Maximizing Online Traffic: Strategies for Effective Web Marketing
Learn how to attract and retain visitors to your website with strategic web traffic plans and valuable content. Discover insights on search engine optimization, keyword advertising, and more.
Maximizing Online Traffic: Strategies for Effective Web Marketing
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Presentation Transcript
Internet Marketing & e-CommerceWard HansonKirthi KalyanamRequests for permission to copy any part of the material should be addressed to: PERMISSIONS DEPARTMENTTHOMSON BUSINESS and ECONOMICS5109 Natorp BoulevardMason, OH 45040Phone: (800) 423-0563
Part Two: Chapter EightTraffic Building “A wealth of information creates a poverty of attention.” Herbert Simon, Designing Organizations for an Information-rich World
Value and Scarcity Online • Volume of online content is growing far faster than the number of Web users
Value and Scarcity Online • Volume of online content is growing far faster than the number of Web users • Every site faces unique challenges to attract new visitors
Value and Scarcity Online • Volume of online content is growing far faster than the number of Web users • Every site faces unique challenges to attract new visitors • As Web users grow more experienced, they are less likely to explore new sites
Value and Scarcity Online • Volume of online content is growing far faster than the number of Web users • Every site faces unique challenges to attract new visitors • As Web users grow more experienced, they are less likely to explore new sites • The true scarcity online: user attention
Planning for Maximum Traffic • Drawing more visitors to a site requires a thoughtful web traffic plan • Web traffic plans should consider each of the five main traffic categories:
Planning for Maximum Traffic • Drawing more visitors to a site requires a thoughtful web traffic plan • Web traffic plans should consider each of the five main traffic categories: • Branding decisions (e.g. domain name) • Search engine marketing • Affiliate networks • Online banner advertising • Publicity and word of mouth
Planning for Valuable Traffic • Effective traffic plans assess the volume and quality of traffic generated • Spotting broad use patterns through visualization tools helps calculate the cost and productivity of new visits • Key tool for traffic-building analysis is cost-per-action: the number of visits that end in a particular action divided by the cost of the campaign
Planning for Valuable Traffic At each stage, visitors decline and costs rise
Traffic-Building Goals • Basic goal: best traffic at lowest cost • But how to define best traffic?
Traffic-Building Goals • Basic goal: best traffic at lowest cost • But how to define best traffic? Maximum Profit Minimum Cost-per-Action Best Traffic with Least Cost Maximize Actions
Traffic-Building Goals • Profit guidelines that include web site branding; ignore ad branding impact: • Spend on traffic sources that maximize difference between unified visit value and cost per visit • Acquire traffic as long as the cost per visit is less than the unified visit value
Traffic-Building Goals • Profit guidelines that ignore branding and all other impacts: • Spend on traffic sources that maximize difference between customer lifetime value and web customer acquisition cost • Acquire traffic as long as online customer value exceeds acquisition cost
Traffic-Building Goals SOURCE: Gupta, Lehmann, Stuart: “Valuing Customers,” Journal of Marketing Research 41, no. 1 (Feb. 2004)
Search Engine Optimization • The power of landing “Above the Fold” SOURCE: FPG/Getty Images
Search Engine Optimization • Top placement in search returns is key to generating organic Web traffic
Search Engine Optimization • Top placement in search returns is key to generating organic Web traffic • User’s willingness to investigate falls sharply as items drop on the return list
Search Engine Optimization • Top placement in search returns is key to generating organic Web traffic • User’s willingness to investigate falls sharply as items drop on the return list • Higher click rate on top-rated items • Few users go beyond first page or two
Search Engine Optimization • Improving search engine placement • Get indexed on main search engines • Use meta-tags and develop content with appropriate keywords that trigger higher search engine rankings • Structure site content and navigation to reinforce search engine algorithms • Cultivate links from appropriate sites
Keyword Advertising • Clickable, text-based ads bring in billions of dollars of ad revenue • Ads steer traffic to an organization web site; fee charged only if click occurs • Competitive bidding process determines a keyword’s value
Keyword Advertising • Evaluating keyword portfolios • Identify a site’s most relevant keywords • Test and expand list, based on conversion and click-through rates
Keyword Advertising • Evaluating keyword portfolios • Identify a site’s most relevant keywords • Test and expand list, based on conversion and click-through rates • Bidding and tracking • Higher bids increase chance at higher keyword position • No click costs more than maximum bid • Price charged depends on intensity of competition
Traffic by Association • In traditional advertising, marketers put a company’s message where consumers work, live, play
Traffic by Association • In traditional advertising, marketers put a company’s message where consumers work, live, play • Same concept holds true online
Traffic by Association • In traditional advertising, marketers put a company’s message where consumers work, live, play • Same concept holds true online • Banner advertising • URL placement on shopping bags, billboards, monthly statements • Sponsorship and co-branding