Website traffic is the lifeblood of search engine optimization (SEO). Your digital marketing plan needs SEO to attract and engage customers. This translates into more sales and higher revenue.

What if you’re on a tight budget? Is it possible to get free website traffic?

Yes, you can do that, especially if you’re running a small business.

From blogging to social media marketing, there are lots of different ways to increase traffic. The best part is that most strategies will cost you nothing.

However, as your website grows, you’ll need to invest more time and effort. And more money. At some point, you’ll need to either outsource SEO or hire an in-house team.

Before planning your SEO strategy, make sure you understand why you need traffic in the first place.

The Benefits of Free Website Traffic for Your Business

Website traffic can make or break your online business. It’s the foundation of successful SEO.

Every Internet user who visits your site is a potential client. The more traffic you get, the more people will find out about your brand.

No matters how great your website looks, it has no value unless it attracts traffic. After all, what’s the point in having a fantastic site if no one knows about it?

Think of your site as a virtual business card. It’s your chance to showcase your expertise as well as your products and services. The more people know about it, the better.

Free website traffic not only converts into sales and online exposure but also gives insight into your audience. It shows where your site visitors are coming from, what pages they read, and how much time they spent on your blog.

Tracking free traffic is a great way to learn about your audience and their preferences. As a business owner, you can use this data to create better products and boost customer engagement.

Plus, this type of traffic converts better than paid ads do. Up to 80 percent of customers ignore sponsored ads and click on organic search results.

These are just a few of the many advantages of free website traffic. Now let’s how you can attract more visitors to your site without spending a dime:

Blogging

Adding a blog on your site could increase the number of indexed pages by a whopping 434 percent.

Blogging gives you an opportunity to attract customers and keep them engaged. It also shows the search engines that your website is relevant and packed with information.

Moreover, it makes it easier to rank for your target keywords and boost your visibility online.

For instance, if you provide computer repair services, you can blog about common PC issues, troubleshooting, and maintenance. When someone searches for PC repair tips online, your site will pop up in search results.

Blog Commenting

Another simple way to drive free website traffic is to leave comments on other people’s blogs.

Most bloggers allow users to include a link to their site along with the comment. If you leave a meaningful reply and your comment gets published, readers will click on your link. This will redirect them to your site or blog.

For best results, target high-authority blogs in your niche. Look for popular posts, read people’s questions, and offer advice. Be helpful and to the point.

Online Chat Boards

Reddit, Quora, Yahoo Answers, and other chat boards can drive massive traffic to your pages. These platforms allow users to ask and answer questions. Plus, you can include a link to your site or blog as long as it’s relevant to the topic.

Let’s take Reddit, for instance.

With over 375,000 subscribers, the /r/entrepreneur subreddit can be an excellent source of traffic. If you run a marketing agency or provide business-related services, it’s worth checking it out.

Browse the topics and pick those that are the most relevant to your business. Come up with an interesting reply, a new perspective, or fresh ideas on the topic. Add a link to your website.

If your post goes viral, you could get tens of thousands of hits to your site within hours.

Guest Blogging

When done right, guest blogging could double or even triple your traffic numbers. This SEO strategy involves writing a post on other blogs and websites.

Most blogs allow guest writers to include a bio or links to their sites and social media pages. If your post is original and catchy, readers will check out your site or follow you on social media.

Look for blogs and websites that are somehow related to your business. For example, if you’re selling wedding dresses, consider guest posting on wedding photography blogs.

Repurpose Old Content

Let’s say you already have a bunch of posts on your site or blog. To get free website traffic, turn them into Tweets, slides, or even videos. Share them online to grow your exposure and build quality links.

Also, you can publish old content on Medium, LinkedIn Pulse, and other platforms. This way, you’ll breathe new life into your posts and reach a wider audience.

Plus, these sites allow you to include a bio or a short intro along with your website address. This can boost your traffic numbers and increase link juice.

Forum Posting

Just like blog commenting and chat boards, forum posting can drive free website traffic and boost your exposure.

Nowadays, there are specialized forums in every industry. For example, the Warrior Forum appeals to digital marketers and online entrepreneurs.

To gain authority – and traffic, engage in conversations and leave meaningful comments. There are thousands of questions you can reply to, so go ahead and help others! It’s a win-win for everyone.

Create YouTube Video Tutorials

Depending on your niche, you can create and share tutorials on YouTube to get free website traffic. Nor to mention that Google loves this platform, which further helps increase your online exposure.

If you sell detox teas online, create a tutorial on how to brew tea to perfection. In case you’re a business consultant, post videos answering frequently asked questions on how to set up a business or attract clients.

Every day, Internet users watch over one billion hours of YouTube videos. On mobile alone, this platform reaches more viewers than any TV network. Any of these people could be interested in your products or services.

Share Infographics

Today’s customers love visual content. Infographics, in particular, are great for generating traffic. They also make it easier to convey your message to the target audience.

Create infographics related to your business. Include interesting facts, statistics, and handy tips.

Next, post them on your website and then share them online. Publish infographics on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and other platforms. Remember to link back to your site or blog.

Grow Your Business the Smart Way

As you see, free website traffic isn’t just a buzzword. You can make it happen by putting more effort into your marketing strategy.

Get creative and experiment with different marketing techniques. Harness the power of social media and get the most out of your blog. Plan every step of the process with your audience in mind.

What are your favorite traffic generation methods? What have you tried so far? Share your experience below!