There are two ways to drive traffic, you can create it or you can buy it. In this blog post I want to talk about creating free traffic as to be frank I’ve never managed to make paid traffic work for me.

If you do things right you can receive all the traffic your websites can handle and it needn’t cost you one cent. Here’s some recent traffic stats from my latest product launch, as you can see it’s going very well.


If there’s one thing we all know it’s without traffic any website will fail. However, most people seem to fail at driving enough traffic to make a difference.

So why do so many people fail at driving a significant amount of traffic to their websites?

The first mistake a lot of people make is they think there is some big traffic secret they haven’t discovered yet. Some loophole that will enable them to drive tons of visitors without lifting a finger, and this is what they look for, some automated system that will end their traffic problems. Let me tell you that no matter what you see or hear no such system or loophole exists, if you want to drive any real amount of traffic for free it’s going to take some work, and this is where things start to go wrong.

Do you know that most of the methods I use to drive traffic work extremely well and always have done. Methods such as:-

  • Blogging (I’m doing it right now)
  • Forum Marketing
  • Guest Blogging
  • Social Networking
  • Giveaways
  • Integration Marketing
  • Ad Swaps

These are all methods I use a lot and they work very well, but then most people know these methods work. Yet so many people don’t implement them because it takes work and they are looking for a traffic loophole where they don’t have to work.

You need to realize if you want to drive free traffic it’s going to take effort on your behalf. If you get this then you are halfway there, however, just driving traffic is not enough, what about when the visitor reaches your website?

Again, this is where a lot of people fail, if you create a blog full of garbage content and affiliate links what happens? The visitor leaves within seconds never to return. Or if you create a sales page that looks like it was put together in half an hour what happens? The visitor leaves within seconds never to return.

This is why you must put 100% effort into everything you create, you want to leave the visitor wanting more, if they want more they will opt-in to your mailing list or buy your product. Then you can generate repeat traffic.

Let me ask you, have you been to this blog before? The chances are you have and if you have you should get what I’m talking about.

So let me leave you with this. Firstly, getting traffic isn’t hard, as long as you understand getting traffic takes work and getting repeat visitors takes work you will be fine. If you are not prepared to work then you may as well forget it. Secondly, when a visitor hits your site they must have a positive experience. Give them anything less and they will probably leave never to return.

Ok John, I get that and I am prepared to put some work in, what’s next?

My advice would be to take things back to basics, you may already know what works or you may not. If not why not check out Simple Traffic Solutions, for a mere $4.95 I reveal every single traffic method I use that works for me and every method is 100% free. You will also find out how I managed to generate the type of traffic that can make a real difference.


    53 replies to "Why Most People Fail at Driving Traffic"

    • Donald MacLeod

      Hi John,

      Another excellent post. So true John and I am guilty for not doing enough to get traffic to my blog. I ahve started watching the videos and will soon implement some of them straight away. Not sure about ad swaps. I know you did say it does not matter about the size of your list. I think people would with mine. I think I’ll have to improve on the current 8 I have…lol.

      I would recommend anyone who reads this post and has not already bought it….do so now, $4.95, give up one burger. The information inside is second to none. John you have excelled again.

      Regards

      Donald

    • Roger Weavers

      Hi John,

      A lot of website owners tend to focus on getting top rankings on the search engines which can normally take quite a while to achieve. There are so many other ways that can bring free traffic a lot quicker. I’ve been building websites for over a decade and I have have tried most things but there are a few methods I will be trying after watching your Simple Traffic Solutions training videos.
      Cheers
      Roger

    • Ted

      John, brilliant post. You’ve addressed a major concern of all internet marketers. Great point about looking for a traffic loophole. There really isn’t one, and traffic generation takes a bit of work, but it’s very achievable if you just buckle down and do it.
      I own this product (and many more of yours, I might add), and the value here is tremendous. $4.95?? Each video is worth way more than that!
      I’ve had great success with Guest Posting on other blogs, but that’s just one of the strategies you outline.
      I’m glad I bought Simple Traffic Solutions and grateful to you for always putting out such high quality products.
      If folks would just pick a few strategies of yours and get to work, the traffic will come.
      Thanks again,
      Ted

    • steven guy

      Hi john great to know that this is the way. Iv tryed this method with results but not enough to get my website a lot of traffic i set this one up after many failures of others on word press i know basicley how to do all this but its still dificult with me trying to do it the right way anyway what i hate people stealing your niche then there sites higher than mine. anyway i can do this just need guidance .Thanks Steve

    • James Hughes

      Hi John

      Good post. Simple Traffic Solutions is the number one traffic product out there at the moment. It’s only my opinion but I bet there are more than a few out there that agree with me.

      The reason I say this, is that I’ve already put your simple and effective methods to the test and they are already reaping the rewards.

      I’ve even used some of your methods in my own promotion campaign and my subscribers are simply loving it.

      Thanks for making this product available at such an insane price.

      Cheers

      James Hughes

    • David Caudill

      Hello John,

      Every word is so true and two years ago I was one of those looking for that loophole. Stuck my head in a bunch of them holes which left my rear end exposed !

      I try to spend at least one hour a day driving traffic from one source or another. Somedays it’s blogging and blog hopping, the next will be Safe Lists and T.E.s and so on and then it works out about every three days the cycle comes full circle. ( Unless there is a comment, always keep up with comments on thread.)

      I am loving the things I am leaning inside of Simple Traffic Solutions, but when it comes from the best we know we are receiving the best. ” Thanks again.”

      To your continued success,

      David Caudill

    • geoff Lord

      hi John

      Great post and simple tactical advice which will be of benefit to anyone who cares to read and take action.

    • Chin M C

      Hi John – Great approach for getting traffic at no cost .

      I have been working for a solution to draw traffic to my website and your STS comes along .

      Good timing for me as I am about to launch a Kindle eBook .

      Would implement what is laid out in STS and see the results .

      Thanks John

    • Rick White

      Hey John,

      Great post, you are providing people with a great way to build traffic streams that will profit them long term. Like you say, it is going to take work to build these long term streams, most people though don’t focus long enough on building these,they become impatient and jump from one thing to another looking for that quick fix. The secret is to stay focus! If they get involved and use the plans you put forth, their success will come. This goes for myself as well. Thank you!

      Rick

    • Keith Purkiss

      Hi John,

      I don’t think I published this before, but my adwords account was shut down too a couple of years ago. Since then I’ve focused on some of the solid long-term methods you’ve mentioned above. Everyone can use the ones they are best at, and let their affiliates do the rest for them 🙂

      Thanks

      Keith

    • Barry Wells

      Hi John,

      Those numbers are really impressive, which just goes to show the proof of the pudding for Simple Traffic Solutions.

      When it comes to generating traffic I think a lot of people believe the film title “If you build it they’ll come” which just isn’t true.

      As you say there’s no loophole or magic button it all takes work, and lots of it until we have our own systems in place and know exactly what is giving us the best results.

      There are many ways of driving traffic to our sites and your latest product covers the free options extremely well.

      As for the price, are you crazy???

      No seriously John, If people really want to start learning how to generate traffic then this will be the best $4.95 they’ve ever spent, in the UK that’s just over £3 and what can you buy for that price these days…

      I’ve had people say they’re thinking about buying it… Thinking….. ha ha what is there to think about….

      We all need traffic and if people aren’t getting enough then I advise them to Buy this product

      First class, thanks John.

      Barry

      • David Caudill

        Hey Barry,

        Every word you said is so true especial the part and I quote, “As for the price, are you crazy”???

        Lol as we know John never really stops delivering as time so yes “At this price John’s went crazy!”

        Have great day.

        David

    • Kevin Long

      Hi John

      Another great post. I’m still going through all the videos in STS, you over delivered this time for sure.
      Just last week I spent $150 on paid advertising following another blueprint to the letter…with not one sale or even a signup, it really does p**s me off, so it’s defo back to the grindstone to get my traffic for freeeeeeeee.

      Have a great week

      Kevin

    • Jeremy

      I agree with you, many people are looking for a free traffic method that is an easy push button and that’s just not realistic. I also agree with you that many people don’t work to put quality content on their blog, I noticed when I started putting great value up front the audience began to grow! great tips.

    • Dave Gardner

      John,

      Great post about having to put the time into work..as they say, there is no such thing as a free lunch and those who think there is a magic button out there are not seeing things clearly.

      I know it take action to make things happen and I will continue to implement what I learn!

    • Seb

      I guess I am going to have to break down and buy STS.

    • Tony James

      Hi John, very pertinent post! I’m not averse to working hard to get traffic, need to be more organised though, and this is I feel is where your STS program is going to pay off! Have already started going through the material and implementing suggestions. Great product!

    • Gerald

      Hi John,great post. I have purchased Simple Traffic Solutions and cannot wait to go through the training. I have bought products from you in the past and they have always been of great value. I am sure that STS will be the same.

    • Vint Atkinson

      John,
      Great blog and great product in Simple Traffic Solutions. It is so true about creating traffic – “ain’t no such thing as a free lunch”. When I work hard I get great traffic. I am still trying to get to some of the methods mentioned and anxious to get thru all the great info in STS.

    • Margarita

      John,

      great tips without hidden agendas. I have never seen before – a treasure content and teachings for less than $5. You are a real go-giver.

      No idea can be moved without taking action. You make it clear! 🙂

    • Lee McKenna

      I checked out the product John. How could you not for $4.95?

      Really good value for money I must say and some killer traffic strategies for getting traffic quality traffic.

      Can I suggest you do another product but this time all paid methods? I would love that. Then we will have your guidance on both free and paid.

      As you know you can get very quick results using paid. I’m personally doing very well with PPV marketing right now. You can get really cheap quality traffic for pennies per optin. Yes pennies per optin not views and clicks. Thats how good its working.

      Anyway just wanted to say how much I enjoyed going through the videos of your new course STS.

      Lee

    • Rick Sorrels

      Great post John. I always learn something from you. I agree about the reason a lot of people do not get traffic. I have to admit, there are ways I have not heard of which I think is a big problem with a lot of people. We are lead to believe the next “shiny new object” being sold is going to do all these wonderful things to bring traffic to our sites. Or, this e-book or that e-book is going to give us the amazing ahha moment and come to find out beats around the bush and does not deliver anything worth while. It is great to have people like you who will show us the way and give us methods and things that work. Thanks for giving your time to teach us the proper methods John and sharing your knowledge, it is greatly appreciated.

    • elaine

      I am a newbie, with a lot of experience, hard work is always the answer, I jut signed up yesterday as i am a dog trainer and bought a website with generic content, not bad but not authentic, just reading this reinforces my concept that i have to rewrite it all.

      my intention is to give people my experiences so a few dogs will be saved, stop the bad behaviours and save the dog.

      reading your blog this morning a quote comes to mind, how you do anything is how you do everything, time to roll up my sleeves. nice surprise for $4.95 always the skeptic, bought into another mastermind group and while the product idea was great, (lots of hard work) the mastermind is just people signing up and more great wso ideas in my inbox, will be opting out of that group soon in no content, this is a true mastermind, if this keeps up i may have to invest in your mentoring. i may just have to.

    • Scott Stembridge

      John,
      It’s information like this that you provide freely in a simple blog post that shows the inherent value in Simple Traffic Solutions. Simply put you “walk the talk”, which makes it hard to argue when I hear people go on about how free traffic methods seldom work. It is generally those people who do not want to work!
      I have been guilty of using only some of the methods, and not consistently. Time to make the change, no excuses! Thanks again John

    • Joshua Mason

      Thank you John for another great post. I have signed up for Simple Traffic Solutions and am also a member of the Inner Circle Group. It is my hope that I learn from you all that I can. And share my experiences and learn from the group.

      Hard work is very important….determination is what drives that hard work to actually become a success. I am willing and driven to succeed!! All’s I need are the right mentors to make sure I move in the right direction. eCollege Monthly is my first “product” that I have created. It is my 1st step.

      Sleeves are up….Let’s go to work!

    • Adrienne

      Hey John,

      Boy do I ever agree with you. Even on my blog people still ask me how I get so much traffic and comments and I continue to spill the beans all in my posts. Problem is, people want a quick fix, the lazy man’s way, an easy out.

      I continue to share with them that if that’s the case they might as well quit now because it’s just not going to happen. But it’s really not hard, just consistent effort on your part. It’s also a heck of a lot of fun too.

      Your Simple Traffic Solutions can give them all the tips they need “if” they are willing to take that consistent action. You really outdid yourself I will admit. Under $5 is a darn steal. No more excuses is the way I look at that.

      Great job and thanks for sharing those stats. Truly amazing.

      ~Adrienne

    • Linda

      Hey John,

      I think everyone struggles from getting traffic, especially those just starting out and like myself, they get frustrated and quit…I haven’t quit, real life has gotten in the way and I know it is just an EXCUSE, but all in due time it will come by implementing everything you show in your new product. Which by the way, I really haven’t looked at yet.

      Just starting to recover from the Hurricane we got hit with last week – today is the first day I feel like actually doing something and am excited about so many opportunities. Last week I couldn’t even get online and when I finally did, my mind was just not ready to work.

      Anyway, sorry about my ramblings – I do that when I get excited about something..lol.

      Bottom line is – if you can do this, anyone can, right!!

      Thanks for the post and hope you have an AWESOME week!
      Linda

    • Andrew Stark

      Hi John,

      Work is such a nasty four letter word that keeps people in the poor house as they’re out searching for easy.

      When it comes to traffic engage brain first before buying something that claims to do the work for you.

      Andrew

    • zora

      Hi John,

      Thanks for pointing out the pitfalls and ways to implement the traffic getting methods that you use. I learned some good tips and tricks for you post.

      The new product Simple Traffic Solutions is very good with plenty ways to get traffic.

      Regards
      Zora

    • Jenny Wren

      As a slacking student of yours I needed this wake up call. Will be getting your product and working on it. Stressing the working part. Thanks for a great post and product once again.

      Jenny Wren

    • Bryan McHeyzer

      Hi John,
      We hear it so often that traffic is the life blood of internet marketing … so many of us are just not willing to put in the effort needed to drive traffice to our sites.
      Got your ebook … good value!
      I take my hat off to you for pricing it so cheep giving everyone the opportunity to get their hands on it.

      Cheers
      Bryan

    • Roy A. Jones

      Hello John,
      I couldn’t believe it when I saw the Simple Traffic Solutions for $4.95. But that is the price and the content I have gone through so far is outstanding. Yes I think a lot of people think that working for yourself is easy work. It’s not in the brick and mortar world and I have learned it most certainly is not easy here on the internet either. Anything that is worth having is going to take some hard work and sweat. That’s why not everyone will make it here as an IMer. Only those who stay the course and roll up their sleeves will be here years from now. As far as content goes I think we get to involved in keeping Google happy. You really want your reader to be happy because in the end it will the person visiting your site who pulls out their credit card, not Google. Sure we need to backlink and not get crazy with keyword stuffing and all that good stuff. But I have a couple of sites that I do not try to impress Google with at all. When they came out with their last couple of so called Google slaps that hurt others, My sites moved up to page 1 for their keyword terms and got a higher page ranking.

    • Steven Stuart

      Great advice John, I’ve always thought free traffic is the way to go. If I’ve learned anything from you, it’s you should master the basics, the tried and true methods first. Simple Traffic Solutions sounds great, I can’t wait to get into the videos. How can you go wrong for less than five bucks? I appreciate a look at your stats, they are most inspiring. Thanks, man.

    • Chris Shaw

      Hi John,

      I agree with what you’ve said before about not getting hung up on SEO. Who has time for all that fiddling and tweaking of your site to try and get Google to love you?

      No way, coz you can do all that which is a big time suck anyway, only to wake up one day and find Google changed the rules while you were sleeping.

      If you build your business model on someone else’s site and on factors you can’t control, you can’t be too surprised when they change things and all your hard work is for nought. Your free methods have been around a long time and they clearly work.

      Chris

    • Aj Joal

      Hi John

      You are absolutely right about putting in the hard work to succeed. As you say, there are lot of people who fail, because they create a blog or a website full of garbage content and affiliate links and what happens? The visitor leaves within seconds never to return. I know this from experience and a lot of additional effort is required. Your honesty in putting this upfront is rare among many marketer.

      Aj

    • Cararta

      If you visit my site you will find a page (Creating a Blog with John Thornhill) where I admit up front that I have wasted two valuable years (age 72) buying Instant get Rich Now garbage that doesn’t work.

      Have started redoing my website again,
      May have to just start over somewhere else!
      Too many pages and some of the best posts I’ve written are hiding somewhere……

      Worked last week on editing existing posts, did two new and went back to my 1 monthly mentor program to work my way through, day by day….
      I had the information, didn’t use it.
      So the solution is:
      Do what the MAN says will work and remember that he teaches SOMETHING ELSE that is just as important as those technical how to do its.

      “You must be motivated and inspired to honestly help other people by offering information that will benefit them, not just put a dime in your pocket.” Keep it simple and keep it honest.

      There is nothing wrong with putting a “dime” in your pocket, but there is something wrong with recommending and trying to sell offers that you haven’t used and had success with. I have a lot of work to do!

      In deference to the above statement, I chose my post that you can check out because it is something I have used since September, 2011 with great results.
      C.

    • Barry Joyce

      Hi John,

      I feel this post along with your STS will help me and my company immensely – I own my own training provider in the North East England. Even thou we have some of the under privileged young people in the country the North East is the best area in the UK and the competition for training is of the highest order.

      By using your STS methods along with hard work and dedication, which come natural to me, I feel I can promote SMARTT North East Ltd to its full potential and endorse schools and other organisations about our training courses, what we offer and what we are about

      I was in the old school, until now, of trying to use 10000 of key words to get on Google ranking and try getting traffic to my website to promote my first aid courses, and other training courses. Until I have watched your well-informed STS training, I am confident this will boost business

      I will be looking at other training providers blogs and making some, should I say, “constructive criticism” and if anyone would like any training you know where I am

      Kind Regards

      Barry

    • Craig Pullman

      Hi John,
      why are you always right? Following your advice has never lead me astray. It is very reassuring to see that you kept going when everything fell down around you. Seems as if Google isn’t a big fan of the honest and successful marketers. Great to see you doing so well.

      Regards,

      Craig

    • Dita

      Hi John,

      Thank you for the post. Yeah, most people are looking for the “secret way” and in the process neglect the opportunities that are there free to take. They just keep chasing and never really put any effort in getting the traffic.

      I also noticed that I get traffic by commenting on other people’s blogs. I comment because I really like to after I read a good post (time consuming.

    • Seb

      So John today I got an email from you about Covert Social Buzz and how I should buy it. According to your email you were going to. I don’t see it on your blog.

      • John Thornhill

        I will be installing it on my blog soon and sharing the results. I’m a little busy with my launch at the moment.

    • Chin M C

      John , have been learning from STS and had finished viewing the video on hot to set up a blog.

      Downloaded and installed the Flexibility3 WordPress theme.

      I like it very much . On thing I notice though that it is not responsive on my Samsung handphone .

      Will a plugin help .

      Thanks

      • John Thornhill

        I’m not really sure Chin, that is something you would need to contact the theme owners about.

    • Ralph Vawter

      WHAT, you expect us to work? You do realize that is a four letter word?

      Just kidding.
      Excellent post John.

      I have purchased Simple Traffic Solutions and am looking forward to checking it out. Not very often I hear anyone say free traffic has worked better for them than paid.

    • David Whitfield

      Wow John, I had to scroll down very far to be able to comment. Could spend all morning checking them out, but must add that you sure hit the nail on the head when you mentioned consistency and working hard.

      Too often I will make some tweets or join some JV giveawys and think I am promoting or driving traffic. I plan to follow your footsteps and organize a system to keep reminding me to do this or that at certain times so that I am constant.

      I need to get a wp blog up too it seems, rather than depend on my other links.

      thanks again
      David

    • Galen Anderson

      Hi John,

      Very timely with your release of ‘Simple Traffic Solutions’. I have played around with Ad Words, and then Google cancelled my account! That’s the reason I’m really studying your STS, because free traffic is much better. Keep up the good work!

    • Ian McConnell

      Hi John

      Simple Traffic Solutions is an awesome product, especially considering the price!

      Getting traffic is fairly easy but it’s the grind that get’s people. I have students who are very enthusiastic in the first few weeks and then slowly the enthusiasm disappears. If there was one thing to add to STS it would be some way to keep the enthusiasm… I’m still working on that myself!

      Cheers
      Ian McConnell
      Western Australia

    • Nigel Jeal

      Great post John! I’ve tried other traffic programmes in the past but Simple Traffic Solutions is easier to digest and I love the easy to follow sequence in all the different formats. I would recommend this to anyone if you want to get lots of traffic to your site.

    • Chris Picanzo

      Hey John, Excellent article on traffic. As you say it’s the ones that want to work that will get all the traffic they need. You definitely over deliver and anyone looking for some great content should grab your Simple Traffic Solutions, how can you not buy it for that price? Some day I hope you get a chance to read my product when it’s finished 🙂

    • Dosapati Vasu

      Very well written ..great post John .. Simple trafic solutions is the best course that lists every free traffic source but it takes time as you mentioned . it is worth reading it
      Regards,
      vasu

    • Martin Quinlan

      Hi John, You are obviously practicing what you preach, and putting your experience and enthusiasm into everything you do. I am so thankfull to have found you and your mentoring programs after lots of time trying to earn a living online I now feel I can do it with your help. Awesome value product.

    • Dean Thompson

      Hi John,

      This has come at a great time for me as I look to start driving traffic to my blog that I started back in June.

      Glad to know there’s no top secret loophole to drive visitors to your site. I don’t mind hard work, so that should be ok.

      Regards,
      Dean Thompson.

    • Paul Eveleigh

      Hi John, excellent post and one that all newbies expecting a “magic button” and instant success should read.

      It is good to know that you have achieved great success using “free” traffic methods and look forward to implementing some of the strategies you reveal in STS.

      Thanks
      Paul

Leave a Reply to Vint Atkinson Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.