Website Launch Done, Now What? How to Drive More Traffic

You just launched your website with high hopes, but now you’re stuck wondering, “What’s next?” Trust me, you’re not alone.

I’ve seen clients in the same boat, sitting on a beautifully designed website but struggling to get the word out.

In this post, we’re chatting about how to drive website traffic post-launch. From mastering Google indexing to crafting engaging blog content and leveraging social media, I’ve got you covered.

Stick around, because by the end of this read, you’ll have a roadmap to transform your website from a digital ghost town to a bustling hub of activity.

Get Indexed on Google

You know how important it is for your website to show up when people search online, right? Well, getting indexed by Google is the key to making that happen.

Google indexing is like adding your website to a library catalog. It’s how Google discovers and stores information from your site so it can show up in search results when people look for related topics.

But sometimes, stuff gets in the way – like errors, duplicates, or messy URLs – and your site ends up playing hide and seek with Google’s search results. Here are a few tips to help you avoid that:

• Fix Common Indexing Issues Promptly: Keep an eye on how your website is doing using tools like Google Search Console. If you spot any hiccups, like duplicate content or 404 error pages, don’t stress. Just tackle them head-on to keep your site in Google’s good books.
• Guide Google with a Sitemap: Submitting a sitemap to Google is like giving them a roadmap to explore your website. It helps them find all the nooks and crannies so nothing gets missed.
• Streamline Your Website’s Structure: Make your website super easy to navigate. The easier it is for search engines to find their way around, the better.
• Boost Visibility with Schema Markup: Ever heard of schema markup? It’s basically adding little labels to your content that tell search engines what it’s all about. This gives them a cheat sheet to understand your site better, making it easier to index pages.

Create Content People Love Reading

Your website is live, but now it’s time to fill it with (even more) engaging content that keeps visitors coming back for more.

Blogging is a powerful tool for driving traffic and establishing your brand as an authority in your niche.  With strategic planning and high-quality content, you can attract new visitors and keep them engaged with your website.

• Plan Your Content Calendar: Don’t fly by the seat of your pants – plan your blog post topics in advance to keep the content flowing.
• Nail Those Headlines: Your headline should be so good it stops people in their tracks. Get creative, use keywords, and make them stand out.
• Share, Share, Share: Don’t let your blog posts gather dust – share ’em on social media, in your newsletter, and anywhere else you can think of to generate referral traffic from other platforms.
• Engage Your Audience: Don’t just talk at your readers – talk with them. Respond to comments, ask questions, and keep the conversation going.
• Quality Over Quantity: It’s not about how often you create content; it’s about how good your content is. Focus on quality with genuinely helpful educational content, and the rest will follow.

Promote Your Blog Posts Like There’s No Tomorrow

You’ve poured your heart and soul into your blog posts, but they won’t do much good if no one sees them!

Promoting your blog content is key to driving traffic to your website. From social media marketing to guest posting, there are plenty of ways to get your blog posts in front of your target audience and encourage them to visit your site.

• Craft Killer Captions: Don’t just slap a link on it and call it a day – write captions that grab attention and make people stop scrolling.
• Schedule Like a Boss: Use social media management tools to schedule your posts for maximum impact. Trust me, it’s so much easier this way.
• Think Outside the Box: Don’t limit yourself to traditional social media platforms. Get creative – try video marketing, podcasts, or even TikTok!
• Share the Love: Encourage your readers to share your blog posts with their friends, family, and that random guy from high school they haven’t talked to in years.
• Repurpose Your Content: Maximize the hard work you put into your blog posts. Repurpose them into other formats like videos, infographics, or podcasts to reach new audiences and generate traffic.
• Turn Your Team into Advocates: Empower your team to spread the word, too! Share blog posts with them, make it easy to share, and watch your web traffic numbers climb.

Give Your Social Media Profiles Some Love

Social media is super handy for increasing traffic to your website.  With billions of active users, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter) offer tons of opportunities to connect with your audience and direct them to your site.

By sharing engaging content, interacting with your followers, and using hashtags, you can turn your social media presence into a powerful traffic-driving platform.

• Double-Check Everything: Broken links? Outdated info? Ew! Take a minute to review each of your social media profiles and make sure they’re on point.
• Show Off Your Brand: Your social media profiles are a reflection of your brand – make sure they’re consistent with your website and other marketing materials.
• Keep It Fresh: Don’t let your social media profiles go dormant – post regularly to keep your followers engaged and coming back for more.
• Engage Your Audience: Don’t just post and ghost – engage with your followers, respond to comments, and show them some love.
• Use Hashtags Wisely: Hashtags are your best friend – use ’em strategically to increase visibility and attract new followers.

Want to dig deeper? Check out my previous blog post, “How to Set Up Your Social Media Business Accounts – the Easy Way!”

Network Like a Social Butterfly

Building relationships with other businesses and influencers in your industry can be key to driving traffic to your website.  By collaborating on projects, sharing each other’s content, and tapping into each other’s audiences, you can expand your reach and attract new visitors to your site.

• Build Relationships: It’s all about who you know, right? Take the time to build genuine relationships with other businesses or influencers in your industry.
• Get Creative: When it comes to collaboration, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. The sky’s the limit – get creative and see what magic you can create!
• Share the Love: Collaboration is a two-way street – make sure you’re giving as much as you’re getting. Share your partner’s content, shout ’em out on social media, and show ’em some love.
• Be Open-Minded: Be open to collaboration opportunities. You never know where the next great idea might come from.
• Team Up with Affiliates: Want to drive more traffic and boost sales? Explore affiliate partnerships! It’s like having an army of promoters creating content FOR you.

Spend Money to Make Money with Paid Ads

Sometimes, you need to give your website a little boost to get noticed in the crowded online space.  Using an advertising platform like Google Ads allows you to target your ideal audience with precision and drive traffic to your website quickly.

Whether it’s through search ads, display ads, or social media ads, investing in paid advertising can help you reach new audiences and grow your website traffic exponentially.

• Target Like a Pro: Define your target audience and create detailed buyer personas. Use targeting options to reach the right audience segments with your ads.
• Get Creative with Ads: Craft attention-grabbing ads that communicate your value proposition effectively. Use persuasive copy, visuals, and CTAs to encourage clicks and conversions.
• Test, Test, Test: Not sure what works best? Experiment with A/B testing. Try different formats, messages, and targeting until you find your marketing sweet spot.
• Budget Wisely: Watch your wallet. Monitor your ad spending closely, and put your money where it counts. Maximize that ROI!
• Keep Tabs on Performance: Track key metrics to measure the effectiveness of your campaigns. Use analytics to make data-driven decisions and optimize your strategy for success.

Give Your Site an SEO Boost

Search engine optimization (SEO) is one of the main ways you can drive traffic to your website.  By optimizing your website and content for relevant keywords, you can improve your rankings in search engine results and attract organic traffic to your site.

With a solid SEO strategy in place, your website will be easily discoverable by potential visitors searching for content related to your niche.

• Create a Keyword Strategy: Find the words your audience is searching for. Use tools to discover keywords that are popular but not too competitive. Aim for a mix of short and long-tail keywords that are relevant to your business.
• Optimize Your Pages: Add keywords in titles, headings, and content, but don’t overdo it. Keep it natural!
• Create Killer Content: Write stuff people actually want to read. Be the go-to source for info in your niche. If your content rocks, visitors will stick around.
• Link Up with Others: Think of backlinks like referrals from trusted sources. Get them by guest blogging or sharing your content on other sites or online directories. It’s like building your website’s street cred.
• Technical TLC for Your Site: Keep your website in top shape with technical SEO. Fix broken internal links, speed up loading times, and make sure it looks great on any device. Happy users mean happier search engines!

Want the lowdown on SEO? Check out my previous blog post, “SEO Essentials to Set Your Website Up for Success.”

Send Engaging Emails on the Regular

Your website is live, but how do you keep visitors coming back for more? Email marketing is a powerful tool for driving repeat traffic to your site.

By building an email list, sending out regular newsletters, and offering exclusive content and promotions, you can keep your audience engaged and encourage them to return to your website again and again!

• Grow Your List: Start by getting people to sign up for your emails. Offer them something cool in exchange, like a discount code or freebie (think checklist, ebook, etc.). Give them a reason to join the club.
• Make It Personal: Nobody likes generic emails. Personalize your messages based on what your subscribers are interested in. Make sure your emails feel like having a chat with a friend, not a robot.
• Automate the Magic: Set up email sequences to welcome new subscribers or remind them about abandoned carts. They’ll feel like they have a personal assistant who never forgets to follow up.
• Share the Good Stuff: Send out valuable content that your subscribers will love. Whether it’s helpful tips or exciting updates, keep them engaged and excited for more.
• Measure and Improve: Keep an eye on how your emails are doing. Test different subject lines or content to see what works best. Make sure you’re learning and getting better over time.

Now You’re Ready to Transform Your Website into a Traffic-Driving Machine!

As you start working to increase your website’s traffic, remember this: consistency is key. 

Implementing the strategies discussed in this blog post won’t yield overnight success, but with dedication and perseverance, you’ll see your efforts pay off – trust me!

Keep pushing forward, stay proactive in promoting your site, and watch as your online presence flourishes. Your website has the potential to be a powerhouse in your industry – let’s make it happen together.

Whether you need help with Google indexing, tech consulting, or website optimization, I’ve got you covered here at Exhale Design Co. Don’t let your website sit in the shadows. Let’s bring it into the spotlight together! Reach out now for expert support.