4 offline secrets to online success.

Generating massive website traffic goes back to the basics

With all the high-tech marketing tools out there today, it's easy to get caught up in the idea of a magic marketing button that you can press for an endless shower of online leads.  That's a very happy thought. But unfortunately, it isn't true.

You see, the best online marketers have worked hard to develop great sites.  But they didn't become successful overnight.  They started by implementing simple, inexpensive strategies to drive website traffic.  And while there are SEO tricks aplenty, paid online links, and thousands of other “proven” online methods, the truth is that the simplest way to drive traffic goes back to marketing 101.

If your traffic isn't what you want it to be, try these simple, low-to-the-ground tactics to drive more potential customers to your website.

Add your website address to your e-mail signature – If you haven't done this yet, you should.  It only takes a minute or two and can quickly ramp up your traffic.  Just think of all the emails you send to friends, family, and other acquaintances.  They're all potential clients, but they won't even know you have a website if you don't tell them.

Mention your website address in your voice mail – This is another simple change that you can make in less than five minutes.  Adding your web address to your voicemail tells potential clients that you're dedicated to online marketing.  And since your website has so much great content, your potential clients are sure to find the information they need.

Hold a contest on your website – This is a bigger project, but has incredible potential.  Go to your favorite electronics store and buy a new, fancy TV to give away.  Send a postcard to your entire sphere of influence telling them to go to your website and register.  Each of the entrants can be added to your website e-mail campaigns, and the $2,000 investment will be nothing in comparison to a few big commission checks. 

Hit the streets – There's a lot to be said for good, old fashioned door knocking.  It’s not glamorous, but if you take along postcards with a compelling reason to visit your website, your traffic will increase dramatically as a result.  The next time you're at a listing presentation, take 20 minutes after your meeting to walk up and down the block handing out postcards with the web address of your neighborhood blog.  You can quickly turn your site into the go-to destination for neighborhood news.