New to marketing? Let’s break it down—what exactly is search traffic?
During our last session of SEO Power Hours, we were looking into performance reporting (can it be any more fun?). During our first session, someone asked, “What exactly is organic traffic?” If one person is asking, then I am sure others are as well. So let’s break it down.
What is Search Traffic?
SEO, or Organic Marketing, or Content Marketing, refers to the traffic that a website gets from search engines. Organic traffic, specifically from Google, tends to be very engaged and warm-ish because the users are actively looking for a product or service. It’s purposed. It’s intentional.
However, there are many other ways to get traffic to a website. Here’s a quick breakdown of these other channels and how they relate to SEO.
Paid Advertising (PPC)
What it is: PPC involves paying for ads that appear on search engines, social media platforms, or other websites. It’s an effective way to gain immediate visibility and attract traffic.
Relation to SEO: PPC can provide quick wins and immediate traffic, which is valuable for short-term campaigns or launching new products. It also offers insights into high-performing keywords that can inform your SEO strategy.
Social Media
What it is: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter allow you to engage with your audience, build brand awareness, and drive traffic to your site.
Relation to SEO: Social signals (likes, shares, comments) can indirectly influence your SEO. A strong social media presence enhances brand recognition, which can lead to more branded searches and backlinks. Check out our posts on the power of Linkedin and SEO.
Email Marketing
What it is: Email marketing involves directly reaching out to your audience via email to share content, promotions, and updates.
Relation to SEO: Email marketing drives repeat traffic, engagement, and conversions. Sending newsletters with links to your latest blog posts or product pages can boost your site’s traffic and SEO performance.
Referral Traffic
What it is: Referral traffic comes from visitors who arrive at your site from links on other websites.
Relation to SEO: Quality backlinks from reputable sites enhance your domain authority and improve your search rankings. Building relationships with other site owners and influencers can amplify your SEO efforts.
Building a Multi-Channel Marketing Strategy
If you are a new business or just getting started, it’s crucial to understand that relying solely on one channel is not the best approach. Instead, pick two or three channels to build brand awareness and drive traffic to your site. Here’s a suggested strategy:
- Start with SEO: Focus on optimizing your website and creating high-quality content that attracts organic traffic. SEO takes time but will build authority in your space.
- Add Email Marketing: Use email campaigns to keep your audience engaged and drive repeat traffic to your site. Share valuable content and updates to keep your audience interested.
- Incorporate Social Media: Engage with your audience on platforms where they are active. Build your brand’s presence and encourage social sharing to enhance your reach.
By combining these channels, you can create a robust marketing strategy that not only drives traffic but also builds a loyal following. Remember, SEO is a long-term game, but with consistent effort and strategic planning, you can achieve sustainable growth and success.
If you’re ready to dive into the world of SEO and digital marketing, start by understanding these basics and build from there. Soon, you’ll have a tribe of raving fans supporting your brand. 👏
