Ivan Petkov
There is no doubt that attracting users is the main purpose of each site. If there is no one to read the content or no one to buy, then the site has not fulfilled its purpose. There is only one thing more important than generating traffic from users and that is keeping them. You may run a very effective Internet advertising, attract many users through Facebook, but if they do not return to your site, if you do not visit it again, then the benefit of your input of effort, money and time was negligible.
What distinguishes a successful from unsuccessful site is the ability of a successful site to retain its users. I will tryt to explain how this is done in a few short tips:
1. Start a forum, chat, or any opportunity for comments.
I know this sounds familiar, standard, and even slightly outdated – isn’t everybody on Facebook and Skype already. Yet, specialized forums have not been replaced by the social networks, and when added to the forum the chat is a nice addition that will retain your users. It is expected that Skype will soon launch widget, whereby each site can enable its users to chat with their friends directly from the site. The popular social networks and chat clients are also looking for integration with the rest of the net so that this process is no longer one-sided, focused only on them.
2. Start a blog
From a personal diary the blog has become a preferred form of expression of personal opinion, and this proved to be very interesting for the consumers. The audience liked the informal communication they receive from bloggers, the fact that in most cases they say things in a way in which one official media can not do. Consumers trust blogs. Do not however make the mistake, of setting a blog in which you write rarely or not at all. It will be of no benefit. For the media sites a blog can be a way to get closer to its users; for the online stores - to share personal opinions about products. Of course, a blog is a means and opportunities to be used and should be used carefully
3. Run polls
Take interest in the opinion of your visitors. This way you will have an invaluable channel for feedback. Each of us has an opinion and it feels nice when a person is asked for one and when people are interested in it. And this leads us back to the site and vote again and again to check how many people think like us.
4. Organize online contests and games with prizes
This is an opportunity to advertise your site and retain its users. It is true that nowadays everybody organizes games and consumers are literally overwhelmed by such offers! If, however, you are enough inventive and creative, there is a way to make an interesting and memorable game to attract fans who will continue to visit your site.
5. Multiplayer Online Games
This is suitable for portal type sites. It is true that there are many specialized sites that offer only games. But again - if you find your niche and present the game in a new way, for a specific audience, then launching such a game would be justified.
Have you already tried our game of Backgammon?
6. Frequently update the content of your site and strive to provide interesting and original information to your readers
Although it is the last one, this is the golden rule for any site that relies on content to retain its users. If the information you post is interesting and can be found in the same format, served in the same way anywhere else, then you have earned your standing audience.
The specific tips are useful, but the important thing to remember is that you must use your imagination when acting upon them. Imagination is like the talent of the artist - we can all use the same paints and brushes (tools), but only the artist will create a masterpiece. Be different and there is no way you will remain unnoticed!
Next week expect tips on how to get users to perform the specific action on our site that we want them to.
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