In today’s business world, one of the most important things you can do for your company is to ensure you have a website that is driving traffic.
According to recent studies, approximately 71% of small businesses have a website, and one in five say that their main website issue is low traffic. As a result, many companies are looking for ways to drive traffic to their site.
One way to do this is by creating content. This type of content is becoming increasingly popular, as 78% of Chief Marketing Officers believe that it is the future of marketing (Source: DemandMetric).
Luckily, there are many different ways to go about this, and here are 10 types of content that will help drive traffic to your site.
Read also: What’s The Best Way To Create A Website.
What Can Content Do For Your Website?
Many benefits come with content marketing. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is increased traffic to your website.
Creating a quality, keyword-rich content can attract more visitors interested in your site. This can lead to more customers and conversions for your business.
In addition to increased traffic, content marketing can also:
a). Improve your website’s search engine optimization (SEO).
Good quality content can help you rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs), leading to more traffic and customers.
b). Help you build trust and credibility with your audience.
If your content is helpful, informative, and trustworthy, readers will be more likely to do business with you.
c). Generate leads and sales for your business.
If your content is compelling, it can encourage readers to take action, such as subscribing to your email list or purchasing from your online store.
d). Give you a way to connect with your audience.
Content marketing can help you build relationships with your readers by providing them with valuable information. This can lead to loyalty and repeat business down the road.
Types of Content That Will Drive Traffic to Your Site
1. Infographics
An infographic is a visual way to represent information. As its name suggests, it is a perfect way to communicate complex ideas quickly and effectively using a combination of data and graphics.
And turns out people love infographics. In fact, they are 3 times more likely to share an infographic than any other type of content on social media, according to NN Group.
Read also: Insider’s View: Social Media Marketing for Small Businesses.
When should I use it?
Infographics are great for sharing data or explaining a complex process. An infographic is probably your best bet if you have something to say that would be better communicated visually.
It works best when sharing data, research, statistics, and tips.
How to do it
When creating an infographic, ensure the design is eye-catching and easy to understand. Use bright colors and simple graphics that are easy on the eyes.
The data you use should be accurate and up-to-date. You can find data by conducting your own research or using reliable sources like government statistics or studies from well-respected organizations.
Once you have your data, organizing it into an easy-to-understand format is key. Use graphs, charts, and lists to make the information digestible.
Include a call-to-action at the end of your infographic, so people know what to do next. For example, you can encourage them to visit your website or sign up for your newsletter.
2. How To Guides
A how-to guide is exactly what it sounds like: a step-by-step guide that teaches people how to do something.
How-to guides are popular because they offer value by teaching people new skills or showing them how to solve problems. They can be helpful for both beginners and experts alike.
When should I use it?
How-to guides are great when you want to show your audience how to do something specific.
Whether it’s changing a tire, making a website, or creating a budget, if someone out there wants to learn how to do it, chances are they would appreciate a step-by-step guide.
They work best when covering evergreen topics (meaning they will always be relevant), such as tutorials on using software or tips on fixing common problems.
How to do it:
The first step in writing a how-to guide is to decide what you will teach your audience. Once you have a topic in mind, list all the steps involved in completing the task at hand.
Then, start by writing an introduction that will give your readers some background information on the topic. After that, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty and write out each step involved in completing the task.
Make sure your steps are clear and easy to follow. Use numbered lists or bullet points to make them easier to read.
Include pictures, videos, or other visuals whenever possible to help readers follow along.
Finally, end with a summary of what they’ve learned and how they can put it into practice.
Things to keep in mind;
- How-to guides have a chance of showing up on search engines, so be sure to include relevant keywords throughout your content.
- While they can be helpful for beginners, don’t forget to target advanced users. They may still need a refresher on doing something or want to learn a new way of doing it.
- This type of content gets outdated pretty quickly. Be sure to update your how-to guides regularly, so they remain relevant and accurate.
3. Memes
Yes! Memes can get you boatloads of traffic!
A meme is a funny image, video, or piece of text that’s typically shared online. They often have captions that accompany them and can be easily replicated and spread virally.
When should I use it?
Memes are the perfect way to add some levity to your content mix. If you feel your blog or website has been getting a little too serious lately, throw in a few memes to lighten the mood.
But beware: only do this if it makes sense for your brand voice—if not, it could come across as tone-deaf (and no one wants that).
Also, remember that memes tend to have short shelf lives since they rely on pop culture references, which quickly become dated.
So if you decide to go this route, make sure you post them sparingly and strategically timed with whatever else is happening in the world at large.
How do I make my own meme?
You can create memes in two ways: by using an existing template or by starting from scratch…
If you want to use an existing template, plenty of meme generators out there make it easy to add your own text (or even images) to popular memes.
Some of our favorites include Imgflip, Meme Generator, and Quickmeme.
If you’d rather start from scratch, you can create your own meme using an online photo editor like Canva or PicMonkey.
Just upload the image you want to use, add some text (using a font that’s easy to read), and voilà! You’ve got a meme.
Things to keep in mind:
- When creating memes, ensure the image you use is clear and easy to see. Otherwise, people won’t be able to tell what it is—and they definitely won’t share it.
- Your caption should be short and sweet. Get straight to the point so people can understand your message without putting too much thought into it. And if you want maximum impact, try using puns or wordplay.
- Be strategic about when you post your memes since they have relatively short lifespans compared with other types of content… If you time them right, though, they can give your traffic an extra boost when things are slow.
4. Case studies.
Case studies are a great way to show off your successes and persuade potential customers or clients to work with you.
A case study is a detailed account of a specific project or experience that has been undertaken, usually by an organization or individual. It’s designed to give readers an in-depth look at the subject’s approach and the results.
When should I use it?
Case studies are most effective when you want to showcase your successful projects and highlight your capabilities…
They can be especially helpful for B2B companies who want to demonstrate their expertise in solving complex problems for other businesses.
How do I write a case study?
The first step is deciding which project or experience you will feature in your case study.
Once you have that, it’s time to start writing… Start with a brief overview of the project and dive into the details.
Be sure to include information on the challenges faced, how they were overcome, and any lessons learned along the way. Finally, end with a discussion of the results achieved.
If possible, back up your claims with data or quotes from satisfied clients. And don’t forget to add visuals!
Images or videos can help bring your case study to life and make it more engaging for readers… Just be sure not to go overboard—a few quality visuals are all you need.
Things to keep in mind:
- When writing case studies, always focus on showing rather than telling… Use specific examples and stories instead of generalities whenever possible.
- Also, remember that people love reading about other businesses like theirs—so make sure you highlight any similarities between your clientele and the reader’s company.
- While case studies are an excellent way to show off your successes, don’t think they will do all the work for you… You still need to promote them! Be sure to share them on social media and link to them on your website so people can find them easily.
5. Ultimate Guides
If you thought a how-to guide was comprehensive, you haven’t seen anything yet.
An ultimate guide is exactly what it sounds like: the be-all and end-all resource on a particular topic… If your goal is to rank high in Google and drive traffic to your website, then you need to create an ultimate guide.
Period.
When should I use it?
Use an ultimate guide when you want to establish yourself (or your company) as a thought leader in your industry… By creating comprehensive content that covers all the bases, you’ll be able to demonstrate just how much of an expert you are on the subject—which will make people more likely to trust what you have to say (and buy what you’re selling).
How do I make my own Ultimate Guide?
To create an ultimate guide, start by brainstorming all the topics you could potentially cover.
Then, narrow down your list to the most essential topics that will provide the most value to your readers…
Once you’ve a solid foundation, it’s time to start writing (or recording if you’re making an audio or video guide).
As you write (or record), remember that your goal is to be as comprehensive as possible. This means covering everything from the basics to more advanced concepts…
And don’t forget: since this is supposed to be THE definitive resource on the subject, make sure whatever information you include is accurate and up-to-date.
Things to keep in mind:
- When creating an ultimate guide, remember that length doesn’t necessarily equal quality—it’s more important to focus on providing value. That said, most ultimate guides tend to be longer (think: 10,000+ words), so don’t be afraid to go deep.
- Another thing to remember is that an ultimate guide isn’t something you can create overnight… It takes time and effort to put together a truly comprehensive resource, so ensure you give yourself enough time before promoting it.
6. Opinion post (a.k.a. “Rant”)
Opinion posts are exactly what they sound like: articles in which you share your opinion on a particular topic.
While these types of posts can take many different forms, they all have one thing in common: they’re designed to get people talking.
If you want to drive traffic to your website (and generate some serious buzz), then publishing an opinion post is a great way to do it.
Read also: How To Get Website Traffic Fast.
When should I use it?
Use an opinion post when you want to start a conversation—or add your voice to an existing conversation—on a controversial or talked-about issue in your industry.
How do I make my own Opinion Post?
To write an effective opinion post, pick a hot-button issue relevant to your audience.
Once you’ve chosen a topic, it’s time to take a stand and express your point of view clearly and concisely.
Remember: this isn’t the time for wishy-washy fence sitting—you need to have conviction if you want people to pay attention (and care).
Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to add some flair to your post…
Be creative with your approach, and don’t be afraid to experiment. The goal is to stand out from the crowd and get people talking—which means thinking outside the box is a must.
Things to keep in mind:
- Remember that you need to back up your opinions with facts… This doesn’t mean you can’t have strong opinions—it just means that they need to be based on reality (or at least perceived reality).
- Not everyone will agree with you—and that’s okay! In fact, it’s actually a good thing… Controversy is one of the best ways to get people talking (and thinking), so don’t be afraid to ruffle a few feathers.
7. Product reviews
These types of content are like a double-sided coin: on the one hand, they’re a great way to drive traffic to your site; on the other hand, if done poorly, they can damage your reputation.
That said, when done right, product reviews can be incredibly effective in building trust with your audience and boosting your bottom line.
When should I use it?
Use a product review to show that you’re an expert in your field or to generate more traffic for a product page.
At the same time, you can create product reviews and generate revenue by including affiliate links to the products you recommend.
Just be sure to disclose any conflicts of interest, and don’t write a review if you don’t have first-hand experience with the product.
How to do it:
The first thing you need to do is choose a product to review. It could be something you sell, or it could be something from a competitor.
Once you’ve selected the product, collect data about it—including its features, benefits, and drawbacks.
Then, write a balanced review that includes your honest opinion. Be sure to back up your claims with data and examples.
Finally, include a call-to-action (CTA) at the end of your review, encouraging readers to try the product for themselves.
To help you out, here’s a pattern for the product review:
- Introduce the product
- Introduce the producer
- Describe the product
- Share what you like
- Share what you don’t like
- Provide your recommendation
- Provide a call to action
Things to keep in mind
- When writing a product review, it’s important to be both honest and impartial. That means including the pros and cons of each product you discuss.
- As always, be sure to back up your claims with evidence, whether that’s data from your own tests or reviews from other experts in the field.
Read also: How to Write Product Descriptions that Will Sell.
8. Ebooks
People love reading ebooks and are often willing to trade their contact information for them. That makes ebooks an ideal way to generate leads and traffic for your website.
When should I use it?
Use an ebook when you want to capture leads, build your email list, or increase brand awareness.
How to do it:
The first step is to develop a topic for your ebook—something valuable to your target audience. Once you have a topic, start writing (or hire someone to write it for you).
Once the ebook is complete, design a beautiful cover and include an eye-catching CTA on each page. Then promote your ebook through social media, email marketing, and other channels.
When people click on your CTA and provide their contact information in exchange for the ebook, they’ll be added to your lead list. From there, you can continue marketing to them until they’re ready to buy from you.
9. Listicles
A listicle combines the words “list” and “article.” They are, quite simply, articles that are presented as a list.
While some people may find listicles “clickbait-y,” there’s no denying that they effectively drive traffic to your site.
It is a type of content designed to be easy to consume, and listicles often go viral because they are so shareable.
When should I use it?
Listicles are a great way to drive traffic to your site, especially if you can create an attention-grabbing headline. They’re also perfect for social media since they’re easy to read and share.
If you have something you’d like to list out and share with the world in an easy-to-read format, then a listicle is perfect!
How to do it:
The first step is to develop a catchy headline that will make people want to click on your article. Once you have your headline, start listing the items in your article.
Be sure to include images or videos along with each item on your list. And finally, write a short conclusion summarizing everything you’ve listed.
Things to keep in mind:
When writing a listicle, it’s important to focus on quality over quantity. That means including items that are truly interesting, helpful or both.
It’s also important to ensure that your headline accurately reflects the content of your article. Otherwise, you risk annoying readers and driving them away from your site.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, many different types of content can drive traffic to your site. But which one is right for you? It depends on your goals and your audience.
If you want to increase brand awareness or build customer relationships, blog posts and infographics are great. If you’re looking for immediate results, paid ads may be the answer.
And if you want to increase your search engine ranking, SEO-friendly articles are the way to go.
Whatever your goal, there’s a type of content that can help you achieve it. So don’t be afraid to experiment until you find what works best for you and your business.
Read also: How to Write Great Content Guaranteed To Increase Your Website’s Traffic.