Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter and even sharing sites like Foodgawker can be good traffic drivers but I find that my time was better spent focusing on SEO (organic search), Pinterest, and email.
Not to say that you shouldn’t have a presence in each, you totally should however the behavior on these platforms is usually that the user would rather stay on them than go elsewhere.
Like for example, when you’re watching Instagram Stories, do you really want to go click the link in bio?
Exactly.
So, I wouldn’t rely on social media bringing me loads of traffic however each platform still has its purpose and you should totally leverage each one to your advantage.
With all that said, here are 3 tips to driving traffic to your food blog with social media + email.
1. Choose the platform that gives you the best ROI
When it comes to social platforms, there are so many to keep up with. I’d recommend you choose the one that gives you the best ROI. What’s your reach on this platform? Engagement rate? Does your target audience spend a lot of time there? Choose that platform and live on it!
Like Ariel from The Little Mermaid, you want to be where the people are. Whether that’s Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest, promote your content to your most engaged audience on that platform.
Check your profiles on each platform and make sure it’s completely filled out with the necessary. Don’t share all your quirks and how much you are a Starbucks addict that loves to go hiking. No one cares. Tell them what you do in one line and where they can find you. Keep it simple.
2. Know your audience and give them what they want
I know this sounds like common sense but a lot of you don’t know your target audience. Like really really know them.
The more you know about your target audience, the better suited your content will be for them AND the more engaged they will be too.
Create content with them in mind every time and share it on your most engaged social media platform consistently.
If you show a chocolate cake recipe on Stories, for example, and everyone shows interest, share the link! Cook the recipe on Stories. Heck, create more recipes with similar ingredients. It’s what they want, why not give them what they want!?
3. Lastly, create a weekly email newsletter
When I started my food blog in 2016, one of the first things I did was create an email newsletter. I know the importance of reaching out to my readers outside of social media.
Email may not be the most popular thing (it should be!) but your email list is pretty much the only thing you own aside from your blog. If Instagram dies tomorrow, at least you still have an email list!
Plus, a lot of my initial traffic came from email newsletters. Not RSS feed emails, I mean genuine emails with the person’s name and a little blurb about the recipe.
You’re not a robot, get that human connection on! I used to send out emails on a weekly basis and every time I shared a new recipe. I still do! It’s a great way to bring readers back to your site on a consistent basis.
That’s all folks!
I hope these tips on driving traffic with social media + email were helpful!
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