The success of a website is not only determined by its visibility on search engines or the number of backlinks it has. It's also about how well it can retain its visitors. A website that can keep its visitors coming back is a website that has mastered the art of engagement. This article will explore the strategies that can help you achieve this.
The first step to retaining visitors is to consistently provide fresh content. This could be in the form of articles, interviews, jokes, cartoons, pictures, and more. Updating your content regularly gives your visitors a reason to check back frequently. However, if you're unable to update your content regularly, you can leverage your visitors to generate content for you.
One of the easiest ways to keep your visitors engaged is by setting up a message board. There are several free ones available, such as Bravenet, that you can easily integrate into your site. However, simply setting up a message board is not enough. You need to actively participate in discussions and start interesting threads. Here are some ways to do this:
To make your board look more active, you can post responses to your own messages under different names or ask friends to post. It's also important to have the ability to delete offensive messages and spam to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.
People love contests, even small ones with modest prizes. Running a monthly contest with a prize worth around $10 can be a cost-effective way to keep your visitors engaged. Instead of a simple "enter your email to win" contest, challenge your visitors' creativity. Ask them to come up with a slogan for your site, write a caption for a photo, or share a funny or interesting story. This not only engages your visitors but also gives you content that you can share on your site.
Another effective way to keep your visitors engaged is by making them the stars of your site. Here are some ways to do this:
By recognizing your visitors, you make them feel valued and appreciated. In the vast and impersonal world of the internet, a personal touch can make a big difference. If you make your visitors feel at home on your website, they're more likely to stick around and keep coming back.
