Traffic Generation Tips for Blogs: Mining Facebook Traffic
I’ve recently published a post about traffic generation with the help of some basic SEO. Today we want to get into social media. Anyone seems to be talking about social media these days but, to be honest, I had a hard time starting to leverage e.g. Facebook to generate traffic. So here are some tips for traffic generation with Facebook.
Facebook has more internal traffic than Google. Also, Facebook’s content consumption levels are higher than Google’s. Sure, Google searches are more targeted and people use Google with search specifically in mind. Considering the amount of ground Facebook has conquered in terms of user tracking, internal traffic, and social search, it might be only a matter of time until Google gives up its search crown to Facebook. Before that happens, and chances are quite even that it will happen, there are a lot of things you can do now that will help you get some of Facebook’s yummy free traffic. You just have to know how to work the system. Facebook is not a site. It is not a destination. It is a process or service. If you wrap your mind around this concept, you will quickly discover that there are tons of ways you can get traffic of this online behemoth. I have listed three of the most common ways but the only limit to getting traffic off Facebook is your imagination. Use these as starting points. Start on them, master them, improvise, and see where they lead you.
Facebook Pages
Once you have posted a new article on your blog head over to Facebook and post an update on your Facebook Page. I usually try to be engaging. I ask a question about my post or ask for the reader’s opinion. I hope that this way people don’t think that I scream into their face that they should come over to my site and read the article. I actually want anyone to engage with me, work with me and take action on her own business.
However, don’t stop here. There are so many things you can do with your FB page. One of the most common ways to get traffic to your FB page is to assume the role of your FB page, you can assume the identity of your fan page. You can then make comments and engage with other pages and other people on FB. The key here is to focus on accounts that many other people follow. If they get intrigued by your comments or engagement, they click to go to your page and, if they like your content, they can like your page and get updates. Again, you are engaging with people. Without giving (in form of free advice or information) you won’t get anything in return. In my eyes social media doesn’t work “one way”, you need to use it in two ways actually to make it worth your time and effort. Enjoy being in contact with other people in your niche.
Facebook Groups
Facebook has tons of groups that focus on certain topics. Find groups that are in the same niche or topic category as your Facebook fan page. Participate in the group. Engage people. Build credibility by asking intelligent questions and contributing valuable information to group discussions. The more of an impact you make, the more people will click on links you share. Only after you have created quite a brand with your groups should you link to your posts.
However, be careful here: Some groups allow self promotion, others don’t. So the best is to check out the rules first. Also: We should never join a group just for self-promotion. Again, we need to engage with people and enjoy that.
Facebook Page Pictures
Pictures are more engaging than mere words. This is why picture shared by FB pages get re-shared a lot. Use this to your advantage by getting tons of royalty-free pictures and putting topic-specific and niche-specific text on them that you think are valuable. I usually do this for my Pinterest pictures. It simply attracts more people. You can read more about this in my Pinterest for your business guide. Just watch the videos there.
Don’t forget to measure the results when you post regular updates on your Facebook page. You are looking for volume of sharing. I try to change the art of the text on each picture to see which my audience finds the most engaging. Using the formula “How to {Benefit} {Timeframe}”, so e.g. “How to increase your website visitors to 5,000 in 10 days” (of course you need to be realistic here and don’t promise things you can’t keep) works best. As I said it is different in any niche but after all, we all want our problems to be solved – no matter if it is a problem with our partner, if we want to lose weight or make more money – just to mention some classics.
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Filed in: Blog • Internet Marketing • SEO • Traffic Generation
About the Author (Author Profile)
I'm Monja, the owner of several websites, amongst others Digidesignresort.com and CMDacademy.de. I make my money online since 2011 and as a teacher I love to teach others how to do the same - personally. You can connect with me here and on Google +Subscribe
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Hi Monja! I found you via SITS girls and have really enjoyed checking out both of your sites! It looks like you have some great experience. Your sites are professional and it is evident from your writing that you definitely know your stuff! I am following you now and look forward to seeing more of your posts!
Hi Kimber! Great to see you coming over! I love SITS girls and check often 🙂 Thanks for your nice words, hope to see you around often!
Nice post.
I have personal reservations about using Facebook, but it really is a powerful marketing tool.
Nice article Monja, I have never really used social media as a promotion or SEO method for my website, but you make some good points. But don’t you want to keep your personal life and business separate? Only a thought, still a nice article though.
Hey Tom,
Thanks for your comment! Yes, I do want to keep these accounts separate. I have my personal Facebook Profile and I have a Facebook Page where I can get in touch with anyone interested in my business. Another good reason to do that is that you can’t have more than 5,000 friends – OK for personal usage but not for business because you actually want some more Fans, right? You should try social media, when you don’t get addicted it is pretty rewarding for your site 🙂
Take care,
Monja
Hi Monja,
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Great article, Monja, with some really helpful tips.
I have experimented with finding motivational pictures online as well as good quotes and then combined those two for a Facebook post. My goal was to create posts with a higher chance of being shared. I definitely got more likes, not as many shares yet, but I will keep testing it.
How often do you post on your Facebook page?
I post once a day and I usually schedule for the next few days in advance (love that feature!!). But it’s still a lot of work to come up with good posts.
Hi Monja,
Facebook is a great way to generate traffic, Do check out the Boost Post option in Facebook that increases your blog post reach and traffic.
This is an awesome article. I came to know about Facebook groups recently and it is working so great for me so far. Facebook can give serious traffic if done properly.
Good work! You have mentioned all about facebook, you should also mention about youtube traffic…Anyway thanks for sharing.