All (Free & Paid) Ways to Drive Traffic to Your Shopify Store

Here's a surprising fact: Over 90% of online content gets no visitors, mainly because there's too much low-quality stuff out there that doesn't get promoted properly. 

In this article, we'll show you how to cut through the noise and effectively drive traffic to your Shopify store by using smart promotion tactics.

Why trust Bloggle?

• We're the creators of Bloggle, a dynamic Shopify blog builder available on the Shopify App Store that fills the gaps in native Shopify blogging capabilities.
• We're a global force: 3000+ merchants across 60 countries have trusted us to amplify their voices.
• Your peers adore us: We have a stellar 4.9/5 rating on the app store.
• We've already empowered 55,000+ blogs written using our versatile app.

Under our guidance, users have reported up to a 10x boost in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) traffic and revenue.

How important is traffic for your Shopify store?

Let me rephrase this question: How important is it for people to walk in into a walk-in store?

Traffic is the most important thing for any store.

But it’s not just about quantity—it’s about quality. Traffic refers to the number of visitors your site gets, but not all visitors are equal. 

You want relevant traffic, meaning people genuinely interested in your products.

There are several factors that define traffic:

• Source: Organic (unpaid) vs. paid traffic.
• User type: First-time visitors vs. returning customers.
• Engagement: Bounce rate, session duration, and conversions.

To sell, you need to focus on understanding and optimizing each aspect. Today, I’ll dive into traffic sources and show you how to drive relevant traffic that leads to real results.

The bottom line: traffic is everything—but only if it’s the right kind.

How to drive traffic to your Shopify store for free

There are several major traffic sources you can tap into and bring visitors to your Shopify store without spending a dime. 

#1 Organic search (SEO)

Organic search is when visitors find your store, typing queries into search engines like Google. In fact, there’s an over 90% chance that’s how you found this blog. 

The biggest advantage of organic search is that you get visitors that are truly interested in your content -  because that’s what they searched for. 

However, the challenge of organic search is dual:

• Top-of-funnel keywords require a lot of high-quality content and backlinks, which take time and effort to build.
• Mid- to low-funnel keywords may not bring in significant conversions.
• You need both.

For an effective SEO strategy, you need to cover both types of keywords. That’s because when Google ranks a single page, it looks at your entire website to determine if you're an authority on the topic.

SEO is a long-term strategy focused on optimizing your site for relevant keywords to improve its visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs). 

Basic SEO practices include:

• Optimizing product descriptions
• Using relevant meta tags
• Creating high-quality content that answers user queries

SEO requires patience and continuous effort, as there is a constant influx of people doing exactly what you’re doing. 

Analyzing your SEO performance is crucial. Tools  such as Google Analytics and Ahrefs can help you track keyword rankings, monitor organic traffic, and identify areas for improvement.

Regularly updating your content and maintaining a blog will also keep your site relevant and engaging for both users and search engines.

In short, search engine optimization is the best way to drive traffic to your Shopify store as it's a long term strategy that gives you full control over your target audience. It is also one of the most challenging digital marketing strategies because it’s a marathon, not a sprint, and the finish line keeps moving, and Google keeps throwing pebbles at you for some reason. 

#2 Blogging

Writing about topics related to your products and industry helps drive organic traffic. A blog not only positions your brand as an authority but also provides valuable content for your audience.

Step 1: Identify your audience's needs

Start by addressing common questions and interests of your target audience. Create informative, engaging blog posts that solve their problems or provide insights.

Step 2: Optimize for search engines

Use relevant keywords to optimize your posts and attract organic traffic. SEO-friendly content helps your blog show up in search results.

Step 3: Keep it fresh

Regularly update your blog with fresh content. This keeps your audience engaged and encourages them to return for more.

Step 4: Promote across channels

Maximize your blog's reach by sharing posts through social media, email newsletters, and collaborations with bloggers or influencers. Repurpose content into infographics, videos, or other formats to engage a broader audience.

Step 5: Track and improve

Monitor your blog's performance using analytics tools. Track page views, engagement, and conversion rates to identify what topics resonate most. Continuously refine your strategy based on these insights to drive consistent traffic.

The Shopify Blogging Solution: Bloggle

The default Shopify blog might not be as powerful as others you've seen, but don’t worry. Those stunning blogs on e-commerce sites are likely using Bloggle, a drag-and-drop blog builder we made specifically for Shopify. 

#3 Email marketing

Email marketing is an effective way to drive repeat traffic and sales from existing customers. 

Building an email list

Offer valuable incentives like discounts, exclusive content, or early access to new products to encourage sign-ups.

Segment for personalization

Tailor your emails to different customer groups by segmenting your list.
Example: Send personalized product recommendations based on past purchases, or offer special deals to loyal customers.

Increase engagement with fresh content

Regularly update your email content, and use compelling subject lines to boost open rates and engagement.

Save time with automation

Automate your email campaigns to maintain consistent communication with your audience, while freeing up time for other tasks.

Use tools like Mailchimp or Klaviyo to set up automated workflows for welcome emails, abandoned cart reminders, and post-purchase follow-ups. 

Analyzing email performance metrics, such as open rates, click-through rates, and conversions, helps refine your strategy and improve results.

#4 Direct traffic

Direct traffic comes from people typing your store's URL directly into their browser. This usually happens when they are familiar with your brand or have bookmarked your site. 

Direct traffic indicates a strong brand presence and customer loyalty, as visitors intentionally seek out your store.

To increase direct traffic:

•  focus on building brand awareness and recognition. 
• create consistent branding, memorable marketing campaigns, and have excellent customer service. 
• encourage repeat visits by offering loyalty programs, exclusive discounts, and personalized experiences can also boost direct traffic.

#5 General content marketing

Content marketing helps in building trust and establishing authority in your niche. By providing useful information and solving problems for your audience, you can drive traffic and build a loyal customer base.

Identify relevant topics

Start by finding topics your audience cares about and create high-quality content around them.

Optimize for SEO

Use SEO best practices to improve your content’s visibility in search engines.

Amplify your reach

Share your content through social media and email newsletters to maximize its reach.

Keep your audience engaged

Regularly update your content and repurpose it into different formats, like videos or podcasts, to keep things fresh.

Track and learn

Use analytics to track performance, understand what resonates, and shape your future content strategy.

Content marketing as a joint effort

Remember, content marketing ties together multiple traffic sources. Neglecting one while focusing on another weakens your overall strategy. Aim for a balanced effort to achieve the best results for your Shopify store.

#6 Organic social media

Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, and Pinterest are excellent platforms for driving traffic directly to your Shopify  store. 

Creating a strong social media presence requires  posting regularly, using high-quality images and videos, and engaging with your audience through comments, likes, and shares. 

Each platform has its unique features and audience, so tailor your content accordingly. For instance, Instagram is ideal for visually appealing products, while Twitter can be used for quick updates and customer service.

If you’re struggling to get started or stick to a schedule, I wrote a social media 1-week schedule you can follow and use to promote your store:

#6 Participate in online communities

Join forums and groups related to your niche. Share valuable insights and link back to your store when appropriate. 

Step 1: Find your audience's hangouts

Start by identifying forums, social media groups, and online communities where your target audience spends their time.

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Step 2: Share links thoughtfully

Once you’ve built rapport, share links to your store or content when it's genuinely relevant. 

For example, if someone in a forum asks for product recommendations, share a link to your product page or a related blog post.

The Key: Be helpful first, promotional second.

Step 3: Engage and  build trust

Engage with community members by answering questions and offering advice. This interaction builds trust and credibility, which can ultimately drive traffic to your store.

Step 4: Use Quora & Reddit

Answering questions on platforms like Quora and Reddit can be a powerful traffic source.

• Getting upvotes increases your visibility and authenticity.
• This boosts your trust with both current and potential customers.

#7 Host webinars and live streams

Host webinars or live streams to communicate  with your audience and drive traffic in real time. Share your expertise, answer questions, and build a community.

Choose topics your audience cares about, promote the event through social media and email, and offer valuable content like tutorials or product demos. Interact with viewers during the session to build trust.

Afterward, share the recording to reach more people. Connecting this way helps build loyalty and keeps your brand top of mind.

Paid ways to get traffic to your Shopify store

#1 Google Ads

Paid search, like Google Ads, places your store at the top of search results for specific keywords. It's a way to drive immediate traffic, but it requires a budget. These ads appear above organic results, giving them high visibility to users actively searching for your products.

How to create a lucrative  paid search campaign

To get the most out of paid search, follow these steps:

• Choose the right keywords: Start by identifying keywords your target customers are searching for. Focus on terms that are highly relevant to your products or services.
• Write compelling ad copy: Create ads that catch attention and clearly highlight the benefits of your product. Keep it simple, with a strong call to action.
• Set a budget: Decide how much you're willing to spend daily. Keep an eye on your spend to ensure you're not going overboard.

Track, adjust, and optimize

Running a successful campaign doesn't stop once the ads are live. You'll need to:

• Track performance: Use Google Ads' built-in tools to monitor clicks, impressions, and conversions.
• Adjust bids and targeting: Refine your audience based on what’s working.
• A/B test ads: Test different versions of your ads to see which performs best. This helps you fine-tune your strategy for better results.

Why paid search works

• Immediate visibility: Your store appears at the top of search results, putting you right in front of potential buyers.
• Precise targeting: You can target your ads by keyword, location, device, and more, reaching the exact customers you want.

How to maximize your results

Paid search works best when combined with other strategies like SEO or social media marketing. It improves  your visibility quickly, but it’s crucial to manage your budget carefully to ensure a positive return on investment (ROI). 

#3 Social media ads

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How to make social media ads work for you

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• Target the right audience: Use the detailed targeting options to reach the audience most likely to buy your products. Segment by age, interests, behaviors, and even location.
• Use eye-catching visuals: Social media is visually driven, so create ads with high-quality images or videos that grab attention.
• Include a clear call to action: Ensure your ads tell users exactly what to do, whether it’s “Shop Now,” “Learn More,” or “Get the Deal.”
• Test different formats: Experiment with different ad types like carousels, stories, or video ads to see what resonates with your audience.

Do Nots for Social Media Ads

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• Don’t target too broadly: Casting too wide a net can result in wasted ad spend. Focus on specific audiences for better results.
• Don’t use poor-quality visuals: Blurry or unattractive visuals will get ignored. Invest in high-quality images or videos.
• Don’t forget to track performance: Use analytics tools to monitor engagement, clicks, and conversions. Adjust your strategy based on real data.
• Don’t ignore mobile optimization: Most users will see your ads on mobile devices. Ensure your ads are mobile-friendly and load quickly.
• Don’t run the same ad forever: Ad fatigue is real. Refresh your creatives regularly to keep your audience engaged.

#3 Influencer marketing

Partnering with influencers can drive traffic to your store by exposing your products to their audience. Choose influencers whose followers match your target market to ensure relevant traffic.

How to work with influencers:

• Find the right fit: Choose influencers who genuinely align with your brand and audience.
• Collaborate authentically: Encourage them to create content like reviews, tutorials, or unboxing videos.
• Offer incentives: Provide unique discount codes or affiliate links to track results and encourage purchases.

Do-Nots:

• Don’t partner with influencers whose followers don’t match your target audience.
• Avoid overly scripted or fake content..
• Don’t skip tracking traffic sources and conversions - you need to measure ROI accurately.

#3 Email advertising

Email advertising allows you to place ads in newsletters or email blasts from businesses with audiences similar to yours. It’s a great way to connect with potential customers and drive traffic to your Shopify store.

Platforms to find collaboration partners:

• Swapstack: A platform that connects brands with newsletter publishers to create sponsored content and ads.
• Paved: Helps you discover popular newsletters in your niche and set up email sponsorships.
• AWeber: While primarily an email marketing tool, it also offers ways to collaborate with other businesses through its marketplace.

Tips for success:

• Choose the right partner: Find newsletters that align with your brand’s audience.
• Keep your copy clear: Use simple, effective messaging with a strong call to action.
• Use appealing visuals: Eye-catching images increase clicks.

8 possible reasons why your Shopify store is struggling to get traffic

#1 Targeting the wrong demographic

If your marketing efforts are not reaching the right audience, it will be challenging to drive traffic and generate sales.

Start by conducting market research to identify your ideal customer.

Consider factors such as age, gender, location, interests, and purchasing behavior. Use this information to create detailed buyer personas that represent your target audience. This will help you tailor your marketing messages and campaigns to resonate with your ideal customers.

Once you have identified your target audience, ensure that your marketing channels and strategies are aligned with their preferences.

 For example, if your target audience is young adults, focus on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. If you are targeting professionals, consider using LinkedIn or email marketing. 

#2 Low quality photos

If your product photos are low quality, blurry, or unappealing, potential customers may be turned off and leave your site. 

Investing in professional photography can significantly improve the visual appeal of your store and drive traffic.

• Use high-quality images: Ensure all product photos are high-resolution and well-lit.
• Consistency matters: Use the same style and background for all photos to create a cohesive look.
• Show different angles: Include multiple angles and close-ups to give customers a clear view of the product.
• Use lifestyle images: Show the product in use to attract and engage visitors.
• Edit for quality: Enhance colors, contrast, and sharpness with photo editing software or hire a professional.
• Know Shopify image sizes: Make sure your images fit Shopify’s recommended dimensions for optimal display.
• Update regularly: Refresh your product photos to reflect new collections or seasonal themes.

#3 Slow website speed

Visitors are likely to leave your site if it takes too long to load, resulting in high bounce rates and low traffic. Improving your website's speed can enhance user experience and drive more traffic.

Start by conducting a website speed test using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix. These tools can identify issues affecting your site's speed and provide recommendations for improvement. Common issues include large image files, excessive plugins, and inefficient coding.

Using a content delivery network (CDN) can also speed up load times by distributing your site's content across multiple servers.

Regularly monitoring your website's speed and making necessary adjustments can ensure optimal performance.

#4 Lack of SEO optimization

If your store is not optimized for search engines, it will be challenging for potential customers to find you. 

Start by conducting keyword research to identify relevant terms your potential customers are searching for. 

Use these keywords strategically in your product descriptions, blog posts, meta tags, and URLs. 

Make sure  your site's structure is SEO-friendly, with clear navigation, descriptive URLs, and relevant headings.

Creating high-quality content that addresses your audience's needs and interests can also improve your SEO performance. 

Regularly updating your blog with fresh content, such as how-to guides, product reviews, and industry news, can attract organic traffic. 

Building backlinks from reputable sites can further boost your SEO rankings.

#5 No social media presence

A lack of social media presence can limit your reach and traffic. Create and optimize profiles on social media platforms, ensuring they reflect your brand's identity and values. 

Regularly posting high-quality content, such as product photos, videos, and behind-the-scenes updates, can attract and engage followers.

Engaging with your audience through comments, likes, and shares can build a loyal community around your brand. 

Running social media campaigns and collaborating with influencers can further boost your reach and drive traffic to your store. 

#6 Ineffective marketing strategies

If your marketing efforts are not aligned with your target audience's preferences and behaviors, it will be challenging to drive traffic. 

Developing and implementing effective marketing strategies includes:

• Conduct market research: Understand your target audience’s needs, preferences, and behaviors.
• Create buyer personas: Use your research to build detailed personas that represent your ideal customers.
• Tailor your marketing messages: Adjust your campaigns to resonate with these personas for better relevance and effectiveness.
• Experiment with marketing channels: Try different tactics like social media, email marketing, SEO, content marketing, and paid advertising to see what works best.
• Analyze campaign performance: Regularly review data to identify areas for improvement and optimization.
• Refine your strategies: Use data and insights to continuously improve your marketing efforts for sustained growth.
• Stay updated with trends: Keep up with industry trends and best practices to ensure your marketing remains relevant.
• Use helpful tools: If you need assistance, consider using marketing apps for Shopify to help with your strategy.

#7 Poor Customer Reviews

Poor customer reviews can significantly impact your store's reputation and traffic. Potential customers often rely on reviews to make purchasing decisions. 

Start by providing excellent customer service and addressing any issues promptly. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews by offering incentives, such as discounts or loyalty points. 

Responding to negative reviews with empathy and a willingness to resolve issues can demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction.

Displaying reviews prominently on your website and product pages can build trust and credibility. 

Using review management tools can help track and respond to customer feedback. If you don’t know how to utilize user reviews, you should check out our guide on adding reviews to Shopify.

#8 Unappealing  website design

An unappealing website design can deter visitors and result in high bounce rates. Your website's design should be visually appealing, user-friendly, and reflective of your brand.

 Investing in professional web design can significantly improve user experience and drive traffic.

Start by choosing a clean and modern design that aligns with your brand's identity. 

Use high-quality images, consistent fonts, and a cohesive color scheme to create a professional look. Ensure your site is easy to navigate, with clear menus, categories, and search functionality.

Optimizing your site for mobile devices is crucial, as a significant portion of traffic comes from mobile users. 

Regularly updating your website design to reflect new collections, seasonal themes, or industry trends can keep your store fresh and engaging. 

Investing in professional web design and user experience can drive sustained traffic and growth for your Shopify store.

FAQs

What is the best free way to drive traffic to my Shopify store?

Creating valuable content and optimizing for SEO are the best free methods to drive traffic.

How much should I spend on paid advertising?

Start with a small budget, test different campaigns, and scale up based on performance.

Can I drive traffic without using social media?

Yes, through SEO, content marketing, and email marketing, you can drive significant traffic without social media.

Driving traffic is an exact science

The success of your Shopify store is completely dependent on your ability to drive traffic to it. In this blog, I’ve laid out the most certain techniques for increasing your traffic.

One key strategy that can't be overlooked is blogging on Shopify. I’ve seen brands 9x their traffic by leveraging well-optimized blogs that engage their audience and improve SEO performance.

Want proof? Check out our case studies to see how it’s done!