A bit of a different post from me today, but one that’s utterly relevant to a lot of us. How do you grow your online presence and increase traffic to your blog or website? It’s something that I think about often, if not daily. Because let’s face it: nowadays having a blog or a website is congruent to having a resume. Most of us already have a blog, or there’s one coming soon or we’re contemplating setting one up. It’s not just about creating one’s personal brand, but about having a positive outlet where self-expression and creativity can roam free. For me, having a blog is one of THE best experiences of my life, it opened up my horizon and allowed opportunities to knock at my door. I started out thinking it didn’t matter if no one read my blog or came to my website. I simply wanted to create content that I was proud of, sort of a journal of weekly musings and things I was passionate about. But it turns out people do come to my website and they do read my content. Not only that, but they also leave such kind and thoughtful comments. It is the feedback I receive from these beautiful people that inspires and motivates me to create content and stay consistent. I want to encourage, inspire and motivate in return. I want people to be able to find and enjoy the content I create. So naturally, there lies the question how can I get my content in front of as many sets of eyes as possible?
These are 5 of the things I have been focusing on and that have helped drive traffic to my blog, thus helping to grow my online presence. Let’s dive in, hope you’ll find this helpful …
1) Pinterest
This is a GOLD MINE I’ll be devoting a lot of my time to in these upcoming weeks, establishing and growing my presence. Pinterest is a MASSIVE platform currently in the process of building a visual search engine to rival Google. We all need to take it seriously: bloggers and content consumers in general. It is a great place to find a recipe for tonight’s dinner, an outfit for an upcoming event or ways to stay motivated. Some of the things I plan to focus on are trying to join Group Boards and use Tailwind to create a daily schedule of pins that allows me to have an active presence. You also want to ensure that your content can be easily pinned. Adding a Pin It button to your photos and having a Pin It icon at the bottom of each post are some of the things that will ensure blog posts and photos can be easily shared by those visiting your blog.
2) SEO
Most bloggers using Pinterest, credit it as their main traffic resource and I’m hoping over the next few months the same will hold true for me as well. But at this point, the Google SEO is the driving force behind my blog. While no one really knows the secrets behind Google’s search algorithm, there are a few guidelines that help increase the chances of your posts being featured on the first page. Having content that adds value (such as my post on Ways to Deal with Stress, read more here), that provides information (such as product reviews and comparisons) or that addresses a popular topic (an upcoming launch or product that was just released, like the Tom Ford Solar Exposure Face Palette reviewed here) are key ingredients to writing a successful post. Of course, the post has to be accompanied by crisp and clear photos, has to be legible and at a minimum 300 words (my preference is to write posts between 500-1,000 words).
3) Instagram
I love Instagram, it’s the social media platform I’ve been spending most of my time on thus far. But Instagram has become so unpredictable and dare I say, unfair. The new algorithm implemented seems to favor large accounts, putting smaller brands at a huge disadvantage. Hence why more and more people have migrated over to or have dedicated more of their time to Pinterest (myself included). The one thing that keeps me going back to Instagram is the wonderful community of people I now belong to, the interaction and engagement. You can find and join communities by searching and/or posting to specific hashtags depending on your interests. For instance, I typically post to #BeautyCommunity or #SkincareRoutine, depending on my content. But there are communities of photographers, foodies, interior designers, fashionistas, perfume aficionados, etc. I would suggest to like and leave a meaningful comment on those posts that interest you. Those comments lead to interactions that eventually turn into friendships and so a supportive network of like-minded individuals is formed.
4) Follow and comment on other blogs
This is a very predictable way to reach a new set of eyes and gain traffic to your blog. I’m not referring just to the bloggers whose blogs you comment on, but their readers as well. The blogging community can be very competitive these days (fact!), but there are is also a sense of camaraderie and a bond that forms between bloggers, we’re all fighting the same battle after all! It’s sort of that unspoken rule, that most people seem to follow. There are several blogs that I subscribe to and where I feel I have achieved that camaraderie and bond with the other bloggers. Jenny who blogs over at Geeky Posh, Jenn from Beauty by JellyBean and Mili from Sharmtoaster are some of the lovely ladies I befriended on Instagram early on and whose blogs I devour faithfully. Not only is their content inspiring and their photography simply stunning, but they are some of the kindest, most supportive and helpful people I’ve come across.
5) Add your social media info to your signature
This is one tip that stayed with me from my days in Corporate America. You want to add your social media info (ie, blog name, Instagram, Twitter) to your email signature, business card (if you have one) and any other form of correspondence (thank you notes, letters of any kind, etc), as well as include it with your signature when commenting and leaving messages on other bloggers’ posts. People do take notice and chances are they will stop by your blog to see what you’re all about.
So what are your thoughts on this type of content? Do you have any suggestions that have helped drive traffic to your own blog or website? Please share in the comments down below.
This is NOT a sponsored post but it does contain referral links. Read my Disclaimer policy for more info.
What a great and extremely useful read. I’ve heard Pinterest can work wonders to drive traffic to your site, it’s one that I too plan on focusing on a bit more.
Cat I tuned into your blog immediately when I saw the post on iG. Great tips and I have read a few tips from other bloggers that were similar and very helpful. However, devoting more time to Pinterest is a must for me. Being a working mom and dealing with a energetic 7year old, I have to find a balance. I must say, by starting a blog is something that I always wanted to do. And I’m having so much fun with it. I’m starting to do the things that I enjoy. Thank you always for the great advice and I love your gallery. So glad to have met you on the IG platform. ❤️
Thanks for this post Cat, I’ve been waiting for one of these from you. You have so many people who support you and truly care about your opinion and wellbeing from your posts.
I’m still not able to understand how Pinterest works, I think the interface is just too difficult for me to understand (lol) but maybe I just need more time to figure it out. I definitely agree Pinterest gives you the ability to connect a lot more with people. I think what’s great about blogging is everybody has their own style and creates an image and voice connected to them. I’m very sorry I have not been able to engage and comment more on your blog, I’ve barely been paying attention to mine actually, but I do agree with who you mentioned as they are always very kind and sweet. I also agree about instagram and how it’s been very difficult for a lot of accounts (including mine). I have, however, seen a good amount of accounts still growing very easily and not affected by the algorithm. I have wondered how that works and what they are doing different than everyone else but I’ve learned not to care much anymore as it’s too much negativity for me. Sometimes I feel like it’s all up to luck and good timing, even if you engage with a lot of people and do everything right.
Regardless, the best part of everything is being able to connect with people who are like yourself and can share in the things you love. Blogging has always been my escapism from reality and continues to be, and I think the same can be said for many others too. Thanks for your wonderful post Cat and I hope you have a great week ahead <3
xoxo
http://www.hellohimawari.com
What a lovely post, Cat!! I really need to spend more time on Pinterest, but it’s just lathery of having to start all over again! IG really has been so disappointing lately… but so grateful to have found friends like you!
I truly appreciate you sharing these tips Cat! I’ve been a little unmotivated due to the recent changes on Instagram. This was very informative and helpful to me. I need a Pinterest account asap! Have a wonderful week!
Thank you for sharing your knowledge with all of us Cat ? Insta hooks me in most of the time, but def need to make time to explore and grow my Pinterest audience…def do enjoy that too.
This is a wonderful post Cat! I really enjoyed it! I should definitely get on Pinterest–I actually have Pinterest account since way back when they started but when the initial excitement somewhat died down I stopped using it! I was already thinking about revamping my pinerest lately and your recommendations is the push I needed! Love the other tips too!
I was so excited to see my email notification that you’d be talking about this topic! I think it’s so great that bloggers are now “sharing their secrets” of how to be seen. I completely agree about Pinterest. I’ve been working on my Pinterest for only about 2 months now, and I already get more traffic from Pinterest than Instagram! It’s incredible. Instagram is so challenging to get consistent likes/follows (let alone blog visitors!). I’ve admittedly been very frustrated. Still, the friendships with you and others keeps me coming back! Google search is definitely number one for me, and I still need to understand more about SEO. Thank you so much for the shout-out – I’ve been so happy to follow your blog and Instagram and make a true friend! It means so much to me!
Great post!! I would definitely love to see more content like this from you!! xoxo
Jenn │ Beauty by Jelly Bean
Wonderful post, Thank you Cat !!!! I will be starting a blog soon and really appreciate these tips. Xx
What a fantastic Post Cat, I couldn’t agree more! Pinterest is great and if you dedicate the right amount of energy to it it truly pays off. As for google search I have no idea how it works and I will follow your advice. As for Instagram what a disappointment, no words.
Thank you so much for sharing Cat. I found this really useful and will keep referring to it.
This is such a great post Cat! Love all your tips and tricks. I used to be obsessed with Pinterest in the past, but Instagram has taken over my life. I have to definitely work some more on Pinterest. I have been super lucky to have Google feature some of my blog posts on the first page which was shocking but amazing at the same time. My blog gets a decent amount of traffic, my biggest concern is with Instagram as I seem to be stuck without growing much lately! Really enjoyed this post, thank you soo much for sharing!
Lily | http://lmastr0819.wordpress.com
So informative Cat!! I have often thought about creating a fashion blog to get more of a network but worry i just dont have the time to commit right now. I tried pinterest (briefly) in the past but never got on with it….you have inspired me to take a second look!!
I love it that you have taken the time to try and support others and share in your well deserved success!
So very useful Cat, I never thought about Pinterest in an active way, I was just pushing the contents directly. Now I’ll try to find some time to learn how it works!!!
XXX
C
Thank you so much for this lovely Post! I am trying to use Pinterest but I must admit I am not that good lol
I will look for you on there ?
Instragram is super unfair indeed and I am not as motivated to use it as before but you’re right the community we built there is wonderful and It’s the main reason i am still active there!!
Thanks a lot for sharing!
Xxx
Lyna
http://Www.beautybylynmed.com
Such wonderful tips Cat and I 100% agree with #1. Pinterest has consistently been my #1 traffic referrer and I always try to create pinnable graphics to go with each of my posts (vertical, with large call-to-action texts), though I’ve been getting lazy lately.
Also thank you so much for the shoutout, really appreciate it! I feel the same about your blog as well, it’s such a huge source of inspiration to me! Hope you have a beautiful day 🙂
Jenny // Geeky Posh
Thank you for sharing your tips Cat. I always trust and value your opinion and I I think I will be putting some of these things into action myself. There are some changes I am currently working on my blog at the moment and as much as I want to do it all, I can only take it one day at a time. Thank you for sharing this most helpful post.
xx
Dom
http://www.calibeaute.com
I love reading your blog Cat!! ❤️
Thanks for such an insightful read! For some reason I never really understood Pinterest and how it works but now I definitely will give it a shot! Staying consistent is probably most important and something that I struggle with. What stands out about your blog is that you take stunning photos, post frequently and actually take the time to respond to your readers. ??
Very interesting post Cat ! Thanks a lot for sharing your tips ! I will do my best to grow my Pinterest as you recommended and I’m very happy to be a part of the beauty bloggers community coz I find many lovely persons as you 🙂
Blogging became an important part of my life too as I love writing – maybe too long posts lol – and take creative pictures :))
Again thanks a lot ! xoxo
Kédidja ~ beautymoodboard.com
Great tips! I find it really hard to market myself, but I think it’s mainly because I’m self-conscious of my “content.” I love reading yours posts, especially ones like this 🙂
Such a great and useful post Cat.
I agree with you in every single word and I have to start using my Pinterest account a little more now so I get the hang of it.The only reason why I still spend most of my time on ig is like you said connection with some wonderful ladies I have met on there which of them is you,so supportive and lovely all time.Apart from this ig is failing all my expectations,is like ghost town.
Wish you a wonderful Sunday and keep up your amazing work xx
Great post Cat! All very true and I have to say your opening paragraph summed it all up and I found myself agreeing totally at a every word.
It really is the smallest changes and actions that can have the biggest impact. Its a huge learning curve indeed!
I love writing my blog as I do love to read others and bounce off each other – it really is a great experience to be creative and yourself. A great read Cat. Kelly xx
http://www.KELLiLASH.com
Great post Cat! very informative and interesting . I enjoyed reading how all of them helped build your audience. Good stuff!
Cat, thank you so much for this article. I’ve found it so helpful and I also think that Instagram has become unfair. I cannot see it’s happening to every account but definitely it has impacted on mine. I love Instagram because and as you said kindness and sweetest and have found many wonderful people there. Basically I have learnt not to being worried about how many likes or followers I do have but instead focusing on the amazing friends and support I always find there.
Now I started look in Pinterest and guess I’ll need more time to understand how it works ??.
Thank you so much for your help and advices.
Have an amazing day
Mar
I couldn’t agree more, such a thoughtful post Cat. As much as I love Instagram, I believe it now time to also focus on Pinterest (which seems like a dark forrest to me at this point), but hopefully it will work out fine! Thanks for sharing and being so supporting! Love, Naya xx
p.s. supportive* 😛
Hi Cat! What a helpful post! I have not given much attention to Pinterest but now I will. You make excellent points about Instagram and looking for other ways to build friendships and engaging in conversations. I love the Beauty Community on Instagram but I really should broaden my horizon and look at other avenues. Thank you for this wealth of information!