It’s finally out – the content marketer’s traffic case study. 
If you’re looking for the best way to drive real-time traffic, you’ll love this post.
I’m not trying to hone my SEO competence here, but when it comes to getting organic traffic, I know how to do it. Period!
Content marketing is the buzzword right now – but it’s not a new term.
Some call it inbound marketing, while other people prefer to call it relationship marketing.
The name you call it doesn’t matter. Using it to get result is the most important thing.
In case you didn’t know yet, hear this: Google and other search engines are waiting to send thousands of targeted visitors to your website, but you must be prepared for it.
Over the years, Google in particular has been telling bloggers and content marketers how best to optimize content to get a huge ROI. If you’re smart, you’ll listen and do.
You may think that the major updates (Panda, Penguin & EMDs) were against your web pages from ranking well, which can be true. But permit me to ask you this question, “Do you think Google knows you in person?”
Making a promise to INFLUENCE Google spider
How do you feel when someone makes a promise to you?
Of course, you’ve to be expectant to receive from that person. In the same vein, Google spider is like a new born baby who can’t tell what’s right or wrong per se. No script can do that. Or is there?
Google expects you to make a promise. In other words, instruct the spider that your blog is the right place to index frequently. You’ve the right meal for your readers and just waiting to welcome them.
The best way to do this actually is by keeping your content pages fresh. As you lead the way with a promise, the spider would stick around expecting to receive. Just like human beings do.
How does it work?
It’s actually simple but most people find it difficult, and consequently miss the point. To make a promise, start with a clickable headline that has the keyword you’re targeting.
Don’t get me wrong, this has nothing to do with powerful headline or using tricks to persuade people.
Keep reading because I’m going to reveal some headline writing styles, which your target audience can’t resist. But for now, let’s see how we can use the search data from Google.
Extract keywords from Google Analytics
To hack free targeted traffic from Google fast, I’ve discovered a tactic that works almost all the time. It’s so easy to implement, especially if you’re using Google analytics to track your site’s visits.
This web traffic tool is necessary because it brings to light how your ideal customers are discovering your web pages through search engines, in terms of keywords, long-tail search queries and unresolved key terms.
One important point: If you want Google Analytics to store better key terms for you, which you can easily use to boost your wordpress traffic, then you need a reliable web host.
Better still, a wordpress vps hosting package is what you truly need. It’s quite affordable and delivers the best performance.
Unresolved key terms, what are they?
They’re keywords too, but Google is yet to include them on their keywords database. Such types of key phrases can be a great source of traffic to your website or blog if you use them effectively.
So, let’s get started right away. Log into your Google analytics dashboard and click on traffic sources. Then click on sources and you’ll find a tab for ‘organic.’
This traffic source is important because it shows the total number of visitors sent by Google to your web pages for a particular month.
Here’s my dashboard, see the screenshot for “organic” keywords:
This screenshot shows my search queries from real people – my target audience. You can see the total number of visits, the average visit duration for the month.
This data alone is enough to get you more traffic from organic searches, if you optimize for them.
But I’m surprised because I didn’t write any article targeting most of the keywords that people used to reach me.
For instance, I didn’t intend to rank for ‘writing’ and when you show more rows, you’ll find other keywords I totally knew nothing about.
Can you handle 1000+ daily traffic?
If you spend adequate time to extract search queries from your analytics dashboard, your daily free traffic from Google can almost triple. I told you earlier that writing clickable headline is important, but I didn’t explain what that meant.
I don’t know the level of traffic your blog generates on a daily basis, but I know that you can increase it. Yes, Google may have penalized your pages as result of low quality content & links in the past, but I’m sure you know better now.
A lot of website owners have made up their minds to ignore Google totally, but I don’t think it’s a good idea.
So how did I increase organic traffic to your blog?
Here’s what I did. From the above screenshot, here’s a breakdown of my organic hits for the month:
- Smart ways of making money —- 69 visits
- Smart ways to make money —— 56 visits
- SEO content writing —————– 20 visits
- Content writing tips —————– 19 visits
- SEO content writing tips ———– 13 visits
These hits might not be huge to some blog owners who receive 10k monthly traffic, but I’m trying to prove a point here.
Remember, this is just for organic searches, not referral, direct, social media or offline sources. If I were to include all traffic sources, I’d get 1000 – 2000 daily hits.
People who visit your website and blog pages are telling you the direction to follow. I can tell what type of content people want to read on my blog – a clear direction. Thanks to Google.
Get variations of your keywords
You could go ahead and write more blog posts on those keywords that people are searching for, but there is a better way to triple your traffic quickly.
Find variations of the keywords and then use them to strengthen the authority of your best performing content pages.
The major reason why a lot of people don’t drive the right traffic is because they’re ignorant of what their ideal customers want, the type of content to write, what keywords to optimize for and how to initiate action.
If only you can look through your prospects’ minds, serving them would be a lot easier. To get a variation of the above keywords, I’d use Google keyword tool.
But this time, I’m not going to research like everyone else, I’d simply copy any of the terms above and search for it.
For instance, let’s use the highest keyword from the breakdown above, the one that’s generated the highest number of visits this month. “Smart ways of making money.”
This term generated 69 visits from Google, even though I didn’t optimize for it. In fact, I wrote this post when I knew nothing about SEO or link building, but it’s #1 right now.
But I’m going to strengthen the webpage by getting variations of that key phrase.
I’d research 10 – 20 keywords; write relevant content, then, link to my ranking content pages. It’s simple but this single act could send avalanche of targeted traffic to you. Trust me, it works.
Bear in mind that the page in question already had 69 visits, so if I could have other related terms pointing to it, it’d lead to an increase in organic visits.
Here’s the screenshot for keyword variations:
The above variations of my primary key term, “smart ways of making money” are traffic goldmines. The best step to take now is to write valuable blog posts, create videos and package short reports.
Find relevant blogs in your niche. Submit and link back to the webpage that’s already receiving daily hit from Google.
Smart links – fresh targeted visits
This is advanced link building. The moment Google spider recognizes that you’re sending fresh quality links to a webpage that’s SEO friendly, you’re in for more traffic.
Talking about irresistible headlines, here’s how I can write such headlines, making sure that I include a variation of my primary term:
- The Number One {Quickest Way To Make Money Online}
- {Easy Ways To Make Money} With Your Blog
The area with braces shows the long-tail key phrase. It’s natural and once you can deliver on the promise you made, Google spider would stick around, index the post, serve it up when your target audience searches for/with any of the key terms.
But it doesn’t mean that Google spider can see clearly how valuable your content is. The truth is that it can’t see or tell, because it’s no eyes. It’s just a script that scours the web, looking for fresh & relevant content.
What the spider does is to follow people/readers.
If your headline made people to click, read, share and spend at least 5 minutes reading and feeling satisfied, the spider would automatically assign a mark of relevance and value on such content.
This is because if someone reads your article or blog post and found no value in it, he or she would immediately click the back button or close the browser instantly.
If the reader didn’t leave, it means that they actually read and felt satisfied with your content. It’s logical – isn’t it?
But seriously, how long do you stay reading a post that’s not valuable? 1, 2, 5 or 0 minutes?
Motivate, inform with your content
Once you can extract the right keywords data from your Google analytics dashboard, and have researched the variations, it’s now time to write extensive and practicable content.
But this time, you’re not going to write a 300 – 500 words article. On the contrary, write a long post (1000+ words count), link to your inner web pages that are ranking well already.
Research authority blogs in your niche and pitch them valuable guest post topics. Remember, the topics must agree with the keywords variations (like above).
The more you can link to your ranking pages, the more Google spider would deem it worthy for more targeted traffic.
Because if many top blogs and websites are talking (linking) about a particular webpage, it’s a sign that the content is rich and informative.
Write content that motivates, informs and have strong call to actions. Bear in mind that content marketing isn’t a push marketing strategy, but a “PULL.”
Make people want to share your post willingly. This can be easy when you address the needs in their lives, from the search queries you extracted from the analytics.
Stop looking for traffic loopholes?
While a lot of content marketers are busy, looking for ways to drive free traffic, you could easily study your Google analytics member area to know the exact keywords your prospects are using to locate your web pages.
One caveat: Don’t go on a guest blogging spree if your website/blog has no unique and compelling content yet.
You must prepare your blog first, before going out to invite others. Yes, content marketing is actually a system used to INVITE readers and prospects to see the value your website provides.
Take a strong position when writing content for your website. Be the expert who truly cares for her ideal customers. Be real, knowing that you must have a beautiful and attractive hair to sell a shampoo.
Quality traffic takeaway
I’m sure you’re already thinking how you can easily research those variations of your primary keywords, but it’s easy when you give it a try. Google keywords tool would take care of the rest.
For transparency sake, I had to use my Google analytics data, from my own dashboard.
And that’s how you must be transparent when you want more targeted traffic from Google. Produce sticky and honest reviews for your products and services.
Profess the truth about what you can do – don’t hype up content just to make some quick bucks. Such gains don’t last.
But the question you’ll need to answer is this: Are you willing to take the keywords data that Google provides you every month to improve your rankings and brand?
Leave a comment in the box below and tell me what you think about search engine optimization. I’m waiting to reply your comment today. You’re awesome!
I really appreciated this post. You have covered all important and unknown strategy for getting targeted traffic.
i recieve zero visitor what can i do i have share in website winthrust.com could you please tell. it would be helpful
I lost your website an found through itechcode thanks to god i found it again and now i bookmarked it
Really u are like god to me now i understands what actually are the seo keywords. The best post 100 out of 100.
I’m here from Johnchow’s latest post and I admire your expertise on SEO.
Good to have you visit my blog and read my post. Thanks Mirrano.
Quality contents are the best way to target keywords. You can get high traffic from Google search engine, if you are using the targeting keywords in the best way.
Now this is one of the best article written related to quality traffic I’m following your steps…:)
Glad you found it beneficial. Now go implement it.
This is an amazing website full of useful tips, I see just when you thought you knew a little about getting traffic somebody always has more tips and ideas, thank you for sharing this post, I will keep reading your blog, as it is filled to the gills with great content, that I will implementing.
Nice article. It was very informative in reading and I found some ways to bring in traffic to my blog from Google.
Be catchy with titles, to catch your visitors.
Thanks for sharing.
It real work to get quality of traffic from Google it will try it
Google organic traffic is always targeted and I look forward to it all the time. With your tips, I can make it work for me.
Thanks for sharing a really impressive writeup here a subtle quality traffic is a must for successful seo campaign appreciate your efforts
This is amazing post full of information that can really teach others in a great way with awesome screenshots.
I am just not aware of this after hitting by google panda &penguin some relaxation in terms of traffic is a must
Chibuzor, I am glad to come in touch with writers like you who know their onions. It is not easy to have the patience to write compelling articles like this. A lot of us don’t have that patience. One problem we have got to take care of as bloggers is the issue of trying to drive traffic to our websites before actually getting prepared to give our visitors what they expect to see.
Like you said, it is better to first get our sites prepared before inviting outsiders so that when they eventually come we would be able to deliver content that should retain and convert them.
Another amazing article Mike. Content marketing with the sole aim of helping others is my number one source of traffic. I’d love to get into the SEO game, but it’s tough when 80 people are saying different things you know? I find it better to take the time and write for the reader, although I will say using LSI’s (along the lines of how you find related keywords) did send a spike in Bing/Yahoo and Google traffic.
Where did you go to learn SEO? If I could find a legit source I’d definitely listen.
Ive extracted keywords from analytics, also webmaster tools, very very useful on the long run!
A great share indeed. you shared a nice SEO strategy which is information oriented as well as a guideline for the online marketers
Keep it up
I lick this amazing post, nice guide with screen shorts; It is very easy to understand.
Truly a very nice article.I thought you were using some tricks or blackhat tactics to get all these hits. Your SEO strategy is somewhat advanced and that is what I like a lot about this post.Nice one.
You make me laugh out loud Steele. I don’t wear black hats at all. I prefer the white cap.
i am agree with you that content marketing is great way for bring huge traffic.for updating google panda and penguin the need of marketing is increase.thanks for this great post
I like this post, nice method with screenshots to generate google traffic.
The first time I looked at your title, I was worried but after going through it, I discovered how valuable the post is. Organic traffic is what I’m looking to get, and your tips has saved me hours of research and writing. Thank you Michael.
Anytime Venkat.
I appreciate your Google traffic tips. Even though I’m tired of optimizing my content pages, I’ll implement your tips and see how it goes. You nailed it here Michael.
Brilliant…. It’s a so much important for every website owner to read and follow mentioned tips for generating high quality traffic.
I know – It’s require lots of talent, experience, hard work to understand and build such useful strategy for great success.
Good to have you on my blog Fabian. Everything worthwhile takes time to build – and blogging is no exception. But when you make up your mind to make it work, you’ll achieve it.
Keywords, keywords, keywords. I think most people are so brainwashed to think that simply seeding their link all over the web will get them results. Google has always been a pain when it comes to receiving traffic; since crawling takes longer on Google than if you were to simply make a link on a social media site for all your friends to access. As cliche as this certainly is, organic traffic will be the most influential to anyone in the long run.
You’re right Mott, seeding links across the web can’t bring organic traffic. There MUST be a system in place, all wrapped around valuable content.
A great way to hijack free quality traffic from Google is what you just shared. I’m grateful that you invested bunch of time to make this post worth reading. Website owners need traffic – or they would give up pretty soon.
You’re right Jojo. Quality traffic is what we all look for.
Organic traffic is always better than social media traffic. When I looked through my Google Analytics data according to your tips, I was surprised because I haven’t been targeting with my audience truly wanted. I’m sure that if I can write more epic blog post on those terms, it’d be easier to dominate organic positions. What do you think Michael?
Yes, I like your newly discovered technique for dominating organic rankings. You make me happy with your post, because I like it when bloggers implement what they read.
When I was just a beginner, I used to do some blackhat method like traffic exchange forums and yes those low quality traffics, I was happy to see those pageviews climb from 100-2000, but I realized that I am just destroying my site, so I started using the long way of getting on top, like SEO, quality backlinking, submitting it to directories and top search engine sites, after 2 months, i notice a great increase on my blog, and fortunately my blog is still on its best condition.
Good to hear that Michael. I have a strong feeling that you’re a savvy blogger and SEO expert? Trust me, I’m not trying to tease you. I’m saying the truth because that’s what I perceived from your comment.
The research you did for this blog post is what I’m happy about. All the screenshots makes learning so much fun, and SEO is now my favorite topic. Thank you so much Michael for helping me out. I’m logging into my Google Analytics dashboard now for some serious digging. Stay blessed!
You’re a blessing to your generation Erica. Le me know if you encounter any challenge on your way to Google’s top 10.
Commenting on one of the most popular blogs in my niche with a constructive comment got me a spike in traffic and some comments to my blog. Forum signs are great too since most people on forums seem to be seeking advice and if you post as an expert in your niche, then they will check out your site.
Me too. Leaving comment on a popular and high-trafficked blogs have been my #3 traffic strategy after SEO and guest blogging. Thanks for letting my readers. I’m grateful to you Mandal.
Great and informative article ..Easy to follow steps i really liked it it’s very helpful for me and i going to apply it .. Thanks for share 🙂
Using SEO tools can also be helpful when analyzing traffic metrics and conversion rates. I like this post. It’s make my day and I’m going to optimize more from henceforth.
Sure, there are good SEO tools around. If you’ve the money, buy and improve your rankings. But don’t use blackhat SEO techniques. As for me, I don’t like using private SEO tools. I prefer to use Google keywords tool and their analytical tools.
Awesome!!!!!!!! Great point .Well detailed . Very useful for beginners like me . Wow, brief yet very helpful tips. I really have some problems with doing seo on my little blog. somehow, i think with this, i can do better SEO on my blog.
That’s why I wrote the post in the first place – to help you take action immediately. Thanks.
this is amazing post. thanks for sharing such a valuable information.
This is an interesting article. Thumbs up and keep it going.
Hello Mike
I really gained alot from your writings. am a sport blogger, i want to be a good writer like you can you help me out. And also about using the keyword from Organic google search, as a football blogger how can i make use them effectively.
Great post – I have similar conclusions…but! one of my other sites – comvisitpoland – has that great traffic-drive article – “best brands of polish vodka”, and i have absolutely no idea how to back it up without changing my site into site about polish vodka, lol!
What else can I say Michael, this traffic generation tips are excellent. Google is still the best source of traffic for website owners.
indeed full of insight. content marketing is going to be the future. it will be like let best content win the race of SEO
Do you think Google Analytics is the best tool to analyze website hits on a daily basis? I’ve tried other premium tools but much review is going out for Google.
This traffic generation tips would help my new blog to generate traffic from Google. Thank you so much Michael for making out time to write it for me, in particular.
It’s good to learn about traffic generation from you Michael. I’ve seen you write about SEO most of the time, you really know a ton in this niche.
Yes, I try my best at SEO.
The best way is to provide good, relevant content. Think about which keywords your target audience is searching for and make sure you have those keywords in your headings, content, and anchor text. Link to other related websites to encourage people to link back to you!!
Yes, you’re correct. Target the right keywords and produce valuable content consistently.
Google organic traffic is always targeted and I look forward to it all the time. With your tips, I can make it work for me.
I agree with you Mariya. Organic traffic is the most targeted form of hits I’ve ever gotten on my blog.
Michael,
Yet another awesome post from you. Wow! I just learnt something from you and can’t wait to implement your strategy. I think you have some terrific points and there definitely is going to be a benefit if anybody implement these strategies. Thank you for sharing one more time!
Regards,
Kumar
It’s good to have you read, enjoyed and leave a comment on my post. Yes, you should implemented the tips in this post to grow your own traffic and conversion rate. I hope to see you more often.
Google traffic is usually targeted and better than social media traffic. I’m going to give it a try.
I agree with you Lennand. Thanks so much for your comment.
HI Michael,
Great insightful information!
I’m here from Johnchow’s latest post and I admire your expertise on SEO. With so many combinations possible for keywords it becomes very hard to choose from taking into account the upper limit for keywords stuffing for search engines.Having said that your tip on google analytics will be handy.
Thanks for sharing this.
Sapna
And I’ve read several of your comments on my posts. Thank you Sapna.
Hi,
I Recently came across your blog through Google and found it to be informative and interesting article, Really it’s a fantastic blog. Good job keeping it real with Google traffic. I’m going to hack it now.
I’m grateful to you Zaza. Go use it and let me know what you learned.
That was indeed one of the best articles seen in my life time. Really getting a variety of keywords indexed is the toughest job of any SEO. Well researched and written article.
Aha – that’s what I’m talking about. You made me blush when I first read your comment. I’m so glad you enjoyed every bit of my SEO tip. You’re most welcome on my blog.
Wow, mike this incredible since i started rading your content about guest post i’ve learnt alot and btw how many guest post should one do on a monthly basis?
The number of guest posts to do in a month all depends on your time, and plan. But it’s not really the quantity that counts, but how valuable the post is. For me, I write 5 – 10 quality guest posts monthly. Thanks for your comment.
I’m sure you invested a lot of time with this post? It’s one of the best so far that I’ve read concerning SEO and building a website that pulls organic traffic. You’re truly doing a great Job Michael. I’ve to start optimizing with my Google Analytics data.
Yes John, I’ve to agree that it took me 3 hours to research, get all screenshots and write this post. But I did it for you, my humble reader. Thanks for supporting me.
The first time I saw your headline, to hack free traffic, I thought you were using some tricks or blackhat tactics to get all these hits. But I’m so wrong. Your SEO strategy is somewhat advanced and that is what I like a lot about this post. Keep the flag flying Michael.
Thank you John. Although your original comment wasn’t so pleasant, I had to edit it to suit my readers and brand. But all the same, I appreciate your time here. I hope to see you around more often. Will ya?
This is amazing post full of information that can really teach others in a great way with awesome screenshots. It’s content like this that are SEO goldmines, because people will want to send this link to others.
Content that teaches, explains, and really gets down to the practical applications become linkable dreams!
Great job Michael!
My intention is to help everyone looking to improve organic traffic easily. Could you please tweet and share the post with your followers? I’d really appreciate it.
I second you. This post actually open up my eyes to a wide scope of getting quality traffic and SEO goldmines.