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How Twitter Traffic Generation Became My Largest Source of Referral Traffic: Lessons to Share

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killer twitter traffic generation image
Killer instinct… Got one?

Yes, I know:

“what good can come out of Twitter?” or

” ‘ve been there, ‘ve done that” or

“Tried it, don’t get it…”

I agree, Twitter is sort of like being in the middle of a crowded New York city street at rush hour. Or the floor of New York Stock Exchange in the middle of yet another market meltdown.

Trust me, I get it.

However…

What good can come out of Twitter?

Quality targeted website traffic and tons of it!

How to Make Twitter Traffic Generation Work for You

Some of you may know that I started Traffic Generation Cafe in June of 2010.

Needless to say, my traffic was non-existent, Google never heard of me, and neither did any bloggers in my niche.

The most logical place to spread the glorious news about my existence was social media; Twitter, to be more precise.

Turned out it brought me all the traffic I needed to make my blog one of the authority blogs on the topic of increasing traffic generation - all within 2-3 months.

So how did I do it?

By learning all I could about how I can use Twitter for traffic generation and getting the most efficient tools I could to help me along.

Here are a couple of Google Analytics snapshots to show you what I mean (as of 10/27/10):

twitter as traffic generation source image

And one more:

twitter traffic resource

And this is what this post is all about - I want to show you where I learned about Twitter and what I used to become successful with it.

Twitter Traffic Generation: Learn About It

First, let’s start with some recommended reading:

1. How to Take Over Twitter - Learn why TWITTER = LISTBUILDING.

2. Get Targeted Twitter Followers - This is how I got over 50K followers (and here’s another secret: who says you have to have only 1 account 🙂 ?)

3. Why Build Relationships on Twitter? - Who do people buy from? People (and companies) they trust! Therefore, as you’re building your relationships on Twitter or any other social networking site, that’s actually what you’re doing… building TRUST. And it’s imperative that you do.

4. Big Tips to Get People Retweeting - how to really SUPERCHARGE your efforts by getting people to click on things that you send out, and more importantly how to get your followers to actually ReTweet your messages.

5. Art of Retweets: Top 10 Ways to Improve your ReTweetability - does it matter how many followers you have to become more “retweetable”? Is it in the words we use? The length, the links? Is it the kind of content we send our social media traffic to? What does it REALLY take to generate tons of targeted website traffic via Twitter?

6. Make Money With Twitter - There’s a couple things to consider here, but the main idea is NOT to try and make money ON Twitter directly. It doesn’t really work. Nothing will get people to unfollow you faster.

The point here is this: can Twitter be overwhelming? Yes.

IF you don’t know what you are doing.

As I said, Twitter is the largest referral traffic source I have. And everything I learned to achieve that came from Harris Fellman and his Coup De Twitter course. If you want to learn how to do Twitter the right way, this course gets my thumbs up.

Twitter Traffic Generation: Stay on Top of It

To generate a good amount of Twitter traffic back to your site, you will need to consistently stay on top of your daily activities.

That’s what my major trouble was - I am not the one to hang out on social media networks all day long. I do have a life. 🙂

So the next 2 sections of this post will cover what I did to make Twitter a mostly hands-off traffic generation tool.

My Daily Process For My Twitter Account:

(many thanks to Harris Fellman of Coup De Twitter for helping me to make sense of my schedule)

  1. Read your @mentions and reply to all of them.
  2. Post a favorite quotation, recent news link, or just basic info (this can be from online or offline resources) HINT: Go to http://alerts.google.com and set up some alerts for your interests to be automatically sent to your inbox.
  3. Scan your own timeline & look for conversations to jump into.
  4. Go to http://search.twitter.com, search for topics of interest to you, and get into a few conversations there as well. While you’re there, go ahead and search for your own name and/or company name to see if anyone is talking about you.
  5. I don’t ever check my DMs any longer - too much work and too much spam.
  6. Repeat this at least 3 times a day - takes me about 15 minutes per block.

Twitter Traffic Generation: Get Help with It

Use services to automate some of the tedious Twitter tasks!

 

Suggestion: use the free version of SocialOomph.com. Not too many bells and whistles, but it will allow you to:

  • track multiple accounts.
  • schedule tweets and DMs - a great time-saver!
  • view @mentions and retweets.
  • purge your DM box - get rid of that pesky spam.

Twitter Traffic Generation: This and That

I recently learned about this great WP plugin, which increased my traffic and user engagement even more: Tweet Old Post.

It randomly picks your older post based on the interval specified by you. The primary function of this plugin is to promote older blog posts by tweeting about them and getting more traffic. That’s exactly what it’s done for me.

Marketing Takeaway:

If you are thinking to use Twitter for traffic generation, now is the time.

I don’t have a crystal ball, so I have no idea what the future holds for Twitter and the rest of social media.

However, I do know that the time is right NOW.

If you are struggling to generate any kind of meaningful traffic to your blog, start with Twitter. It worked for me and it will certainly work for you.

Now go learn more about it right now, get yourself some tools, and start seeing your traffic increase in days, not in months.

What’s your take on Twitter traffic generation? Love it or hate it? Comment to show me that you’re alive!

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62 Intelligent comments · espresso yours below

  1. The mysteries of Twitter revealed! Thank you, Ana. The real eye opener: How much of your traffic comes from Twitter. I’ve got Tweet Old Post running (with a modest schedule to not be too annoying). Fooling around with Klout. But see the power here of using automated tools. Done manually, Twitter could be a huge time sink.

  2. Hey Ana, great post. Twitter has been a champ for me as far as driving traffic goes. I’m definitely going to check out that Tweet OldPost plugin. Keep up the good work.

    E
    TheCoolNerd.com

  3. Thanks for a great blog post! You inspired me to get going again with my Twitter marketing. I really liked your daily Twitter plan of action. That is simple and highly effective. I really enjoyed this post very much and am glad Kim Roach linked over to this post.

  4. I looked at #1 . Twinja:) I needed to ask a few questions like I have a real website with products and service , ot MLM or affliliate and also have followers already. Will this work for that and will followers tranfer? but the support link at their site doesn’t work:( not a good sign)

    • You have to clarify which #1 you are talking about, Billy. Twitter lets you rename your account whatever whenever and it doesn’t affect your followers or account in any way.

  5. Very helpful tips to work with Twitter. I’ve been on Twitter for over two years but only recently began to grow my account due to starting a tech blog. My efforts have paid off but these tips will really help me grow my Twitter accounts (two now) and use Twitter more efficiently.

  6. Hi Ana,

    Wonderful post! I DO use Twitter but am definitely not a power user, as I basically just post a quote here and there, let people know about recent posts and respond to mentions/retweets.

    I’ve been using TweetDeck to keep up with the mentions and DM’s, but wasn’t even aware of the other tools mentioned.

    Tweet Adder looks great for the price and MarketMeSuite is a great idea. I will definitely be adding those and spending a bit more time learning and using Twitter. First though, to dig through all the suggested readings and the Coup de Twitter course.

    Thanks for such an in depth and helpful post on Twitter!

    • You are so very welcome, Vincent.

      I am not sure what a “power user” means on Twitter, but I’d say it’s all about the influence, not necessarily the numbers.

      Let me know how it goes!

      Ana

  7. Ana, I usually try to only leave comments that have substance but I am compelled to tell you THANK YOU! Your blog has directed me so many times in the last few months and I thank you for putting all your tips and info out there. When I am ready to purchase blog tools I will be back here to see what you’ve got to sell. (Hopefully in January 2011.)
    This post ROCKS too.

  8. Hi Ana,
    Another great post! I’m one of those that never understood how twitter works but this post made me understand a little more.

    Can I ask you how you are able to insert an opt in form at the bottom of each post.

    thanks

  9. Hi Ana,

    Another great post with a lot of tools to read about. I use to use TweetAdder and I thought it was a great software. Now I find targeted interest through http://www.twellow.com and manually follow people. Also I use justunfollow.com to cut down on my follow list. I will definately read more about twitter and how to use it to attract traffic.

    Sherman

  10. Ana,
    Great Post. Thanks again for the usable ideas! I’ve been slowly buiding my twitter followers, using multiple accounts, though I focus on one main account. Been using the paid version of SocialOomph, which has lots of bells and whistles, most of which I don’t use. What’s most useful to me is the auto-tweeting feature, as well as the auto-following. Good statistics too.

    I also use JustUnFollow to trim my follower list and keep my friend/follower ratio in balance. There’s a free version, where you can unfollow up to 100 a day, the paid version allows unlimited unfollowing.

    Carry on!

    • Hi Dan,

      Thank you so much for the additional input and for sharing your personal experience about twitter. I’m glad it’s working so well for you.

      Keep it up,

      Ana

  11. Another excellent entry Ana. You really know how to make the most out of Twitter! And I’m so glad to let you mentor me on that area. Will keep on praying for you!

  12. Hey Ana,

    Now I know how you manage to post those old post on Twitter. I’ve been noticing that you are publishing some of your old articles on Hootsuite every few hours. I’ve got the tool and I’m using it. Hope to have the same amount of success as you.

    • That’s a great little plugin indeed, Bryan.

      Many of us have a lot of great posts buried in our blogs; this is a great way to bring them out and generate some traffic while at it.

      Ana

  13. Ana,

    You had me at automate everything else, I had to stop and go buy market me sweet before coming back to comment. 🙂 I just went through and created tweet sets of 50 tweets on various topics and was going to load them into social oomph…I love your tips and will be trying them instead.

    Thanks a bunch,
    Heather

    • Hi Heather,

      I’m glad to see you again. Thanks for the comment. Yes you should try it and you’ll see. I know that it will also work out well for you.

      All the best,

      Ana

  14. Wow Ana.. you really hit this one out the park.

    I’m really gonna have to get into twitter more than I am now - these are some great results and great resources..

    thanks
    Hector

  15. Hey Ana,

    Twitter is without a doubt a great source of quality traffic and as of now I’m getting a big portion of my traffic from there. Some months ago when I began with the micro-blogging platform, things were totally different though. I was struggling to get even a single visitor to view my blog. For me it turned out that the key to Twitter success is having tons of followers, offering quality tweets and tweeting frequently (it’s 10 to 20 new tweets each day for me).

  18. Thanks for taking your time to review my site, Peter - the biggest compliment to me is that of your time!

    I do know what you mean about products; I started with nothing. I also ended up spending a lot of money on products that did nothing for my business.

    That’s why I only talk about the few that did make a difference. 🙂

    Ana

  20. Lots of great tips here Ana. I have never been a big fan of auto following software for Twitter. I have been working really hard to make it grow organically on both my profiles. Just my way I guess. I appreciated the branding options for posting your blogs on Twitter. I will need to look into that. Thanks so much.

    • Hello Jonathan,

      Thanks for the comment. I hope you we’re able to gain lots of insights from this blog and I am glad that you have plans of considering the idea of using twitter for branding.

      Take care,

      Ana

  21. I am a big big believer in Twitter and have slowly been increasing my usage because it is such a powerful medium.

    You have had some really great results in a very short time-Nice work. You are on my RSS short list.

  22. OK… I need a nap! You are an absolute powerhouse! I am definitely heading over to check your links… but what I’m really interested in is the program you use for mental capacity!! (and energy!).

    I thought I would mention that I have used ‘justunfollow’ which is a cool little tool. It will give you a list of all the people you follow, but do not follow you and you can choose who you want to ‘unfollow’… as Stacy says, I like to choose my own people to unfollow because there are a few who I like to keep on my radar.

    June 2010? good grief lady! I’m ashamed of myself. Did you just wake up one morning and think “OK World, here I come” ??? Holy Moley … I’m gobsmacked.

    As usual, you’ve blown me away. Your posts are always incredible and over the top! Thanks for all you share!

    • “Gobsmacked”? See, Jayne, you just taught me something as well. 🙂

      My powerhouse is called coffee and stubborness.

      “justunfollow” sounds interesting, but too time-consuming.

      Here’s what I would do instead: create a separate list for all people you definitely want to follow no matter what. Then you can check up on that list in a separate feed when you click on it. That way you’ll never miss what you peers say. I would also suggest to make the list private, but it’s up to you. Now whether you follow them or not, they will still show up on that list. 🙂

      After you do that, just unfollow EVERYONE who doesn’t follow you. They are just dead weight and prevent you from acquiring more followers who actually want to hear what you have to say.

      Makes sense? Just a suggestion - I am all about maximizing your time!

      Have a great day, Jayne. 🙂

      Ana

  23. Hi Stacy,

    I’m glad you did. Thanks also for sharing additional info. About friendorfollow.com, I haven’t heard of that yet but I’ll find time to check it out.

    Take care,

    Ana

  24. Hi Ana,
    I also use twitterfeed to tweet out my current feed whenever I create a new post and tweet old post. Between these two methods, my twitter account is fairly active and brings in a decent amount of traffic for me.

  25. Hi Ana,

    Wow so much to read but well worth reading. I love the idea of the wordpress plugin so will be heading over to get that one.

    I will also have to check out MarketMeSuite, I have seen this but you have explained better than the spammer on FB did and also added value. Thank you.

    Thank you for sharing.

    Tristram Lodge

    • Hi Tristram,

      I’m glad you decided to give it a try. I am confident that you will also find marketmesuite and wordpress plugin very useful and effective.

      Thanks for coming,

      Ana

  26. Thanks, Anna, I can see I have a ton of reading to do!

    I’m just cruising through this now but I’m looking forward to diving in tonight. I’ve only recently gotten into Twitter and I’m hoping to take it up to the next level and gain some solid traffic and (hopefully) a few friends :).

  27. Great tips, Ana, especially for a Twitter n00b like me. I just bought Tweet Attacks, which looks more or less the same as Tweet Adder. I’m pretty excited to dive into it!

  28. You are very welcome, Oliver.

    As you can see from my Analytics screenshot, my Twitter visitors stay on my site on average for 3 minutes and visits at least 2 pages - not bad at all.

    Getting cold in Germany yet?

    Ana

  29. Wow I need to learn how to use twitter because the numbers I just seen are crazy girl, Lets link up so you can tell me what you are doing. Get post by the way.

    • I used to hate Twitter, Tristan, and didn’t start using it till the beginning of this year. Boy, was I proven wrong!

      I hope you’ll give it a shot as well at some point - well-worth it.

      Ana

  31. Hi Ana,

    thanks for a great article - I agree, I’ve started using twitter which has increased my traffic and I’ve only scratched the surface. I have a few ‘notes to self’ to learn more about various tools I’ve seen mentioned - twitter adder, twitter deck … now including looking in more detail at some of your tips & refs above,

    many thanks & keep up the good work!

    Alan

  32. Really wonderful post Anna!! Twitter is my third highest traffic, though I don’t get as much traffic as you do. I mostly get traffic by swapping retweets with my social media club which accounts upto 120 members. Your post here is really useful and I’m going to try to out a few things you’ve listed here.

    • You know, Vishal - setting up your own “social media club” is another great way to bring in some traffic. That’s another thing I did when I first started the blog. 🙂

      Let me know when your Twitter traffic improves!

      Ana

  34. Hi Ana,

    I have found Twitter to be among the top referrers for my blog, as well. It started to level off at some point when I stopped intentionally growing followers, but the interesting thing is that the level of traffic remains consistent. (Plus, the more followers you have the more you get even w/o trying).

    I use SproutSocial, which is a premium service, mainly because of its demographics reporting and interesting contact management tool. I also like HootSuite, and the regular new Twitter, too.

    I had seen MarketMeTweet before when it was first launched and it looks like it’s finally become affordable, so I have gone ahead and purchased a monthly to see what happens (for my clients, mainly).

    Cheers!
    Tia

    • Good morning, Tia.

      Never heard of SproutSocial; something to check out. 🙂

      Yes, MarketMeTweet went through a couple of price point changes and I think they got it right this time.

      Thanks for coming by!

      Ana

  35. Hey Ana,

    Amazing results you got by using Twitter as one of your traffic generation source — way to go!

    Thanks for sharing this.

    All the best,
    Mavis Nong