The Magic Of Sticky Websites

According to the dictionary, the word transient means:

1. Remaining in place only for a brief period of time.

2. One that is transient, especially a hotel guest or boarder who stays for only a brief time.

That's the type of traffic most websites attract - transient.

That means the traffic they get is here today, gone tomorrow.

Why is that?

Because they don't have sticky websites.

What's a sticky website?

A sticky website is a website that people visit over and over and over again.

It's a site’s ability to keep visitors on the site once they have navigated there or encourage the visitor to return frequently (i.e., the visitors "stick" to the site).

How sticky a site becomes depends on a variety of factors, such as the content of the site that encourages the visitors to remain there, and if that content compels them to return.

For example, while a site's original content may be the main reason for visits, a site may add a forum and other special features to set itself apart from competitors, such as interviews with its content’s authors, which is what I do on my site.

These types of features not only entice a visitor to stay on the site longer, but also to return frequently.

If you monetize your website with advertising, your web site’s stickiness is vital because, the longer visitors stay on the site the more exposure those visitors have to your advertisers.

In addition, a sticky website allows you multiple opportunities to turn your visitors into paying customers for your products or services.

So how can you make your website sticky?

There are numerous ways you can develop a sticky website. But if I were starting a new website, these are the 3 things that I would do:

1. Come up with your own unique twist or feature. For example, when I went online 3 months ago, one of the main features of my website was the interviews I conducted with my site's content authors.

Hardly anyone was doing that when I started my website. But since then, I've noticed a whole bunch of copycats doing the same thing.

I'm not saying you shouldn't copy what others are doing successfully. I'm saying, try to develop your own USP (Unique Selling Proposition). Try to create your own unique twist.

2. Make your website attractive. The appearance of your website is the first thing visitors notice. You know the old saying..."First impressions are everything!"

The look of your site sets the tone for potential future visits. People will immediately judge whether your site is professional or amateurish, and whether or not they want to return.

Use a design and colors that are appealing and pleasing to the eye. Also, make your site inviting, and easy to navigate.

3. Keep your site's content fresh. Give your visitors a reason to return to your site. Update and rotate your content regularly to keep visitors coming back. Keep your site fresh with new information that is closely related to the overall theme of your site, and addresses the needs of your target audience.

In closing, there are numerous other ways you can make your website sticky. You are limited only by your own imagination and creativity!

Dale King is the owner of the new Internet Marketing website, GuruKnowledge.org

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