Browsing through Google Analytics and AWStats are 2 ways of determining what online marketing efforts are working for you. I’ve really been working on driving more traffic to my blog lately which means a lot of trial and error. Regular posting and tagging will get you so far, but an aggressive and pro-active approach to web marketing is what I’ve been after.
Below are my top 7 effective marketing efforts that generated me the most traffic for January, 2008.
#1 StumbleUpon
If you’re not doing this you really need to start. StumbleUpon is responsible for the majority of my traffic. StumbleUpon has a network of users that find content and tag it accordingly. You can then stumble keywords, users, groups, etc. It’s a great way of finding random interesting tidbits and a wonderful way to promote your website.
Firefox Add-on, StumbleUpon 3.16
Sign Up For A StumbleUpon Account
#2 Google Image Search
Google Image Search is the 2nd highest traffic generator for the month of January.
How to opt into Google Image Search
1. Sign into Google webmaster tools with your Google Account.
2. Click the URL for the site you want.
3. Click Tools, and then click Enable enhanced image search.
#3 Digg Your Posts
I’ve had a Digg account for some time now, but haven’t been using it to it’s fullest potential until very recently. Digg is a very active social network . Making it to the front page of Digg can crash your server from an overload of traffic if you’re not ready for it. This is a problem I would love to have.
#4 Entrecard
Entrecard is a fairly new social networking program that’s been taking off quite a bit lately. I started using it a month ago when I read about it on Blog Catalog and it is already at #6 as far as my current traffic sources go. What sets Entrecard apart from other link trading programs is that ads from this program stay live on other advertisers sites for an entire day. The more credits you get the more cards you can drop. You can also purchase ad space with the credits you attain. More credits, more clicks, more traffic.
#5 Blog Catalog
Known as BC to us regulars Blog Catalog is my favorite source for blog advice. Posting on this community will not only get your blog more attention, but it is filled with industry moguls and very knowledgeable bloggers. I’ve been a member since December 2006 and have found it to be my second blogging home away from home. Great idea, great community, great all around experience.
#6 Bumpzee Submissions
Bumpzee is a lot like MyBlogLog except you can add more than 15 friends a day. While I don’t think it’s as visually appealing as MyBlogLog it has been a source of more traffic as of late. Spend some time bumping your posts. The front page real estate where they end up on Bumpzee will help you in the marketing department.
#7 Zimbio
I’ve been using Zimbio for about 4 or 5 months now and it’s really picking up steam. For starters you can syndicate your website here so that it pings the site every time you post, much like technorati. Articles can easily be submitted directly from your site and submitted to different news sources.
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February 5th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Hey man… That’s the mystery to every blog. getting traffic. good to know what other’s are using. I just hope for people to accidentally find my site. human error is what I’m counting on.
February 6th, 2008 at 1:46 am
What works today doesn’t necessarily work tomorrow. The web…or more to the point…people are fickle. It’s all trial and error. I’m just trying to share what worked for me recently. Hopefully it works for you.
Keep blogging, talk hard and a little human error never hurt.
Well the latter’s not true, but take it in stride. I know what you’re saying.
March 18th, 2008 at 6:28 am
This is very insightful as I’ve invested last two months studying about driving traffic to my site (http://www.jungyul.com). So far, I’ve tried four mentioned above (Stumbleupon, Digg, BC and Zimbio). I’ll certainly sign with other three.
My personal experience is that BC drove the most traffic but I enjoy Zimbio the most.
Jung Kim’s last blog post..From Creekside Park, Greenbrae, CA
July 26th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
Excellent post! I’ve been considering creating a similar post, but more from a “my traffic-building workout routine” perspective.
I like your approach better, as you’re actually rating your routine’s “results.” I don’t think I can analyze my Kamikaze approach with such accuracy.
Thanks, also, for the info on Bumpzee and Zimbio. I’ll definitely check them out, due to your recco!
August 6th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Sorry about the delayed response. This post is a little older. Glad I could help out. I’m finding myself getting better indexed because of the number of social networks out there. I’ve been receiving the most amount of traffic lately from Digg, Flickr, Blog Catalog and faves. It’s all about finding the network that works for you. They change all the time. Good luck!