You can do small things to drive traffic to your new website. With the changes in AI searches, what updates should be made to your website?
Hooray, you’ve done it! You’ve built a website, and it’s live, looking good, and ready for business. But there’s one problem. No one knows about it, meaning no one is visiting it. Getting your website online is a big move, but it’s only the beginning. You need to grab attention, like opening a new salon on a busy street. Otherwise, it’s just you, your domain, and the sound of digital crickets. Luckily, a few simple steps can bring real traffic to your site. Some of them even work while you sleep. We got your attention, didn’t we? You’re welcome. Now, let’s help you get the traffic we talked about.
Get Search Engines to Notice You
If your website doesn’t appear on Google, it’s like opening a shop without telling anyone where it is. Start by submitting your site to Google Search Console. This tells search engines your site exists. Once that’s sorted, sharpen your SEO (search engine optimisation). Use the right keywords, write valuable content, and keep your site easy to navigate. Not sure where to begin? Use Google’s keyword/SEO tools. They help you find what your customers are searching for and how to show up when they search.
Speak AI’s Language
Let’s talk about the new player in town: AI search. Tools like ChatGPT, Bing AI, and Google’s Search Generative Experience have changed how people discover websites or consume content. Instead of typing short keywords, users now ask full questions. AI then delivers a direct answer, often without showing the complete search results list. Do you want to make the cut? Of course you do! Your site needs to speak AI’s language.
a) Write Clear, Helpful Content
Answer real questions. Think of the kinds of things people type. “How can I start a cleaning business in South Africa?” or “What do I need to register a company online?” Write content that gives real answers, fast.
b) Use Structured Data
Structured data helps search engines better understand your content. It acts like a cheat sheet for Google. If that sounds technical, don’t stress; a strong web hosting platform like 1-grid makes managing it easier.
Share Your Site Like It’s News
You wouldn’t leave your CV in a drawer and expect interview callbacks. So don’t keep your website to yourself either. Drop your link on social media, add it to your WhatsApp groups, stick it in your email signature, mention it in conversations, and treat your website like your new business card. Show it off. Want to level up? Pair your site with a custom email address. It gives your brand a professional look and helps when you start sending newsletters, reaching out to leads, or chatting with suppliers.
Start Blogging
Every blog post creates a new path to your website. Think of each post as another way for people to find you online. We checked our cheat sheet, and it advises keeping things simple by writing short posts that answer common questions. We couldn’t agree more. If you run a plumbing business, post about “5 ways to fix a leaking tap.” If you run a bakery, share what a typical order looks like behind the scenes. Using our WordPress Hosting makes this super easy because you get a blog that’s fast and ready to go.
Use Google Ads to Jump the Queue
Organic traffic takes time and paid traffic moves faster. If you’ve got a small budget, launch a Google Ads campaign. Start with your top product or service. Test different messages, see what works, and then scale from there. Ensure your landing pages are mobile-friendly and load quickly. If you’re hosting with 1-grid, you already know we can help.
Claim Your Business Listings
If you serve a local audience, claim your Google Business Profile. This helps you show up in searches like “electrician near me” or “hair salon in Durban.” Add real photos, keep your hours up to date, and link your site. Still need to register your business? Utilise our company registration service to formalise your business. It builds trust, and it opens more doors for partnerships, payments, and growth.
Keep Visitors Coming Back
It’s one thing to get a visitor. It’s another thing to turn them into a fan. Set up email sign-ups, offer a discount, and share something helpful in exchange for their email address. What you want to do next is follow up, send useful updates, and share your latest blog posts. This will help you keep the relationship going. You can do this with 1-grid’s email hosting or connect to your favourite email marketing tool. Keep the conversation alive. That’s how websites grow into businesses.
Final Thought: Start Small, Stay Visible
You don’t need a large team or a substantial budget to increase your website traffic. Just start, keep showing up, and keep improving. Search engines are smarter now, and AI tools are more common, but the websites that offer real help still win. Focus on clarity, stay relevant, be human, and when you need tools that are built for small businesses, 1-grid has your back. We provide domains, website hosting, website building tools and more. We keep your business visible where it matters.