I see lots of people fretting over how to market their site or score some easy backlinks - so much so that they forget the need to have great content on their site. If you have a website you are in the PUBLISHING BUSINESS. That's the same business as offline magazines - magazines that are focused on delivering awesome articles to their readers. Sure there are plenty of exceptions with some websites playing a different role, but for most websites it is some form of content that they are delivering to their readers. Sure you can capture longtail traffic with some advanced SEO techniques, but it is not a long term strategy and the SEs are getting much smarter at only rewarding quality content sites. I'm not saying forget SEO or online marketing, but remember to also focus on what your website has to offer. If you want to build high traffic levels then you need to build authority, and to build authority you need to have quality well-researched content on your site. If you want to start pulling natural backlinks (and more natural traffic) and get more exposure within your niche then you need awesome content. I have leading niche sites because: - I have content that is unique (and I don't mean in the SEO way - I mean covering in-demand topics that have not been properly covered elsewhere). - I have content that is well-researched & high quality. - I produce content that is of interest to people within my niche. - I produce this content on a regular basis. What has your site got that makes it worthy of being a niche leader?
listen and respond to all feedback. make changes your visitors want. translate pages for non-english speakers. My site isn't widely popular, but the people who do visit, visit every day and that's nice.
The key is "being a trusted source for X"...where X is your niche. Case and point....McDonald's is a leader in the fast food industry niche not because they have the tastiest food, healthiest food or most knowledgable employees. They are #1 because you can TRUST the food will taste the same wherever you go in the world. Take the swing trading site in my signature line. Just a single page sales letter(no regularly updated content...or onging research or blah...blah...blah..) but I have top 5 SEO rankings on 8 keywords as well as great endorsements and testimonials from industry experts. I am a TRUSTED source for a swing trading course. Good luck.
For over three years I have been literally a "Trusted Source" in different niches. I have a few adult sites that were kick-ass for awhile but my only secret was my hubby, a +++ Super Server Admin +++ and web developer who taught me how to get visitors coming back generating a steady revenue. You would need to get them in to hear about his experience dealing with adult content. As we were engaged by that time, I eventually left in his hands all the work to prepare our wedding early this year
Yeah that would be interesting. Can't add too much value though as those porn surfers will have gotton what they wanted and moved on
Providing answers to questions. I build web pages and blog posts that do that and people stop by and come back.
My website has a good design and rocking content that is constantly being increased. Just some seo is needed. http://www.aviationearth.com
You could do with darkening the text - it is too light so a bit hard to read and I have perfect vision.
unique content really does make your site kick ass cos people bookmark when they see good stuff and they come back.
I can't agree more, you have to about the general user. On a public website if you don't fit the needs of your guests and your members you will see your site burn and crash fast. I'm working on providing some really unique stuff with a professional custom CMS right now, it's hard but in the long run I know I'll get back what I put into it.
The key is to shoot for the authority status in the niche you are in. I've been quoted in books and many sources. How? Unique and well researched content! Only then comes SEO.