Before anyone can shop at your online store, they first need to find it—and that’s where many business owners hit a roadblock. In fact, 21% say low site traffic is their biggest challenge. And with only 22% of visitors reaching websites by typing a URL directly into their browser, relying on that alone won’t cut it.

That’s why it’s so important to diversify how potential customers discover your brand.

In this guide, we’ll walk through 26 proven strategies to promote your website across multiple channels and attract a steady flow of visitors. Each approach is tailored to today’s savvy internet audiences, helping you not just boost traffic but also turn curious clicks into loyal customers—all while strengthening your modern online presence.

How to increase traffic to your website

SEO

Across industries like retail and professional services, roughly 33% of website traffic comes from organic search. In other words, a third of your potential customers are finding businesses through Google—not by typing in web addresses directly. That’s the power of SEO.

Search engine optimization (SEO) is the practice of refining your website so it has a better shot at showing up on search engine results pages (SERPs) when people look for products or services like yours. Ideally, you want your site to appear on the first page—preferably in the top 10 results—because that’s where the majority of clicks happen.

Think of SEO as part art, part science: it’s about understanding how search engines like Google work and then applying those insights strategically to your website. Tools like Ahrefs and Semrush can make the process easier by highlighting opportunities to improve your content and performance.

In the next section, we’ll walk through some ecommerce SEO best practices you can use to optimize your site, boost visibility, and attract more of the right visitors.

1. Write Title Tags That Match Search Intent

Traffic: 👤👤👤
Cost: 💰
Time to ROI: Days
Effort: Low

Title tags are the snippets of text that appear in search results—and they play a big role in whether someone decides to click through to your website. Paired with your meta description, a strong title tag acts as your site’s first impression for potential visitors discovering you through search engines.

When crafting title tags, keep these best practices in mind:

• Write a unique title for every page
• Keep titles under 55 characters
• Be consistent with title case or sentence case
• Include a target keyword
• Make sure titles align with search intent

As Google puts it: “Titles are critical to giving users a quick insight into the content of a result and why it's relevant to their query. It's often the primary piece of information used to decide which result to click on, so it's important to use high-quality titles on your web pages.”

By following these guidelines, you’ll not only improve your visibility in search but also give users more reasons to choose your page over the competition.

2. Write Irresistible Meta Descriptions

Traffic: 👤👤
Cost: 💰
Time to ROI: Days
Effort: Low

Meta descriptions are the short snippets of text that appear under your website’s title tag on search engine results pages (SERPs). While the title tag captures attention and sets expectations, the meta description acts as a mini pitch—summarizing the page’s content and persuading users to click through.

A compelling meta description can make the difference between someone choosing your site or scrolling past it. As Google explains: “They are like a pitch that convinces the user that the page is exactly what they're looking for.”

If your descriptions don’t clearly communicate value, you could see fewer clicks—which may indirectly affect your organic rankings. While meta descriptions can technically be any length, they’re often truncated depending on the device, so keeping them concise is key.

Here are some best practices to follow:

• Summarize the page’s content clearly
• Keep it under 145 characters
• Make each description unique
• Use sentence case for readability
• Add intriguing, click-worthy details
• Include the page’s target keyword

Done right, your meta descriptions don’t just describe your pages—they sell them.

3. Prioritize Backlink Building

Traffic: 👤👤👤👤
Cost: 💰
Time to ROI: Weeks
Effort: High

One of Google’s key ranking signals is authoritativeness. In simple terms, the more trustworthy and credible your site appears, the higher your chances of ranking well in search results. But how do you prove that credibility to Google?

A strong backlink strategy is one of the most effective ways. Backlinks are links from other reputable websites pointing to yours. When high-quality, relevant sites link to your content, it sends a signal to search engines that your website is reliable, valuable, and worth prioritizing in rankings. The more trusted sources that vouch for your site, the stronger your domain authority becomes. Plus, backlinks don’t just improve SEO—they can also boost conversions by sending qualified referral traffic your way.

Here are some smart ways to build backlinks and grow your site’s authority:

• Guest post on industry blogs: Share your expertise with new audiences while linking back to your site.
• Curate expert roundups: Collect insights from industry professionals, publish them, and encourage contributors to share the piece with their networks.
• Offer product reviews: Send your product to relevant bloggers in exchange for honest reviews that include a backlink.
• Launch an affiliate program: Incentivize others to drive traffic to your website with commissions on sales.
• Seek press coverage: Pitch your story, product, or unique angle to journalists and publications that cover your industry.

Backlinks are essentially votes of confidence from the web—and the more quality votes you earn, the stronger your reputation and rankings will grow.

4. Add Internal Links To and From Important Pages

Traffic: 👤👤👤
Cost: 💰
Time to ROI: Weeks
Effort: High

Just like backlinks boost authority from external sources, internal linking strengthens the structure and visibility of your own site. By connecting different pages within your website, you not only make navigation easier for visitors but also help Google understand how your content relates to one another.

Internal links also play a role in distributing PageRank—Google’s measure of a page’s importance. When a high-value page on your site links to another page, some of that authority is passed along, giving the linked page a better chance to rank. By strategically pointing links from less critical pages to your most important ones, you signal to Google which pages matter most.

Here’s how you can make the most of internal linking:

• Optimize your site structure so pages are easy to navigate.
• Submit your sitemap in Google Search Console to help search engines crawl your site.
• Add breadcrumbs to product categories for instant, useful internal links.
• List out your high-value target pages—the ones you want to rank higher.
• Identify authority pages (those with the strongest performance) and link from them to your target pages.
• Use natural anchor text that includes the keyword you’d like the target page to rank for.

Think of internal links as your website’s circulatory system—by keeping the flow strong and intentional, you’ll boost both SEO and user experience.

5. Add Long-Tail Keyword Variations to Your Pages

Traffic: 👤👤👤👤👤
Cost: 💰
Time to ROI: Weeks
Effort: Medium

When building your SEO strategy, it can be tempting to chase broad, high-volume keywords. But those short, competitive terms are tough to win unless your website already has strong authority. A smarter approach is to focus on long-tail keywords—specific, detailed phrases that not only face less competition but also attract visitors who know exactly what they’re looking for.

Long-tail keywords often deliver higher click-through rates because they align with niche, intent-driven searches. That means the people using them are already closer to making a decision, and your site can be the one that gives them the answer.

Take this example: if you sell running shoes, targeting the broad keyword “running shoes” pits you against massive competitors. Instead, honing in on searches like “best running shoes for flat feet” or “running shoes for marathon training” makes it easier to rank—and more likely you’ll connect with customers ready to buy.

To make long-tail keywords work for you:

• Incorporate them naturally into product descriptions, headers, and page content.
• Create blog posts or landing pages that address specific customer needs.
• Use keyword research tools to uncover the exact phrases your audience is searching.

By weaving long-tail variations into your pages, you’ll tap into more qualified traffic and position your site as a helpful, relevant resource for the people most likely to convert.

6. Stand Out With Rich Snippets

Traffic: 👤👤👤👤
Cost: 💰💰
Time to ROI: Weeks
Effort: High

Rich snippets are enhanced search results that include extra details—like star ratings, prices, product images, or availability. These little upgrades make your listing more eye-catching and can give you an edge over competitors in crowded search results.

To enable rich snippets, your site needs structured data—a type of code that helps Google understand key details on your pages. For example, structured data can tell search engines that a certain number is a product price, or that a star rating is based on customer reviews. By providing this context, you make it easier for Google to display richer, more useful information about your pages.

To manage and troubleshoot your structured data, tools like the Google Structured Data Testing Tool (or Google’s Rich Results Test) are invaluable. They’ll highlight issues with your markup and guide you in fixing them, so your site is fully optimized for rich results.

When done well, rich snippets don’t just boost your visibility—they can dramatically improve your click-through rate by showing searchers that your page has exactly what they’re looking for.

7. Focus on Local SEO

Traffic: 👤👤👤
Cost: 💰
Time to ROI: Weeks
Effort: Low

Not all traffic is created equal—especially if you run a brick-and-mortar business. In that case, the most valuable visitors are the ones who can actually walk through your doors. That’s where local SEO comes in.

Local SEO helps you attract the right audience by making your business easier to find in specific geographic areas. It’s also often easier to rank for localized keywords than for broad, competitive ones. For example, “ballet shoe store in Lincolnville, Maine” is far less competitive than simply “ballet shoes.”

Here’s how to strengthen your local SEO strategy:

• Create a Google Business profile: This free tool (formerly Google My Business) puts your company on the map—literally. It helps customers find you on Google Maps and ties your business to localized search queries like “ballet shoes near me.”
• Keep your NAP details consistent: Make sure your business name, address, and phone number are the same across your website, Google profile, and directories. Consistency builds trust with both search engines and customers.
• Use location-based keywords: Incorporate your city, neighborhood, or region into your keyword strategy to capture nearby customers and improve your rankings in local searches.

By prioritizing local SEO, you’ll not only increase visibility but also connect with the people most likely to visit your store and become loyal customers.

Content Marketing

One of the most effective ways to drive targeted traffic to your online store is through content marketing. By creating and promoting valuable content, you attract the right visitors—the ones most likely to convert into customers. And with so many formats to explore—videos, podcasts, guides, ebooks—the opportunities to reach your audience are nearly endless.

At its core, content marketing is about producing interesting, informative, and engaging content that naturally draws people to your site. Done well, it helps you build trust, strengthen your brand’s authority, and create long-term visibility. The more useful and relevant your content, the more traffic you’ll generate over time.

That said, your strategy shouldn’t revolve solely around your products. Constant self-promotion gets dull quickly—for both you and your audience. Instead, focus on broader topics and resources your customers will genuinely find valuable. Positioning yourself as a subject matter expert (SME) in these areas not only earns credibility with readers but also signals authority to Google.

In the next section, we’ll explore practical content marketing ideas to help you craft a strategy that drives clicks, builds relationships, and grows your business.

8. Write a Blog

Traffic: 👤👤👤👤👤
Cost: 💰
Time to ROI: Months
Effort: Medium

When it comes to content marketing, few tools are as powerful—or as versatile—as a blog. A well-maintained blog not only strengthens your website’s internal linking structure but also attracts backlinks and builds credibility with both search engines and potential customers.

That said, success with blogging isn’t about publishing for the sake of it. To drive meaningful traffic, your content needs to be purposeful, relevant, and optimized for search. The best-performing blogs typically focus on answering questions and solving problems that matter most to their target audience. Achieving this requires a thoughtful editorial strategy, supported by persona development, keyword research, and content gap analysis.

When choosing what to write about, ask yourself: What would my audience find genuinely useful? Why am I the best source to provide this information? Featuring industry experts or influencers can also help amplify your reach, as they may share your content with their own followers, giving your blog an instant visibility boost.

In short, a blog is more than just a traffic driver—it’s a way to educate, connect, and position your brand as an authority in your space.

9. Produce Podcasts

Traffic: 👤👤👤👤👤
Cost: 💰
Time to ROI: Months
Effort: High

Like blogging, podcasting gives you the chance to reach a focused niche and connect with a specific audience. What makes podcasts especially powerful is the trust and loyalty they build over time. Regular listeners begin to feel a connection with the host, making them more likely to follow recommendations and eventually visit your website to learn more or explore your products.

That said, podcasts have a unique challenge: unlike a blog or social media post, there isn’t always a clear, clickable call to action that drives traffic directly to your site. This means you’ll need to create easy, intentional pathways for listeners to find you online.

Shuang Esther Shan, who manages the Shopify Masters podcast, recommends three practical ways to do just that:

• Publish transcripts and summaries as blog posts to improve accessibility and SEO while guiding listeners back to your website.
• Include an episode summary in your show notes with a direct link to the corresponding blog post or landing page.
• Compile resource lists mentioned in each episode—and make sure to highlight your own tools or products with links back to your site.

By combining engaging audio content with strategic website touchpoints, your podcast can become a powerful traffic driver as well as a trusted voice in your industry.

10. Make Videos

Traffic: 👤👤👤👤👤
Cost: 💰💰
Time to ROI: Months
Effort: High

As the world’s second-largest search engine, YouTube offers enormous potential for reaching new audiences. With more than 2.7 billion active users—and a wider reach among 18- to 49-year-olds than all US cable TV networks combined—it’s a platform you can’t afford to ignore.

By launching a YouTube channel, you can engage viewers through the power of visual storytelling. Videos naturally hold attention longer than text or images, making them an excellent way to share your message, showcase your products, and build stronger connections with your audience.

To make YouTube marketing effective for your business, focus on content that aligns with your brand’s voice and your audience’s needs. Here are three powerful video types to consider:

• Educational content: Teach new skills or solve common problems to build trust with your audience. Webinars and tutorials are especially effective, and they can highlight your product’s features in action.
• Storytelling videos: Share your brand’s values, mission, and identity through authentic, inspiring stories that resonate with your audience’s lifestyle.
• Entertainment content: Keep things fun, engaging, and aligned with your niche. Humorous or creative videos can draw attention while subtly showcasing your products.

When done consistently, video marketing doesn’t just drive traffic—it creates a loyal community around your brand.

11. Invest in Email Marketing

Traffic: 👤👤
Cost: 💰
Time to ROI: Months
Effort: Low

Email marketing remains one of the most reliable and cost-effective channels for driving traffic and building long-term customer relationships. Whether through promotional campaigns or regular newsletters, email gives you a direct line to your audience—keeping your brand top of mind while guiding them back to your website.

With an average ROI of $36 for every $1 spent, email marketing delivers unmatched value for minimal investment. The key lies in personalization and timing: send tailored messages that align with customer interests, from exclusive offers and product updates to helpful resources and educational content.

By consistently providing value, you transform your emails from simple promotions into a trusted touchpoint—encouraging repeat visits, boosting engagement, and fostering customer loyalty over time.

Organic Social Media Engagement

Driving traffic through social media takes more than simply posting links or ads—it’s about building genuine relationships with your audience. Even if you plan to invest in paid ads later, nurturing organic engagement lays the foundation for long-term growth and trust.

You can spark meaningful interactions by:

• Starting conversations with your target audience through questions, polls, or relatable content.
• Responding thoughtfully to comments, messages, and discussions around your brand, products, or industry.
• Building community by creating spaces where your audience feels seen, heard, and valued.

A strong organic presence not only boosts visibility but also fosters loyalty, making your brand feel approachable and authentic. Up next, we’ll dive into practical ways to cultivate this kind of social media presence and keep your community engaged.

12. Get Friends and Family to Share

Traffic: 👤👤
Cost: 💰
Time to ROI: Weeks
Effort: Medium

In the early days of your business, your friends and family can be your biggest advocates. Leaning on your inner circle is a smart way to generate initial buzz, drive traffic, and even secure your very first sale (shoutout to supportive moms everywhere!).

Take a cue from Upworthy, which sparked its growth by doing just that. The team set a goal of reaching 1,000 Facebook fans on launch day by rallying their networks—and it worked, giving them a strong foundation to build on.

To replicate this, be intentional about how you reach out:

• Share your story in a heartfelt social media update.
• Send a personal note to your community, coworkers, or extended family.
• Ask loved ones not just to support you but also to share your website with their own networks.

This ripple effect is at the heart of word-of-mouth marketing, and it can give your brand the momentum it needs to get off the ground.

13. Proactively Engage on Instagram

Traffic: 👤👤
Cost: 💰
Time to ROI: Weeks
Effort: Medium

Instagram isn’t just a place to sell—it’s a place to build relationships before you launch. By engaging early, you can establish a loyal following that’s already invested in your brand when you’re ready to start selling.

Toronto’s Blackbird Baking Company is a great example. Before opening its first storefront, the bakery built a community of bread lovers on Instagram. By the time the doors opened, people were already eager to line up.

Here’s what worked for them (and can work for you):

• Find your people: Follow accounts that fit your niche—like restaurateurs, local foodies, or hobbyists. Search bios and hashtags to discover enthusiasts who’d love your product.
• Show behind-the-scenes content: Share photos and videos of your process, products in the making, and little brand moments. The more authentic and visually appealing, the more shareable.
• Engage authentically: Participate in conversations about your community, lifestyle, or industry. Show up as more than a business—be human.

📌 Once you have an audience:

• Look for ways to add value without a sales pitch.
• Use Reels to create urgency with special offers just for Instagram followers.
• Respond thoughtfully to comments and mentions. Small interactions build big loyalty.

By being proactive on Instagram, you’ll create a warm, engaged audience that’s excited to support your business when you launch.

14. Engage on Reddit

Traffic: 👤👤
Cost: 💰
Time to ROI: Weeks
Effort: Medium

Reddit is one of the internet’s most active communities, with thousands of niche-focused subreddits where people gather to share stories, advice, and recommendations. For brands, it’s a goldmine for authentic engagement and a smart way to drive qualified traffic to your website.

For example, if you sell hair products, you’ll find subreddits like:

• /r/femalehairadvice – discussions about women’s hair care
• /r/haircarescience – science-backed product and routine insights
• /r/curlyhair or /r/hair – practical tips and style inspiration

Here’s how to make Reddit work for your brand:

• Craft a subreddit-specific headline: Keep it engaging and relevant, like “Who says short hair can’t be fancy?” for /r/curlyhair.
• Add value (not spam): Write concise, helpful posts that solve problems or share unique perspectives. Include a TL;DR for quick readers.
• Use visuals: Photos or graphics make your posts stand out and feel more authentic.
• Link naturally: Add a link to your store or relevant content, but only when it truly adds value.

⚠️ Important: Always follow Reddiquette and subreddit rules. Some communities don’t allow direct promotion, so focus on building trust first. A reputation for being helpful will make your links more welcome.

💡 Bonus: Don’t just stick to niche subreddits. Join communities like /r/entrepreneur or /r/smallbusiness to share your own journey, ask questions, and connect with other business owners.

When done right, Reddit helps you build credibility, spark conversations, and attract organic traffic from audiences who are already deeply invested in your niche.

15. Drive Excitement with Online Promotions

Traffic: 👤👤👤👤
Cost: 💰💰💰
Time to ROI: Days
Effort: High

Few tactics spark buzz as quickly as contests and giveaways. They’re not just fun—they’re powerful tools to grow your following, boost engagement, and send a surge of traffic straight to your website. By offering an incentive, you encourage participants to share your brand with their own networks, amplifying your reach far beyond your immediate audience.

Here’s why promotions work so well:

• Viral potential: When participants share contests for extra entries, your visibility can skyrocket.
• Multi-channel growth: Campaigns can drive traffic to your website and increase followers on platforms like Instagram or TikTok.
• Community-building: Giveaways create excitement and a sense of participation, making people feel more connected to your brand.

💡 Pro tip: Use apps (like those in the Shopify App Store) to embed contests directly on landing pages or blog posts. This way, your website—not just social platforms—becomes the hub for engagement.

The key is to keep promotions aligned with your brand. Offer prizes that resonate with your target audience, whether it’s your own product, an exclusive bundle, or a limited-time experience. Done right, online promotions don’t just drive traffic—they turn curious visitors into enthusiastic fans.

16. Offer Time-Sensitive Discounts

Traffic: 👤👤👤👤
Cost: 💰💰💰
Time to ROI: Days
Effort: Low

Nothing motivates shoppers quite like a ticking clock. Time-sensitive discounts tap into the psychology of scarcity—when people know a deal won’t last forever, they’re far more likely to act quickly. This makes them an excellent way to drive immediate traffic and sales.

To maximize effectiveness:

• Set a clear deadline: “24 hours only” or “Ends Sunday” creates urgency.
• Use qualifying purchases: For example, offering 20% off on orders over $50 ensures the promotion drives meaningful revenue.
• Go beyond price cuts: Limited-time free shipping, bonus gifts, or exclusive bundles can work just as well—sometimes even better.

Pair these offers with social media announcements, countdown timers on your website, or an email blast to amplify urgency. Done right, time-sensitive discounts not only boost short-term sales but also keep your audience coming back, eager for the next deal.

17. Leverage User-Generated Content (UGC)

Traffic: 👤👤👤
Cost: 💰
Time to ROI: Days
Effort: Low

Creating fresh, engaging content week after week can be a grind. That’s where user-generated content (UGC) saves the day. By showcasing photos, videos, and testimonials from real customers, you not only lighten your content workload but also amplify your brand’s credibility.

Why it works:

• Authenticity sells. Shoppers trust real customers more than polished brand campaigns. Seeing others enjoy your product makes new leads more confident to give it a try.
• Built-in virality. When you share a customer’s content, they’re likely to reshare it with their own followers, widening your reach without extra ad spend.
• Incentivized sharing. The more you highlight customer posts, the more people will want to tag your brand—creating a self-sustaining cycle of free promotion.

From Instagram stories and TikTok reviews to unboxing photos and testimonials, UGC is one of the most cost-effective ways to drive engagement and funnel traffic back to your website.

18. Send Free Samples to Instagram Influencers

Traffic: 👤👤👤👤
Cost: 💰💰
Time to ROI: Weeks
Effort: High

Influencer marketing is one of the most effective ways to expand your reach and drive qualified traffic to your website. By sending free product samples to Instagram influencers in your niche, you tap into their credibility, creativity, and loyal audience base—all while positioning your brand authentically.

Why it works:

• High trust factor. Followers view influencers as relatable experts. A genuine product mention feels more like a recommendation from a friend than an ad.
• Visual storytelling. Instagram thrives on eye-catching content. Influencers can showcase your product in real-life settings, making it more appealing and shareable.
• Purchase-driven platform. With 70% of shoppers turning to Instagram for purchase inspiration, influencer posts can directly funnel interested users to your store.

Pro tip: Choose influencers who align with your brand values and audience—micro-influencers (5k–50k followers) often deliver higher engagement and ROI than big celebrities, thanks to their niche communities and stronger connections.

Paid Social Media Advertising

If you want to scale traffic faster, paid ads are one of the most powerful tools at your disposal. Unlike organic methods that take time to build momentum, social media ads let you place your business directly in front of your ideal audience—whether they’ve heard of your brand or not.

The biggest advantage? Precision targeting. You can run campaigns that reach people based on their demographics, interests, behaviors, or even retarget visitors who previously engaged with your site but didn’t convert. This ensures your ad spend goes toward the users most likely to take action.

If you have a marketing budget, here are some platforms worth testing:

• Facebook & Instagram Ads: Great for visual storytelling, brand awareness, and retargeting campaigns.
• TikTok Ads: Perfect for brands targeting younger audiences with short, engaging video content.
• Pinterest Ads: Highly effective for lifestyle, fashion, food, and DIY brands where visual inspiration drives discovery.
• LinkedIn Ads: Ideal for B2B companies looking to target decision-makers and professionals.
• X (Twitter) Ads: Useful for timely promotions, trending conversations, and niche communities.

👉 The key is to start small, test creatives and targeting, then scale what works.

19. Facebook Ads

Traffic: 👤👤👤
Cost: 💰💰💰
Time to ROI: Days
Effort: Low

With over three billion monthly active users, Facebook remains the largest social media platform—making it a powerful channel to drive targeted website traffic. Facebook Ads let you reach users based on demographics, interests, behaviors, and location, ensuring your campaigns connect with the right audience.

One of the best tools at your disposal is Facebook Dynamic Ads, which automatically display products from your catalog that match a user’s browsing history and online activity. This personalization boosts click-through rates and conversions.

For even greater precision, install the Meta Pixel on your website. The pixel tracks visitor behavior, helping you refine ad targeting, optimize placements, and retarget potential customers who didn’t convert the first time around.

👉 If you want quick, scalable traffic that can also drive sales, Facebook Ads should be at the top of your paid marketing strategy.

20. Instagram ads

Traffic: 👤👤👤
Cost: 💰💰
Time to ROI: Days
Effort: Low

With over two billion users—and more than 62% following or researching brand accounts—Instagram offers businesses a massive opportunity to drive traffic and sales. While organic posts can build engagement, Instagram ads unlock the platform’s full potential by getting your products in front of highly targeted audiences.

A business account is essential, since it gives you access to Instagram’s ad manager and insights. From there, you can run ads in multiple formats, including photos, videos, carousels, collections, and stories. This variety makes it easy to showcase your products creatively while reaching new customers.

Plus, Instagram’s built-in shopping features mean you can sell directly on the platform, turning discovery into purchase without friction. By leveraging Instagram’s tools, hashtags, and trending content, you can boost visibility and amplify the performance of your ad campaigns.

21. Pinterest ads

Traffic: 👤👤👤
Cost: 💰💰💰
Time to ROI: Days
Effort: Low

Pinterest is a goldmine for ecommerce businesses because its users are already in a discovery mindset. Unlike other social platforms where people scroll passively, Pinterest users are actively searching for inspiration—whether that’s home décor, fashion, recipes, or event planning. This makes them more motivated buyers and often more willing to spend.

Promoted Pins are the core ad format, placing your content right at the top of search results and related feeds. They seamlessly blend with organic Pins, which boosts click-through rates and can directly influence purchasing decisions.

Pinterest ads work especially well when targeting niche audiences. From brides-to-be to home DIY enthusiasts, aligning your ads with specific interests helps position your brand as the go-to solution during key moments of intent.

22. Google Ads

Traffic: 👤👤👤👤
Cost: 💰💰💰💰
Time to ROI: Days
Effort: High

Unlike social platforms where ads interrupt browsing, Google Ads put your business directly in front of people who are already searching for products or content like yours. This intent-driven targeting makes it one of the most powerful ways to attract highly qualified traffic.

Google offers multiple ad formats to fit different goals:

• Search ads appear at the top of Google’s search results, giving you prime visibility.
• Display ads show across the vast Google Display Network, reaching users as they browse websites, apps, or Gmail.
• Shopping ads highlight product images, pricing, and details directly in search results—perfect for ecommerce.
• Video ads capture attention on YouTube, one of the most visited platforms in the world.

Mastering Google Ads takes time and strategy, from keyword research to bid management. But when optimized, it can transform your ad spend into a steady stream of highly relevant visitors ready to buy.

23. TikTok Ads

Traffic: 👤👤👤👤
Cost: 💰💰
Time to ROI: Days
Effort: Medium

TikTok has quickly evolved into more than just an entertainment app—it’s now a discovery engine where users actively seek fresh content and new products. For brands, this makes it an ideal space to reach wide audiences across diverse demographics.

While creating scroll-stopping TikTok content takes some creative effort, the payoff can be huge. Beyond driving traffic, TikTok Shop allows you to sell directly within the app, reducing friction and making it easier for viewers to convert into buyers without leaving the platform.

The TikTok Ads Manager is straightforward to use, offering flexible budgeting and audience targeting tools. Whether through in-feed ads, branded content, or trend-led campaigns, TikTok gives you the chance to meet customers where they’re already engaged and eager to discover.

In-person traffic

If your brand has a physical presence—whether through events, a brick-and-mortar store, or even product packaging—you can use those touchpoints to drive visitors online. Turning real-life interactions (IRL) into website traffic strengthens the connection between your offline and online presence.

By bridging the gap between the two, you not only make it easier for customers to stay engaged with your brand but also create more opportunities for them to explore, shop, and connect on their own terms.

24. Encourage in-person customers to connect online

Traffic: 👤👤👤
Cost: 💰
Time to ROI: Weeks
Effort: Medium

If you have a physical store or pop-up, don’t miss the chance to grow your online audience. Customers who already love your brand are more likely to engage digitally—especially if you give them a compelling reason. Offer perks like exclusive discounts, loyalty rewards, or early access to new products to nudge them toward your website.

Promote your online presence throughout your physical space with signage, receipts, and even product packaging that directs people to specific landing pages or promotions. At checkout, collect email addresses by inviting customers to sign up for your newsletter in exchange for a special incentive—like a discount code redeemable online.

The goal is to make the bridge between offline and online seamless, rewarding, and worth their while.

25. Create a QR code

Traffic: 👤👤
Cost: 💰
Time to ROI: Days
Effort: Low

Since 2020, QR codes have become second nature for most people—and they’re one of the easiest ways to drive offline audiences online. With just a quick scan using a smartphone camera, customers can be instantly directed to your website.

You can place QR codes on product packaging, flyers, posters, receipts, or in-store displays to guide people to specific landing pages, product collections, or time-sensitive offers. They cut out friction and make it effortless for customers to take action in the moment.

26. Participate in local events

Traffic: 👤👤👤👤
Cost: 💰💰💰
Time to ROI: Weeks
Effort: High

Local events—whether community fairs, trade shows, or pop-ups—are excellent opportunities to introduce your brand to new audiences and build trust face-to-face. Teaming up with fellow businesses can amplify your reach, while free samples, demos, or trials give people a chance to experience your products firsthand.

To turn that in-person buzz into online engagement, always provide a clear next step. Hand out flyers with QR codes, offer event-only discounts redeemable on your website, or encourage attendees to follow your social channels. The goal is to keep the connection alive long after the event wraps up.

How to choose a marketing strategy

With so many marketing options available, it’s easier than ever to find an approach that fits your business—but it can also feel overwhelming to decide where to start.

To narrow things down, begin by asking yourself:

• What are your marketing goals? (Brand awareness, traffic, sales, retention, etc.)
• How much time can you dedicate? (Do you have the bandwidth to manage daily efforts, or do you need set-and-forget campaigns?)
• What’s your budget? (Can you afford paid campaigns, or should you focus on low-cost, organic strategies? Do you have room to hire help?)

Answering these questions will give you a clearer picture of which strategies will make the biggest impact for your business.

1. Set your goals

Your business stage should shape your marketing goals.

• New business: If you’re just starting out, you’ll need to build brand awareness quickly. A big surge of traffic can help you gain visibility and momentum, so strategies like growing a social following or testing paid ads may be your best bet.
• Established business: If you’ve been operating for a while but growth has slowed, it may be time to adopt strategies that take longer to pay off but deliver consistent traffic over time. SEO, for example, is a strong long-term investment.

Beyond your business’s age, weigh your immediate and long-term priorities: Do you need quick conversions for a product launch, or would a steady stream of repeat visitors better serve your goals? Some marketing tactics deliver large volumes of general visitors, while others focus on highly targeted traffic. Knowing how soon you need ROI will help you choose the right mix of strategies.

2. Consider your audience

Knowing your target audience is key to choosing the right marketing tactics. A viral TikTok may send thousands of visitors to your site, but if they’re not interested in your product, that traffic won’t matter. Meanwhile, a single LinkedIn post or a well-targeted Google Ad could quietly drive the right visitors who are ready to buy.

To identify the best strategies for your audience, ask yourself:

• Where do they spend time online? Social media platforms, search engines, or niche forums?
• What content do they engage with most? Blog posts, videos, or short updates?
• What problem are they trying to solve—and how does my product help?

For instance, if your audience is young professionals, LinkedIn ads or email campaigns may be a good fit. For a younger demographic, Instagram Reels or TikTok content may resonate more. The more closely you tailor your marketing to your audience’s habits and needs, the more likely your traffic will translate into meaningful engagement and sales.

3. Take a look at your budget

According to The CMO Survey (spring 2024), businesses earning under $10 million annually typically spend about 16% of their budgets on marketing. That’s not a strict rule—if your business is new or facing challenges, you may not be able to allocate that much.

Before choosing a strategy, review your finances:

• High-budget strategies like paid advertising deliver faster results but come with higher costs and less long-term value.
• Lower-budget strategies like content marketing or organic social media take longer to pay off but are cheaper and build sustainable, compounding value over time.

4. Use your existing skills (or be ready to hire)

Some marketing strategies can be handled with little experience, while others demand time, skill, and expertise. As a business owner, you can’t realistically master every new tactic while also running your business.

• Beginner-friendly strategies like blogging or email marketing are affordable, straightforward, and can be learned through practice. With tools like Shopify Email or a simple content calendar, you can manage these in-house.
• Specialized strategies—such as PPC ads, SEO campaigns, or video production—require more technical knowledge and a significant time investment to see results.

Be honest about your strengths and your bandwidth. If you’re spread too thin, hiring an expert or outsourcing key tasks can free up time and improve your results.

5. Start small and scale up

The best digital marketing strategies balance both short-term wins and long-term growth. But trying everything at once usually leads to burnout and weak results.

Instead, begin with one or two tactics that match your goals, budget, and skills. Focus on mastering them and getting consistent results. Once those strategies are running smoothly, revisit your options and add another layer to your marketing mix.

This way, you’ll build momentum step by step—without overwhelming yourself or wasting resources.

6. Measure and adapt

Marketing isn’t a “set it and forget it” activity—you’ll need to check in regularly to see what’s working and what isn’t. Every few months, review your performance using website analytics. If you’re on Shopify, built-in reports can show you traffic sources, average order value, customer behavior, and how much of your traffic comes from first-time buyers.

Depending on your strategy, additional tools can provide deeper insights. For example:

• SEO campaigns → Google Analytics and Google Search Console
• Social media campaigns → Native analytics tools like Meta Business Suite or TikTok Analytics
• Email marketing → Open rates, click-through rates, and conversions via your email platform

The goal is to measure performance against your original objectives. If you wanted to attract higher-value customers but your campaign is mostly bringing in one-time buyers, that’s a sign to pivot. By adapting your strategy, you’ll stay aligned with your business goals instead of wasting time and money on the wrong channels.

More website traffic equals more customers

Driving traffic to your site is all about consistency. The right marketing strategy paired with the right channel can help you attract visitors who are primed to become customers. Remember: a winning digital marketing plan balances short-term wins (like paid ads or social campaigns) with long-term growth (like SEO or content marketing).

Master one tactic at a time, then expand your mix. Each new channel you add creates another pathway for customers to discover your brand—and the more qualified visitors you bring in, the more sales opportunities you’ll unlock.

Nice work laying out that FAQ! 🙌 Here’s a polished -T version that smooths out phrasing, trims repetition, and makes it more scannable for readers who’ll likely skim:

How to drive traffic to your website: FAQ

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How do I bring more traffic to my website?
Start by optimizing your site for search engines (SEO) so it appears in Google results. Engage your audience on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X, and tailor content to their needs.

High-quality, shareable content encourages backlinks, while pay-per-click (PPC) ads and influencer collaborations can expand your reach. Don’t overlook technical details like fast load times, mobile responsiveness, online directory listings, and guest blogging.

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How can I drive traffic to my website for free?
You can grow organic traffic without spending money by:

• Regularly posting helpful, valuable content on social media.
• Building and nurturing an engaged email list.
• Joining conversations in relevant forums or online communities.
• Using SEO best practices to rank higher in search results.
• Guest posting to tap into new audiences.

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How do I drive organic traffic to my website?
Organic traffic comes down to SEO. Research the keywords your audience searches for and create high-quality, relevant content that answers those queries. Keep your site fresh by updating content regularly—this attracts repeat visitors and signals to Google that your site is a reliable resource.

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How do I get traffic to my website fast?
For immediate results, run PPC ads on search engines or social platforms. Ads start driving traffic as soon as they go live, making them a great option for product launches or time-sensitive promotions.

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How can I use social media to drive traffic to my website?
Share content that resonates with your audience—product highlights, blog posts, or limited-time offers. Always include clear calls-to-action (CTAs) leading to your website. Consider boosting reach with paid ads, and post user-generated content (UGC) to increase trust and engagement.

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Should I focus on mobile optimization for website traffic?
Absolutely. With two-thirds of online purchases happening on mobile, a responsive, fast, and easy-to-navigate site is essential. Features like simplified menus and click-to-call buttons enhance user experience and can directly increase conversions.

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