To maintain a successful website you want to keep your visitors coming back again and again. That means you are responsible for creating interesting content that adds value to your visitor’s life and is updated regularly. It’s a big responsibility.

Here are 6 surefire ways to keep your visitors returning:

1. Articles: Articles give your visitors something new to read and, like a blog, sometime to comment about. But more importantly, as you put your expertise and thinking out there for all to see, you are also, in a subtle way, inviting questions and further dialogue. It’s a simple formula of generating interest in your target audience and then trusting that at least a few of the people who read your article will be curious enough to contact you to discuss your product and services as they relate to their needs.

You do not need to write these articles yourself. There are plenty of competent services (yes, including Aligned Marketing).

2. Contests: Most people like contests. Or should I say, most people like to win something for free. Contests, especially if they cycle from one to the next frequently, are a great way to generate fresh content and keep your loyal following returning to your site. Remember, it’s not about the size of the prize, it’s about winning.

When the visitor signs up for your contest be sure to capture their information, add it to your contact list and then contact them later with offers, such as subscribing to your online newsletter.

3. Coupons and Discounts are a great way to entice existing visitors and new customers to return to your website and online storefront.

You can use the coupons a number of ways. Here are a few ideas:

• A buy 1 get a single free.
• A certain percent discount (such as 10%)
• Free or discounted shipping

Discounts are typically given through the use of a code. They are simple to administer since most shopping cart programs include a discount module. A simple code word such as “savings” enables buyers to receive a discount.

Alternately, you can offer an online discount that is only redeemable at your physical (offline) store.

4. Forums: Forums offer something people enjoy - conversation. Forums are a form of the growing trend of social media. Hosting a forum on your own site gives visitors a reason to return to your site, again and again. A good way to keep the conversation going is to ask provocative questions and take controversial positions on important issues. A few passionate regular comments from visitors can boost your traffic numbers substantially.  
5. Blogging:  Blogs have become incredibly popular in recent years. And while it may be hard to believe, there are people interested in what you have to say. Blogs have added benefits; you can pepper your blog posts with your keywords and keyword phrases to help boost your search engine rankings.
6. Newsletter: A newsletter is one of the best ways to keep your visitors, your audience, engaged and coming back to your site. If you chose the newsletter approach, be sure to publish on a regular basis and make sure that each article in each issue delivers value to your audience and refers them back to your site for additional information.

Once again, if all this sounds like too much work or writing just isn’t one of your favorite things to do, there are professional writers and writing services available to help.

No matter which tactic you use to drive traffic to your site, the only way to keep people coming back is to deliver constant value.

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