For me, when I have a new site, I start by setting up a decent layout, and then I just try to get some content on there. A good way to start is to get as much unique, quality content onto your site that people will likely be searching for at some point. After the search engines rank you, traffic might start coming if you have written relevant content that people are looking for, and that isn't already flooded in the market. If there's too much of the same info, your site might get lost in the crowd. Sometimes buying traffic to get your site started is a decent idea. The idea is that even if 1% or 2% of visitors you pay for end up liking the site and becoming regular visitors, then out of 10,000 paid hits you might get a hundred or so regular readers. What is your strategy for getting your website off the ground when it's starting?
In my humble opinion, it all depends upon the kind of site, niche market, strategy and individual's own approach. If you're already established, or otherwise have ample of money to invest. That kind of scenario is totally different. I'd start with doing a proper keyword research and know my competitors well. It helps, competitors are like friends in disguise and if you're intelligent, they'll keep helping you and will be your mentors. You'll know what to do, when to do and how to do things, specially when you're blank. Second step would be optimizing your site well, not keyword stuffing. Competitors will help you here as well. Then, start out by writing solid but optimized content and make relationships with such other sites. Then you'll have to start the marketing of site in several ways. Just be passionate, dedicated and be persistent.
GAdsense said it very well - first of all find a unique and less competitive niche. I'm always starting with on-page optimization to rank better in google and to be easy to find in search engine. I think there's no need to repeat that content is the most valuable. At the end I just try to advertise this site, create some ads (adwords, fb adsense and so on). And these steps are ok for the start.
I will focus more on free traffic in this post! First of start building a blog! With every new post your blog will become bigger and that means more people visiting your blog. Try to write posts optimized for long-term keywords which have low competition and good traffic. Your blog posts need to be related to general topic of your site or product you're promoting (building a list is recommended). Share your posts on social media. It essential to create Facebook, Twitter, G+, YouTube and Pinterest account. I'm using Empire Avenue to expand reach on social media and to advertise for free (it takes some time, but it has tremendous value). There are also forum and blog posting. Always focusing on real people who visit your site and try to show good impression and build trust. People will buy from you when they like and trust you!
I think the first priority is to have fresh and interesting content to that you won't only build loyal customers but search engines would like your website too.
First and foremost, I work would extensively on ensuring the design is as top-notch as possible. I can't stand websites that look sub-par. In order to stand out, your design needs to be above average. Next, high-quality and consistent unique content are a must. So, I would start off by purchasing high-quality articles and scheduling them to be posted on the website's blog. After that phase, I would work on SEO; both on-page and off-page. I won't get into too much detail here, because SEO is such a complicated art in itself. I would also work on developing a social media presence - YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, etc. If you have money to blow, you could also try Google AdWords to drive some traffic to the website.
Yup, I agree. In my experience, AdWords has been most helpful in getting sites off the ground - until you stop using it. Relying on AdWords alone will not get you too far; it should just be used as a starting point.