Getting more eyes on your brand isn’t easy, but it’s so much harder when you’re testing 100 different methods. Putting all of your efforts into a handful of proven techniques is how you’ll see the best results.

So, let’s take it back to basics. If you want to increase targeted traffic to your site, here are 5 simple, expert tips to help you get there.

1. Do your keyword research

Keyword research is synonymous with SEO and PPC, but is integral for any marketer as it helps you understand the keywords a user is searching for and the intent behind them. If you don’t use the right ones, your content won’t get delivered to your target audience.

For instance, a search for “clips” could mean anything from Apple’s editing software, movie clips on YouTube, sealing bag clips or hair clips.

But if the user was more specific with the keyword “bobby pin hair clip”, it would let you know they’re searching to buy some or see how to style them in their hair. By taking the time to understand the user’s intent, and in this case, create content with such targeted keywords, you will ultimately drive more clicks to your site.

Tools like Google’s Keyword Planner and SEMRush are also essential for researching and uncovering data about keywords before you add them to your campaigns. Use them to find advanced metrics such as suggested bid prices, related keywords and projected impressions rather than just search volume, and watch the quality of your traffic soar.

Adzooma’s SEO Performance Report is another great tool to show you where your website ranks for selected keywords, as well as other phrases that you might not be aware of. Find out more, here.

Want to discover more? Here are 18 of the best keyword tools and tips.

2. Spend more time brainstorming PR contacts

This relates to the websites you want your content to appear on, journalists who can place your content and people who write for existing websites. If you think of it more as a personal challenge to find places that would be interested in what you have to offer, rather than a time-consuming task, it will immediately become a whole lot easier.

Start by writing down exactly the type of places your content could be published. For example, if you’ve written an article on working from home, you could branch out to HR blogs who write a lot about professionals and company culture as opposed to generic business sites. This will help to attract a wider audience, diversify your placements and potentially build important relationships.

When brainstorming, you should think about:

• Blogs on your specific industry/topic
• Sites already publishing about it
• Specific authors who have written similar articles

Plus, for data-driven pieces, it’s good practice to build your list out more than usual if you want people to use the data in their own materials. This will increase the number of backlinks you get and drive more customers to your site.

If it’s a specific article you’re outreaching, dedicate time to creating a narrower, more focused for high-quality placements.

3. Utilise optimisation tools

Content optimisation tools are designed to improve the quality of your work before it gets published or sent over to your clients. They’re particularly useful if no one is available to proofread your content, but can also help you build authority and give a great first impression.

Yet, they’re hugely underestimated.

If you’re someone who struggles to simplify complex subjects or write in a conversational tone, Hemingway Editor is an excellent resource to bookmark. It helps to make your writing bold, clear and concise and gives you a readability score for every edit you make. And yes, it works for even the most prolific writers.

For blog or website content, tools like Keyword Density Checker and Title Tag Optimizer can have a huge impact on the quality and relevance of your content. Using them on a regular basis could help you rank higher on the SERPs, which, in turn, will attract more potential customers to your website. All without spending any of your budget.

If you’re running PPC accounts, free tools like Adzooma can improve your Google, Facebook and Microsoft ads performance in just a few clicks. Add new keywords, replace underperforming adverts and increase keyword bids to boost the quality and position of your ads.

Want to discover more? Read our full guide on content marketing optimisation.

4. Engage your audience with micro-moments

As 54% of consumers call for more video content from brands, micro-videos are one of the best ways to make people remember you. You can increase brand awareness, attract an entirely new audience and drive home key messages that people will rewatch and take away.

Take TikTok for example, a video creation app that allows users to create, share and ‘like’ videos mostly up to 15 seconds long. It’s a simple concept that’s exploded into one of the most talked-about social media platforms on the market, with more than 800 million users worldwide.

What’s more, TikTok’s success doesn’t come from the types of videos on the app. People love it because it provides a reel of fresh content that makes them excited to see what’s next, which you can also achieve just by getting creative.

Generally, using micro-moments could help you engage four types of users:

• Those who want-to-know
• Those who want-to-go somewhere
• Those who want-to-do something
• Those who want-to-buy

So, since the intent is already rich, you have a much greater chance of attracting your target audience just by putting the content out there. It’s these unique moments that have helped Bleacher Report increase their video views by 350%.

Bonus: Learn more about the best free MP4 editors to help make your content unforgettable.

5. Choose the right platforms for you, not your competitors

Looking for alternative platforms to promote your business, such as Amazon and Reddit, is one of the best ways to drive targeted traffic. They’re often a fraction of the cost of Google, Facebook and Microsoft ads and can help you reach a more specific audience.

Better yet, if one of the popular social media platforms doesn’t work for you, such as LinkedIn or Twitter, you don’t need to use them. It’s best to spend a little time researching the platforms that are aligned with your goals.

For example, Quora is an American question-and-answer site where people ask questions and share information about thousands of topics. Although you wouldn’t be directly advertising on there, you can respond to industry-related questions and promote your product or service between useful advice. If you do it well enough, you’ll be able to position your brand as an industry leader.

Lead generation tools such as Capterra, Sourceforge and Adzooma Marketplace can also help you stand out amongst other businesses. Thousands of qualified visitors browse them every single day, so creating an engaging listing can be all it takes to increase your clicks.

To drive more traffic is to build a strong foundation

Thinking about what people really want, how they find your content and what encourages them to buy is how you’re going to push your brand forward. Advanced methods like these will make a bigger impact when you’ve done the basics.

In the meantime, keep your eye out for upcoming product updates that can bolster your business even more, and on our social channels for more expertise. We’re always providing actionable content.