10 Ways to Drive Traffic to Your Website Using SEO

Driving traffic to your website is essential if you’re serious about building an online presence, growing your brand, or smashing your business goals. And when it comes to getting visitors, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is the golden ticket. Done properly, SEO not only boosts your rankings on Google but ensures your website is getting in front of the right people at the right time. Here are ten practical, no-nonsense ways to use SEO to bring more people to your site.

1. Understand Why SEO Matters

SEO might sound like technical jargon, but at its heart, it’s all about making your website more visible to people searching for what you offer. Think about it: when you Google something, how often do you venture past the first page? Exactly. That’s why appearing higher up the rankings is so critical. A well-optimised website doesn’t just bring in more traffic; it brings in the right traffic—people who are genuinely interested in what you’re offering. Plus, SEO is cost-effective, sustainable, and builds trust with your audience. It’s not just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have for any business in today’s digital world.

Why it’s worth your time:

• It’s free traffic—no need for constant ad spend.
• SEO builds your credibility as a trusted source.
• Over time, your efforts keep compounding, delivering lasting results.
• You’ll gain insights into what your audience really wants.

2. Get Your Keywords Spot On

Keywords are the bread and butter of SEO. These are the words or phrases people type into Google when they’re looking for something. If you know what your audience is searching for, you can tailor your content to match those searches. But it’s not about cramming as many keywords in as possible; it’s about being strategic. Tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ahrefs can help you find the phrases that strike the perfect balance between high search volume and low competition.

Tips for choosing the right keywords:

• Focus on long-tail keywords—specific phrases that attract ready-to-convert visitors (e.g., "best coffee shops in Manchester").
• Look at what your competitors are ranking for and find gaps you can fill.
• Think about search intent: is your audience looking for answers, products, or comparisons?
• Keep it natural; no one likes reading robotic, keyword-stuffed content.

3. Perfect Your On-Page SEO

On-page SEO is about tweaking each individual page on your site to make it irresistible to search engines (and humans). It’s a bit like decorating your shopfront—everything from the signs to the displays needs to be spot on. You’ve got control over elements like headings, titles, and meta descriptions, so make them count. Remember, clear, well-structured pages are not only better for SEO but also for your visitors, who’ll thank you for making their browsing experience a breeze.

Simple ways to level up your on-page SEO:

• Use your main keyword in the title tag and keep it under 60 characters.
• Write snappy, engaging meta descriptions that tempt users to click.
• Break your content up with headings (H1, H2, H3) so it’s easy to read.
• Add internal links to guide visitors to other useful pages on your site.
• Don’t forget image optimisation—use descriptive alt text and compress files for faster loading.

4. Create Content That Actually Helps People

If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a million times: content is king. But let’s be honest, not all content is created equal. The trick is to create useful content that solves your audience’s problems, answers their questions, or entertains them. Whether it’s a blog, how-to guide, video, or infographic, your content should leave readers feeling they’ve gained something valuable. And the better your content, the more likely it is to get shared and linked to—boosting your SEO even further.

What great content looks like:

• It’s engaging, original, and written for humans, not search engines.
• It includes your keywords naturally—no awkward shoehorning!
• It’s comprehensive. Longer, in-depth pieces often rank higher.
• It’s visual. Add videos, images, or graphics to keep things interesting.
• It’s updated regularly. Outdated info doesn’t rank well.

5. Sort Out Your Website’s Technical Bits

Technical SEO might sound a bit geeky, but it’s crucial. Essentially, it’s about making sure search engines can find, crawl, and index your website properly. A fast-loading, secure, and mobile-friendly site isn’t just better for Google; it’s better for your visitors too. If your site is slow, riddled with broken links, or hard to navigate, people will bounce fast – and that’s not good.

Quick technical SEO wins:

• Make sure your site is mobile-friendly and works seamlessly on all devices.
• Use HTTPS to show your site is secure (and give visitors peace of mind).
• Speed things up by compressing images and using caching.
• Submit an XML sitemap so Google knows how to navigate your site.
• Regularly check for broken links and fix them.

6. Build Backlinks Like a Pro

Backlinks are like votes of confidence for your site. When other reputable websites link to yours, search engines see it as a sign that your content is valuable. But beware—it’s quality over quantity. A handful of links from trusted, high-authority sites is worth far more than a hundred spammy ones. Earning backlinks takes effort, but it’s well worth it if you want to climb the rankings.

How to earn high-quality backlinks:

• Write guest posts for popular blogs in your niche.
• Create standout content—think research, infographics, or videos people want to link to.
• Reach out to websites and ask them to link to your content if it’s relevant.
• Promote your content on social media to encourage sharing.
• Collaborate with influencers or industry leaders.

7. Make Sure Your Site Shines on Mobile

Did you know Google prioritises the mobile version of your website when deciding where to rank it? With more people browsing on their phones than ever before, mobile optimisation isn’t optional anymore—it’s essential. If your site looks messy or loads slowly on a mobile, you’re missing out on a huge chunk of potential traffic.

Steps to make your site mobile-friendly:

• Use a responsive design that automatically adjusts to screen sizes.
• Make navigation simple—no one wants to squint to find the menu.
• Optimise images and videos to load quickly on mobile.
• Test your site with Google’s mobile-friendly tool to see where you can improve.

8. Focus on Local SEO

If your business has a physical location or serves a specific area, local SEO is a game-changer. This strategy ensures you pop up when people nearby search for what you offer. For example, if someone Googles “hairdresser near me,” local SEO helps you appear in those coveted map results. It’s all about connecting with the people who are closest to you.

Ways to nail local SEO:

• Set up and optimise your Google My Business profile with up-to-date info.
• Use location-specific keywords like “best Italian restaurant in Leeds.”
• Encourage happy customers to leave reviews—they’re great for SEO.
• Ensure your business’s name, address, and phone number are consistent everywhere.
• Partner with local websites or organisations for backlinks.

9. Use Analytics to Stay on Track

The beauty of SEO is that you can measure almost everything. By keeping an eye on how your site is performing, you can see what’s working and what isn’t—and adjust accordingly. Tools like Google Analytics and Search Console provide a treasure trove of data, from which keywords are driving traffic to how long visitors are staying on your pages.

Metrics to monitor:

• Organic traffic: How many people are finding you via search engines?
• Bounce rate: Are visitors sticking around or leaving immediately?
• Keyword rankings: Are you climbing the SERPs?
• Conversion rates: How many visitors are turning into customers?

10. Keep Up with the Latest SEO Trends

SEO is always evolving. What worked a few years ago might not cut it today, thanks to constant updates to Google’s algorithms. Staying on top of trends like voice search, AI tools, and video optimisation is key to staying ahead of the game. Subscribe to SEO blogs, attend webinars, and keep experimenting to see what works for your site.

Current SEO trends to watch:

• Voice search: Optimise for conversational queries like “Where’s the nearest pizza place?”
• E-A-T: Google values Expertise, Authority, and Trustworthiness more than ever.
• AI tools: Use tools like ChatGPT to generate content ideas or streamline workflows.