, Sunnyville Stories. I’ve only recently been studying marketing and this looks like a neat blog to get tips on. Thanks for commenting.
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I am a wife to a great husband of 13 years (here ya go, now I have to make changes to this sentence once a year), a mother to a beautiful and, no doubt, genius little girl, and a successful internet entrepreneur. I also devoted my life to Jesus Christ many years ago, and He remains my true priority, focus, and hope.
{ 51 comments }
Hey Ana, I agree completely with your list of wasted time traffic sources. I just discovered your blog, thanks to my good buddy Ray Higdon. Your content is great.
Thanks,
Randy
Randy Davis´s last blog ..Success in 2011
Welcome to my blog, Randy - and thanks to Ray for introducing us.
Hope to see more of you around.
Ana
Hey Ana,
Great list. It’s all about finding what works for you, what resonates with your personality, skills, time and budget.
Trying to implement all strategies available is not smart at all - you’ll become jack of all trades, master of none! If you identify those that don’t work, then stay away from them as you have shown in this post.
I get incredible results from Google Adwords but it’s becoming increasingly difficult these days. This is one strategy that one needs to master before diving into it. Once the budget is depleted, the ads stop, you are back to square one
Thanks for sharing.
Mavis
Mavis Nong~Attraction Marketing Online´s last blog ..Blog Traffic – Are The Famous Forums Dying
I’m definitely stay away from any paid traffic. There’s so much ways to get traffic and for FREE. You just have to be creative in the way you plan things.
I’ve been posting in forums and it’s actually given me great results. It’s true that it’s very time consuming but I don’t mind. I’ll take what I can get as long as I can improve my blog overall growth.
Good Post Ana!
Kevin´s last blog ..What’s Your Favorite Web Hosting Service – Hostgator Review
Nice list, but i find that the traffic exchange methods do not really provide much quality traffic.
Victor´s last blog ..2GB Free Online File Storage with DropBox
That’s exactly my point, Victor; that’s why the post is titled “strategies to stay away from.”
I appreciate the comment, but have a feeling you didn’t pay much attention to the post itself.
Ana
What uuuuuup Ana?
I am so glad I came across your blog.
I am currently carrying out ‘operation get a hell of a lot traffic to my blog’ and am fairly new to the game. I keep hearing differing opinions. This post has helped clarify some gray areas. Thanks for sharing and I look forward to having a wee rummage around your blog.
bLAZE yOUR tRAIL
First time on my blog and I am already in love with your personality, Ryan. Definitely woke me up!
My blog is your blog; took me 5 months to start getting this much traffic to it and I write all about it on a daily basis.
Welcome and give me a shout if you need anything.
Ana
Hi Ana,
thanks for sharing your insights. Apart from TrafficExchanges, I didn’t try any of these - and I don’t intend to do so. I ended up hating those TrafficExchanges, but I know reliable people who sponsored awesome people into their businesses.
Whatever traffic generation we pursue we have to know what we’re doing - absolutely right. But we also have to have the right attitude. I hated this TrafficEchange stuff after 5 minutes - and I followed through for weeks and months. Doomed to fail after 5 minutes due to the wrong attitude.
Take care
Oliver
Oliver Tausend´s last blog ..Your Life Is Like An Apple
Hello Oliver,
Great point. Right attitude is indeed very important to succeed in anything you wanted to do. If before starting a business you are already pessimistic about it, then it will never succeed so why bother to do it in the first place. So before making a decision and jumping to any opportunity, let’s check ourselves first.
Thanks for a wonderful comment,
Ana
Ana Hoffman´s last blog ..5 Traffic Generation Strategies I Stay Away From
i hate classifieds ads, huh they give only spam traffic
Praveen@Techperk´s last blog ..13 Less known benefits of Guest Blogging
Yes you are right Praveen. A lot of times they really do.
Ana
WTH, are you reading my blog? LOL
Forums: I recently posted two on forum marketing. It IS still viable, you just have to search the good forums, and stick to just a couple….become a useful regular.
Classified ads: I have a drafted post going to be republished asking if you think they are any good…I hope you catch it.
Buying traffic: I lost a net friend over this discussion; she owned one of them businesses.
Exchanges: Viable if done right, seriously. The main problem is folks try to sell; no no. a good freebie in the proper niche and you’ll have traffic out the ears. lol
PPC: As Dana said right up top, use it just for readers and lose all your money. Use it towards an affiliate landing page, and you’re good…..I personally haven’t tried it yet, but my sources are solid.
Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing´s last blog ..Link Roundups – How Many Links is Too Many Links
I was in traffic exchange and yes, you are right that the traffic is suck. For PPC, I think it is not for traffic but for selling.
Dana @ Cell Phone Reviews´s last blog ..Samsung’s Bada OS
Hi Dana,
Yes, PPC is definitely more for selling.
Thanks for stopping by,
Ana
Ana Hoffman´s last blog ..5 Traffic Generation Strategies I Stay Away From
Interesting post Ana, I do not know if I would tell people to stay away but i would tell them what I am doing. Great post here girl. Thanks A million for sharing.
Kareem Williams´s last blog ..Successful Article Marketing Tips- I am giving it to you “MLM Style”
Hello Kareem,
Yes good approach Kareem.
Thanks for coming,
Ana
Ana Hoffman´s last blog ..5 Traffic Generation Strategies I Stay Away From
Hi Ana Hoffman.
I’m learning something today and thanks to you. One more source of traffic that I think that we must stay away from is the junk traffic from autosurf. What say you?
*Sorry if this is off topic. I have a layout almost similar to yours but I don’t know how to make the first post short without the code “more”. May I know how to create the latest post/feature post like yours on Thesis please. =) Merry Christmas!
Naz´s last blog ..Latest GoDaddy Coupon Code
Of course I think that autosurfing is entirely out of the question, when it comes down to quality traffic, Naz.
As to your second question, it’s hard to tell without seeing your blog.
On my blog, the first post is a “feature” under Thesis theme and the rest are “teasers”. Maybe you didn’t set your first post to show up as a feature?
You can do that in Thesis Design Options.
Ana
Seriously, there is no magic wand for pulling in more traffic. I was taught basic stuff like giving out business cards and putting my URL on everything from email signatures to fliers to postcards to my products. I was also taught to comment on other people’s blogs with genuine input as opposed to “Great Post!”
When it comes to driving in more traffic, you have to be careful of things that sound too good to be true. I still get offers in my email with promises like “get submitted to 500 search engines for only $1″ or “get 10,000 visitors for just 19.95″. Of course, we know better.
Max West´s last blog ..Sunnyville Stories Episode 1- pages 15-16
Hello Max,
You are so right about things that sounds too good to be true. We really need to be careful on that one.
Thanks for the additional input,
Ana
“So get some clicks to your site, big deal. They are from people who are as desperate and as stupid as you are. They are not buyers, they are not interested in your content or you. They just don’t know any better.”
Ana!! Brilliant! When I first started out, I thought TE’s were the answer to all my issues! They are a major waste of time and VERY time consuming in my opinion anyways. Absolutely right on with that one!
Lisa´s last blog ..The One Question Every Blogger Should Ask Themselves
Hello Lisa,
I’m glad you got my point on this. I just want bloggers to spend their time wisely by not wasting it with strategies that will not give them solid traffic.
Thanks for the comment,
Ana
Ana Hoffman´s last blog ..5 Traffic Generation Strategies I Stay Away From
Ana, I have used many marketing strategies, and while I have seen decent results with PPC - it is becoming increasingly difficult - and at times frustrating. I truly believe it - as with any marketing strategy is only as good as the marketer and the ability to resonate with the person who has reached your ad.
The PPC campaigns I have up at the moment only have few keywords, hence get little exposure unless of course my potential partner is targeting almost the exact phrase. I have found this helps with the “PPC bounce rate”… which of course costs you more than a blog bounce rate by a huge and painful stretch!! LOL
I truly believe that polishing your organic marketing skills is where it’s at, and I so appreciate all of the valuable lessons you so generously share. It’s work… but at the end of the day, once you find something that works well, it pays to stick with it and not spread yourself too thin on the less valuable methods.
I did not know about forums and classifieds being low impact… it’s good to know.
Thanks so much Ana. ~Jayne~
Jayne Kopp´s last blog ..Do You Make a Difference
Hi Jayne,
That’s exactly my point. PPC did worked before, but now it’s not a good idea to start with this method. When you already got great traffic generating methods then stick with it.
All the best,
Ana
Although a newbie, I have already learned that these strategies are mostly useless.
They might bring in a link or two, but sure won’t bring any traffic.
So I am also avoiding them.
I like your suggestion about choosing one strategy and learning everything about it. I haven’t given it a thought that way.
I will have to think of the one that will work good for me and focus on it.
Thanks for the idea!
Brankica @ Italy travel´s last blog ..Site Build It! review – How to build business with the right tools
That’s the spirit Brankica. Learn what will work for you and focus on it.
Thanks for coming,
Ana
Mastering one strategy until it produces traffic and leads on a daily basis is the best advice any new or struggling marketer could ever take from your post Ana.
As simple and common sense as this is, it can also be one of the most challenging directives for people to follow.
It was for me when I first started online so I had to learn the hard way but learn I did!
~Marcus
Marcus Baker@network marketing Internet business´s last blog ..Internet Marketing – Curse or Godsend for new Network Marketers
Hi Marcus,
Thanks for coming again. Nice to see you and your comment in my blog. Yes it can be challenging, but its worth the time especially when you can already see the result.
All the best,
Ana
Ana Hoffman´s last blog ..5 Traffic Generation Strategies I Stay Away From
Forum posting, what a nightmare.
Nice list. Traffic is something we all crave and for good reason, we need it.
Setting a clear plan of where you intend to get your traffic from and more to the point what kind of traffic you want to get is much more beneficial. Creating this plan, learning the traffic generating method may take a while, but it will pay off in the end.
I learn most of my traffic building ideas right here on this blog, so thank you very much
Chat soon
Dwayne
Dwayne Huggins@How To make Money Blogging´s last blog ..Want To Know How To Get Your Blog Ranked In The Top 20-000 In The World In Just 6 Months
Hey Dwayne,
Yes you’re right about creating a plan. That is a very wise idea. We need to invest our precious time and effort in traffic generating methods that will provide us with quality traffic, one that truly works.
Thanks for stopping by,
Ana
Ana Hoffman´s last blog ..5 Traffic Generation Strategies I Stay Away From
Hello Ana
Want to know the best product to sell people using those traffic sources?
How to make money using those traffic sources
It is all about targeting the right traffic and not to put them down but those traffic sources are the lowest quality.
I never quite understood getting a whole bunch of people together just to view each other’s ads so they could send out more ads, to each other.
Peter
Peter Fuller MBA´s last blog ..Is Network Marketing an Illegal Pyramid or an Equal Opportunity Business
Hi Ana,
Forums are rough from what I’ve seen. In order to get any decent traffic from them, you have to invest A LOT of time.
You’re right about Facebook PPC. I took a course on it last May and it was a real eye opener. I’ve played around with it enough to see that yes, it can be a very profitable way to get leads and traffic.
Great post, thank you!
Susanna
Susanna Hess´s last blog ..Strategic Branding for Women in Network Marketing
Hi Susanna,
Yes you are right and I’m glad FB PPC is working well for you. You are one of my living proof that it does work.
Thanks for coming,
Ana
Ana Hoffman´s last blog ..5 Traffic Generation Strategies I Stay Away From
Hi Ana,
I went on to visit the post you recommended about Facebook ads, because I hear a lot of people saying it’s all worth it and always brings targeted traffic. The funny thing is I never noticed an ad on facebook, I wonder where the ads go.
In my opinion, the best traffic is organic traffic that you don’t have to pay for, you don’t have to beg for (forum signatures, ads etc) because if you have to put a large banner that says “Click here now!” to get a visitor you can bet that he will bounce as soon as the page loads.
On the other hand organic, natural visitors who are interested in what you have to offer are the best kind and this can be obtained via search engines, social media(if done right, sometimes obligated visitors, like bloggers who had a comment from you and they come back to give you a comment, are not what you are targeting… sometimes) and funny thing, web directories (although thought dead, if you get visitors from them it’s usually very targeted).
Maybe, there are more way but I am off to read about Facebook ads.
See you on your next post Ana, Have a nice Christmas!
Alex@Jocuri´s last blog ..Hannah Montana fotografii
Hello Alex,
Thanks for sharing additional info on this topic. I appreciate your kindness. I’m sure my readers learn more from you.
Have a great day,
Ana
Ana Hoffman´s last blog ..5 Traffic Generation Strategies I Stay Away From
Hi Ana,
Forum marketing can work to an extent but there is a great deal of noise to get through. I can see your point; the effort it takes to sift through the BS is taxing, and doesn’t warrant making it a fundamental traffic generating strategy.
As for buying traffic I too am mystified that people actually do this. Use free methods. Become so good at using free traffic generating methods that you become an expert. THEN you can use paid methods, but at that point, you won’t have to do so
Thanks for sharing your insight Ana. Have a powerful day!
RB
Ryan Biddulph´s last blog ..Home Based Opportunity - Why An Army General Makes a Swell Network Marketer
Hi Ryan,
About buying traffic, yes it’s true. Many do this because they thought that it can help them, but they are just being misled to believe so.
Fundamental traffic generating strategy, that’s what we all need. Love the term
Ana
Ana Hoffman´s last blog ..5 Traffic Generation Strategies I Stay Away From
Great post, even better list.
Must agree 100% - especially the PPC side of things. Unless you know what you are doing, steer clear of paid traffic full stop.
Alex@is late for a very important date´s last blog ..Competitive Link Analysis Staying Abreast Without Making a Tit of Yourself
Hello Alex,
Thanks for the comment. I’m glad we are on the same page on this topic.
Have a nice day,
Ana
On one of my first sites I did Google AdWords. Burned thru $300-400 a month, easy. Figured Google was ‘the place’ so anything they had must be quality. All the ‘gurus’ were touting it. Won’t make that mistake again.
Once again Anna, you have blog posts for everyone from the new, new NEW beginner to the most seasoned blogger. Everyone of them chocked full of immediately usable info. You’re the best!
Thanks.
Gibson Goff´s last blog ..When death comes aknocking
I’ve heard of so MANY stories like yours, Gibson! It’s not always a good plan of action to follow the “guru” steps when you are an online newbie…
Thanks so much for the compliment; it makes my blog worth its existence - truly.
Ana
I agree that alexa is not the best way to measure traffic levels, especially when its not compared with other metrics.
I have published a new site with pagerank 0 but several thousands of pages which instantly got a better alexa rank than a page with 10 pages, but actually received the same number of visitors.
We all do know it’s not a good way to measure traffic, yet we still pay attention to it, huh? Go figure.
I had no idea Alexa traffic rank would go up simply of you beef up your site with pages! And now I know…
Thanks, Andreas!
I’ll have to agree with Josh about the Pay Per Click. I haven’t done it myself but I do know people who have used Facebook ads, driven many people to like their facebook page and from their converted sales to their site.
The budget thing does hold true if you’re not “capturing” those people, but once you have them on your list even if you stop your ad campaign you still have those people.
Aside from that I definitely agree with the rest.
John Garrett´s last blog ..How to scan your linework for your comics with the Mustek Scan Express 1200 Pro on the Mac
Good point, John.
I actually did say that out of all pay per click methods, Facebook is the only one I would use.
Ana
Yeah you’re right you did say that. It was early in the morning when I wrote my comment and I must have spaced out. Apologies, thanks for the article!
Hey Ana,
I agree these are outdated traffic generation methods. The only one that still holds strong on that list is Pay Per Click. I have friends that are generating a decent amount of traffic on Facebook paid advertisement.
By far the best traffic is networking with other bloggers in the same niche. From the beginning of my blog that is all I do.
Have a great day,
Josh
Josh Garcia@Generate Free Leads´s last blog ..Blog or Website – Which One Should I Go With
You are a living proof of how well networking works, Josh.
Good to see you back on my blog.
By the way, there’s no avatar attached to the email address you’ve been using on my blog.
Ana
I get similar questions and I agree 100%, I hope someone doesn’t just want their phone ringing all day with crummy prospects to be busy, and I believe, like you, that some of these places just do not bring in quality people. Rock on Ana!
Ray Higdon´s last blog ..Effective Leadership Skills Storytime GiveawayTell and Win!
Thanks, Ray.
As busy as we are with our businesses, it pays to stay away from time wasters.
Ana
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