Tips to Bring the Visitor Back for More - Web Site Traffic

Search engine optimization is about more than just getting the visitor to the Web site; it is about keeping them there and coming back for more. There is no better gauge of a Web site's success than the bookmark. The more times a visitor chooses to bookmark a URL, the better that Web site is doing in the customer ratings. But, there is no way to keep track of how many times CTRL D was hit on a keyboard. Instead, the webmaster needs to learn the best methods to keep the visitors coming back for more.

10. Don't SPAM. Spam is a horrid word on the Internet. Website content, emails, newsletters and more can be considered SPAM if they don't offer enough tangible information along with that strong call to action.

9. Don't Blind Contact. Along the same lines as the spamming problem, email address collection using black hat techniques is one way to scare away every visitor. Just because they leave a comment on your blog does not give you the right to contact them about your product or service.

8. Title Right the First Time. The customer can only navigate around your site if they don't get lost. The page title and keywords need to be relevant to the information provided. This will allow the customer to find the information they need quickly and easily.

7. FAQ are good. A good FAQs page with real questions and answers is a great way to help the visitor get the most out of your website. The FAQs section can be populated with common questions and answers, but also with the questions submitted by your visitors.

6. Add a Policies Page. Are you offering a service or a product for sale? The Policies page will clear up any "legal" questions the visitors may have before they choose to order. The Policies page may also be referred to as the "Terms of Service" page.

5. Consistency in Color. The visitor needs to feel as though your website is professional and streamlined. Using a huge number of colors is distracting and can increase a website's bounce rate. Branding your business by using the same logos and colors on each page will please the customer.

4. Email and Social Networking Buttons. With the popularity of sharing via social networks, the email button may be a bit retro, but it is still worth including on a website to potentially increase traffic. The social networking button including share buttons for Twitter, FaceBook and DIGG can not only allow the visitor to share the wonders of your website with others.

3. Bookmarking for Return Visits. A "Bookmark This" button on each page will allow the visitor to add your website to their favorites and revisit over and over again with ease.

2. Discounts and Freebies. Every visitor loves discounts and freebies. Using an "Opt In" Button on your website paired with a free offer will not only increase your return visitors, but also your email or newsletter list.

1. Offer the best content, product or service you can. No matter how many tips and tricks you use to make your website more user friendly, if the content, products and services are subpar, the customer will not continue to return. The best action is great service from the beginning.