How to Increase Website Traffic for Free
You’ve opened this article because you’re one of two people
You’re either a small business owner with visions of grandeur, but shallow pockets.
Or…
You’re a large business owner, but you don’t have a significant marketing budget.
Two different scales, the same problem - at least that’s what you think.
Now, you could also be a third.
This person is probably the most valuable out of the three.
You understand that marketing is integral to your success, but you know it shouldn’t cost a fortune.
A part of you knows that winning in business should never be a case of “he who spends the most on marketing, wins.”
I don’t think I’ll be pitching that to the TV corporations anytime soon.
Continuing Down the Wrong Path
Now, no matter which person you are, what happens if you don’t fix the problem of low online visibility?
Very simple - you get outpaced.
Your competition is but a dot, far out in front of you.
You look at your ever-shrinking balance sheet in a perpetual state of anxiety.
You wonder why, despite your ‘pioneering’ multi-functional, multi-modal, 10G-enabled, AI companion toothbrush buddy - your website traffic remains stagnant.
But, you’re hesitant to hire some bloated agency that promises to 10x your sales for the low, low price of £100,000 per ad. Understandably so.
You know there have to be easier, more affordable ways to achieve industrial notoriety.
The great news is that there are better ways to drive traffic to your website, without spending a penny. The only investment you need to make is your time.
Cost Effective Strategies
Here are three proven, free strategies you can implement immediately to increase your website traffic.
Post High-Quality Social Media Content
You may think the social media world is saturated. “How can I stand out?” you ask yourself.
I didn’t say the cheapest path would be the easiest.
The key? Post a variety of content styles. Visualise your idea in an infographic, record a video, provide a mix of storytelling, educational, and directional posts to enlighten your audience.
The secret? Post with a goal in mind. Don’t simply post for the sake of posting. To succeed in directing attention to your website, make sure every post has a clear path - just don’t be salesy or cheesy.
Start by identifying who you are talking to, then decide where you want to take them (your website). Design a series of posts to lead them there.
Action Steps:
Identify which social media platform your target audience uses the most.
Create a content calendar with a mix of engaging formats: video, infographics, stories, and educational content.
Ensure every post includes a call-to-action (CTA) that gently directs users to your website (e.g., “Check out the full guide on my website”).
This is precisely why copywriting is one of the most worthwhile skills in any business today.
Build Partnerships
Having trouble gaining traction? Why not work with those who have already laid the path you wish to follow?
Your best bet is to speak with accounts that are realistically similar in size to you. And importantly, you want to offer something before you ask for the collaboration.
Identify five businesses or influencers you’d like to collaborate with and offer them a few ideas for partnership. It could be a guest blog post, an Instagram takeover, or a joint webinar.
Action Steps:
Make a list of five businesses or influencers that have a similar audience to yours.
Reach out with a personalised offer that benefits them (e.g., “I noticed we both serve a similar audience. Would you be interested in a guest post or collaboration that offers value to both of our readers?”).
Consider joint ventures like co-hosting webinars or cross-promoting products through social media or email lists.
By collaborating, you expand your audience and leverage each other’s networks, driving traffic to your site.
Launch a Free Community
All too often, I hear “launch an email list, get them on your newsletter.”
Agreed. Once you’ve provided some small amount of free value - whether that’s a guide, a checklist, or an eBook - ask them to join your newsletter.
But before you do that, why not create a community that focuses on building connections with prospective and existing customers?
Capitalise on the innate human desire for community and amplify it with the interests that brought your audience to your door in the first place.
By creating a space where your audience can interact with both you and each other, you’ll not only foster engagement but also position your website as the go-to hub for your niche.
Action Steps:
Choose a platform to host your community (e.g., Facebook Groups, LinkedIn, or Discord).
Start by offering valuable content and discussion starters, and encourage members to engage with one another.
Promote the community through your website, social media, and newsletter. Encourage users to invite others who may benefit from the shared knowledge and discussions.
Creating this sense of community builds loyalty, keeps users engaged, and naturally drives traffic back to your website.
Conclusion
By following these three strategies - posting high-quality social content, building strategic partnerships, and launching a community - you can start driving traffic to your website today without spending a fortune.
The key is consistency and offering value at every step. Put in the reps, and you’ll soon see your traffic grow without draining your budget.
Done well, you should be setting the pace, looking behind you in pride, not chasing in anxiety behind.
