If you recently bought one of my blog sites, and are new to the online marketing space; below are easy traffic tips to get you started.

First, let me say Congrats! on getting yourself a piece of web history and joining an exciting field. Blogging, social media, online marketing, SEO, is alot of work but it’s also alot of fun.

If this is your very first niche blog site and are not sure where to begin, let’s go over a few basics now.

First, make sure you know your niche. Make sure you know which keywords you are after and or targeting through your new blog. See below for more on this.

Second, have a plan of action. What goals do you have for this blog site. Is it to capture leads? Is it Adsense clicks you’re after? Maybe you want to sell an ebook? Affiliate marketing with Amazon or eBay? Whatever it is, decide early on what you want your blog to do for you.

Now let’s move on and discuss easy traffic tips. Because regardless of the blog business model you’re after, traffic is key. Plus this article assumes you’re PAST THE BASICS.

1. Organic Search (a/k/a SEO) – This is perhaps my preferred method of gaining traffic to a new blog. It’s good, because “searchers” as I like to call them are looking for one of three things:

• to research
• to socialize
• to buy

That’s it. That’s why their online and it’s your job as a new blog owner, to figure out which of those three things YOU are going to give them. Once you have this decided, you will need the Google Keyword Tool to check on the (in demand keywords) in your niche, and don’t forget to check on your competition, use the SEO Quake From Firefox free add-on for this. Make sure your onsite SEO is strong and lastly but not definitely not least – add SEO rich content.

After you’ve got some initial ground, it’s VERY important that you focus on:

• content
• and getting good backlinks

You need both. You can’t let either flounder.

2. Twitter – This is my second preferred method of easy blog traffic. Each niche blog that I create comes with a Twitter page as part of the package. Why? Because its great for traffic. The “search” feature on Twitter can’t be beat, because it’s in “real time”. This means, that “as it happens”, it shows up on Twitter. As of last count, there are *18 millions users on the micro network and grows BIGGER by the day. It can’t be discounted. (*source)

Need help with Twitter? Let me know as I provide a low cost Twitter account set up service.

3. Facebook Fan Page – This is web 4.0 at it’s best. It’s gaining in popularity as we speak, because if done right, it works. On social networking site Facebook, you have the ability to create what is called a FAN PAGE. This page is basically for businesses to promote a service, product or brand. As a site owner, you can use it to promote your new blog. You can include quite a bit on a fan page such as the site URL, a logo, RSS feeds, fans, images, articles, tips, polls, videos, giveaways, and so much more. You can also set it up so that it automatically updates, when you update your blog. You don’t have to visit both at the same time. It’s a pretty cool new method to promote online, and it’s 100% free.

Need help? Let me know as I provide a low cost Facebook Fan Page set up service.

4. Forum Marketing – To be a blogger or online marketer you NEED a network. There’s no two ways about it. You can’t succeed on the web without one, plain and simple. You can’t. You won’t. Why do you think Myspace, Facebook and Twitter are so crazy insane HUGE? Because there’s demand and there’s a need. Look for the networks in YOUR NICHE, join up and become acquainted with the other members, provide value, learn, ask questions, etc. Become a community member, this will in turn help you in many many ways – down the line. Some of the better forums for bloggers, include Warrior Forum, Problogger.com, and Digital Point.

As a new blog owner, you will no doubt have questions and run into issues that you will need help with, that’s what your blogger friends are for. Seek them out, and in no time. You will be happily skipping about with glee and joy!

5. Viral Widgets – If you’re lucky enough to be a developer or know one, then a fancy widget such as a Facebook game, an iPhone app, etc would surely net you some sweet traffic. If you aren’t a developer or know one, you can (if within your budget) always outsource the creation. Places like the Warrior Forum and Digital Point have paid developers for hire. Think of something cool, get it done and promote it everywhere.

6. Contests/Giveaways – After you’ve done your quick research on your niche and have some good articles on the blog, have a sweet giveaway to get the word out. Think of something whether in (physical or digital form) that is low cost, but has high value to your readers. This could be a book, unique screen savers, silly bumper stickers, iPhone case, a funny t-shirt, etc. Think INTERESTING, FUNNY, WACKY, or COVETED. Set it for at least two weeks in advance and make sure to post about it in your social networks, the blog itself, and blog contest forums. Remember this could be digital, so get creative and again think of your market and what they would want to win.

Since on a new blog, you’re probably not gonna have too many readers, best bet to promote your contest/giveaway is via Twitter, Facebook, friends, FORUMS, other blogs, guest posts, a press release, and/ or your email list. (If you have one.)

7. Friends – What are friends for, if not to boost you up? Tell them you have a new web property and want them to come on by and visit. Ask for their feedback, or simply let them see what it’s all about. Be sure to tell them to pass it on to their friends as well.

8. Press Releases – Great for exposure in online circles, as many reporters, bloggers and other authors routinely use Google Alerts to scout out for stories, new products, etc. Make sure to at the very least write one good press release. Even if it’s simply announcing the grand opening of your fabulous new blog site, and what it offers. Then let it spread like wildfire. Oftentimes, bloggers think that a “press release” is meant for a product company or an offline company, but in fact press releases can be used by anyone for any newsworthy purpose. Don’t overlook this simple, quick and low cost idea.

9. Blog Carnivals – This is considered old school by many. But it works and its targeted. Blog Carnivals are like chains where bloggers sign up and share their content with one another. There’s an actual site named Blog Carnival. You sign up with them for free, look for blogs in your niche and submit your article to the carnival. Choose an article that you want a backlink to, as this is one of the primary benefits of joining a Blog Carnival. This method is not for gaining barrels of traffic, but it’s good for SEO. So that’s why, i’ve included it in the list.

10. You tell me! What easy traffic tips do YOU have for a new blogger? A tip that maybe is not that well known, but works like a charm. Please share below in the comment area.

BONUS TIP #11. Guest Posts – I had to add this easy traffic method to the list, because it’s all the rage now. I recently wrote about how and where to guest post. Be sure to take a quick look at my article.

Submitting a guest post is one of the BEST methods for good traffic to a blog, new or old.

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A friendly blogger by the name of Max, who runs the Villiat Business Blog has created an awesomerific contest to help yours truly. Read on below for the juicy details.

The contest is basically a (feedback initiative) to get YOU to help ME and WIN some cool prizes in the process. As some of you may know i started this blog back in 2007 as a hub for my growing network of web properties. But it’s been a challenge for me to monetize, not to mention maintaining focus as to what the heck the blog is about.

I wanted the blog to be a catch all, a blog i could write anything on. But this makes it hard to monetize and also to develop any sort of following.

So to make a long story short, pitch me your ideas, opinions, and feedback on what i should do with this PR4 blog. If YOUR IDEA is electrifyingly good, then you might,

WIN THE FOLLOWING SPECTACULAR PRIZES:

1st place. “Blogging In Action” package. Learn more about the product here.
2nd place. “Expert WordPress” package. Learn more about the product here.
3rd place. $10 will be deposited into your Paypal account.

The contest ends on December 8th, and you enter by leaving comments on Max’s blog. Tell your friends, and be sure to link to the contest. (pretty please, with a cherry on top)

Remember to enter you must leave a comment on Max’s blog. Good Luck!

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