No One’s Reading Your Website. Here’s What They Should Be Watching Instead

Spent hours perfecting your website only to see traffic crawl in? You’re not alone. In today’s digital world, a website is just the beginning. If no one’s reading it, what’s the point? So, what’s capturing their attention? Let’s explore where your audience is watching and how you can pivot to reach them.

Why Websites Are Struggling

Let’s be real: maintaining a website sometimes feels like shouting into the void. You pour time, money, and effort, but the results aren’t there. Maybe your site isn’t ranking on search engines, or your bounce rate is sky-high. It’s tough when your hard work doesn’t pay off.

But hold up—digital is changing. Content consumption habits are shifting, and traditional websites might not be the main hub anymore. So, where are people looking?

Video Content Reigns Supreme

If you’re not leveraging video, you’re missing out. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram are where everyone’s watching. Here’s why video is king:

• Engaging: Video grabs attention and conveys information quickly.
• Wide Reach: Social media algorithms love video, increasing your visibility.
• Versatile: From tutorials to behind-the-scenes, video offers endless content options.

Real Story: Sarah from Sunderland ran a boutique bakery struggling with low website traffic. Switching to Instagram and launching a YouTube channel showcasing her baking process and recipes skyrocketed her business. Orders surged, and her online presence thrived without relying solely on her website.

Social Media: Your Best Ally

Social media isn’t just for memes and selfies. It’s a powerful tool for connecting with your audience. Here’s how to make it work for you:

• Build Community: Engage directly with your followers to create a loyal base.
• Get Instant Feedback: Understand what your audience loves or hates in real-time.
• Share Content Easily: Distribute your content across multiple platforms to reach more people.

Tip: Focus on platforms where your audience hangs out. Whether it’s LinkedIn for B2B or Instagram for lifestyle brands, tailor your content to each platform’s strengths.

Podcasts: The New Audio Frontier

Podcasts are booming, offering a unique way to connect on the go. Here’s why you should consider one:

• Personal Connection: Audio builds an intimate experience with listeners.
• Accessible: People can listen while commuting, exercising, or doing chores.
• Authority Building: Sharing your expertise through podcasts positions you as an industry leader.

Example: John from Newcastle started a podcast on local business trends. It boosted his credibility and attracted new clients who valued his insights.

Live Streaming: Engage in Real-Time

Live streaming is a powerful way to interact with your audience instantly. Platforms like Facebook Live, Instagram Live, and Twitch offer dynamic engagement opportunities. Here’s why it works:

• Immediate Interaction: Answer questions and respond to comments in real-time.
• Authenticity: Live content feels genuine, building trust with your audience.
• Event Coverage: Stream events, product launches, or behind-the-scenes moments to keep your audience hooked.

Pro Tip: Promote your live streams ahead of time to build anticipation and ensure a good turnout.

Email Newsletters: Direct and Personal

Email newsletters might not be flashy, but they’re incredibly effective for reaching your audience directly. Here’s why you should include them in your strategy:

• Personal Touch: Customized content makes subscribers feel valued.
• High ROI: Email marketing consistently delivers one of the highest returns on investment.
• Full Control: Unlike social media, you control your email list and content.

Strategy: Provide valuable content, exclusive deals, or insider info to keep your subscribers engaged and excited for your emails.

SEO Beyond Your Website

SEO isn’t just for your website anymore. Optimize content across all platforms to boost traffic and visibility:

• YouTube SEO: Optimize video titles, descriptions, and tags for better discoverability.
• Pinterest SEO: Use keyword-rich descriptions and high-quality images to attract pinners.
• LinkedIn Articles: Publish well-optimized articles to reach professionals and drive traffic to your business.

Quick Tip: Research relevant keywords and naturally incorporate them into your content across all platforms.

Collaborations and Influencer Marketing

Partnering with others can massively expand your reach. Here’s why collaborations and influencer marketing work:

• Reach More People: Tap into your partner’s or influencer’s follower base.
• Boost Credibility: Associating with reputable figures enhances your brand’s trustworthiness.
• Fresh Content Ideas: Collaborations bring in new, innovative content concepts.

Case Study: A local gym partnered with a fitness influencer from Durham. They hosted joint workout sessions live, shared on both channels, and saw a significant rise in memberships and social media followers.

Interactive Content: Get Them Involved

Interactive content like quizzes, polls, and interactive videos can skyrocket engagement. Here’s how to make it work:

• Boost Engagement: Interactive elements encourage active participation.
• Gather Data: Learn what your audience likes and their preferences.
• Increase Shareability: Engaging content is more likely to be shared, expanding your reach.

Example: A local bookstore created a quiz to help customers find their next read. It drove traffic to their social media and provided insights into popular genres.

Mobile Optimisation: Make It Accessible

With most users accessing content via mobile, ensuring your content is mobile-friendly is essential. Here’s why:

• Better User Experience: Seamless mobile experiences keep users engaged and reduce bounce rates.
• SEO Boost: Search engines prioritise mobile-friendly content.
• Reach More People: Mobile optimisation makes your content accessible to a broader audience.

Pro Tip: Test your content on various devices to ensure it looks great and functions smoothly on all screen sizes.

Analytics: Track What Matters

Knowing what works is key to any successful content strategy. Here’s how to use analytics effectively:

• Monitor Performance: Use tools like Google Analytics, YouTube Analytics, and social media insights to track your content’s success.
• Spot Trends: Identify patterns in engagement and interactions to guide future content.
• Adjust Your Strategy: Use data-driven insights to refine your approach for better results.

Action Step: Set clear goals and regularly review your analytics to stay on track with your objectives.

Embrace Change: Stay Ahead

The digital world is always evolving. To stay relevant, be ready to adapt and try new things. Here’s how:

• Stay Updated: Keep up with the latest trends and technologies in your industry.
• Experiment: Don’t shy away from testing new content formats or platforms.
• Learn and Improve: Use feedback and analytics to continually enhance your content strategy.

Final Thought: Embracing change opens up new opportunities and keeps your audience engaged.

Wrapping It Up

Your website might be gathering digital dust, but there’s a whole world of content your audience is eager to consume. From video and podcasts to social media and live streaming, the ways to connect and engage are endless. Shift your focus and leverage these platforms effectively to reach a wider audience and achieve your business goals without relying solely on your website.

Ready to make the switch? Let’s chat about what’s next for your content strategy.