How to Get Traffic to Your Website Without Google

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Let’s face it—Google’s always been the go-to for driving traffic to websites, but things are changing.

If you’ve noticed a significant drop in traffic since September 2023, you’re not alone.

Many content creators and website owners are scrambling to adapt.

But here’s the good news: there are other ways to get eyes on your site.

I’ve been experimenting with a few methods myself, and I want to share what’s working for me.

Hopefully, it can help you too.

Why Look Beyond Google?

First things first—Google’s algorithm updates are unpredictable.

One day, your site could be ranking at the top, and the next, you’ve dropped into oblivion.

That’s exactly what happened to me.

After noticing some serious dips in my traffic post-September 2023, I had to think fast and pivot to more reliable sources.

Google is still part of my strategy, but I no longer depend on it.

Focusing on Email Marketing

You might not think email is the most exciting tool, but trust me—it’s incredibly effective.

After Google’s changes, I leaned heavily on my existing email list to drive traffic back to my site.

I found that email marketing gives me control over who I reach, and it’s way more predictable than hoping to rank on Google.

• Why email? It’s direct, personal, and you can tweak it to fit your audience.

  Plus, people on your list have already shown interest, so they’re more likely to engage with your content.

Building an Email List

Okay, so if you don’t already have an email list, now’s the time to start one.

Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or just starting out, getting email subscribers is a must.

I used platforms like ConvertKit to help manage my list, and I send about three emails a day.

That might sound like a lot, but here’s the thing: it works.

• Subscriber Growth: Right now, I manage over 155,000 subscribers.

  How?

  By focusing on cost-per-subscriber.

  I aim to keep it under 50 cents per subscriber, which helps balance the investment versus the traffic generated.

Pinterest & Facebook: My Social Traffic Boosters

If you think Pinterest is just for DIY crafts and wedding planning—think again.

Pinterest is actually a fantastic platform for driving traffic.

Alongside Facebook, I’ve been able to pull in consistent traffic from both platforms.

• Pinterest Troubles: To be honest, I did hit a roadblock with Pinterest.

  A competitor claimed my account, and it got suspended.

  But the traffic and costs weren’t worth fighting for, so I shifted my focus to other channels.

  Not every platform works perfectly, and that’s okay—adaptation is key.

Maximizing Mediavine & Affiliate Marketing

So how do I make money from all this traffic?

A mix of Mediavine ads and affiliate marketing has been my bread and butter.

One thing I love about Mediavine is that it offers higher RPMs compared to Google Ads.

The higher the RPM, the more you can earn per visitor.

• Tip for Ad Revenue: If you’re running Mediavine ads, you can use your email list to drive traffic back to your site, which in turn boosts your passive ad revenue.

  It’s like a double win—you control the traffic and reap the benefits.

Push Notifications: A Sneaky Traffic Booster

Push notifications are another tool I’ve been experimenting with.

While the growth hasn’t been as explosive as I’d hoped, push notifications bring in steady traffic.

I get about 250 visitors a day from them, which might not sound huge, but it’s quality traffic with an RPM of $75.

That’s a solid return.

• Pro Tip: If you’re thinking about using push notifications, make sure you measure performance.

  I switched from Google Analytics to Plausible, which gives me cleaner, more detailed insights.

  Sometimes simplicity is key.

What About Paid Ads?

Paid ads can be a double-edged sword.

They can bring in a quick boost of traffic, but they can also drain your wallet if not used wisely.

I dabble in Facebook and Pinterest ads to supplement my organic traffic, but I always keep a close eye on my cost per subscriber.

• ROI on Paid Ads: I aim for under 50 cents per subscriber.

  If the cost starts creeping up, I adjust my strategy.

  You have to be ruthless with your budget.

What’s Next? Exploring New Frontiers

Lately, I’ve been toying with the idea of expanding into YouTube.

I’m thinking about creating content in either history or legal storytelling.

I’m curious to see where it could go.

• Why YouTube? Video content is booming.

  If you’re looking for new ways to drive traffic, it’s a platform you should consider.

  There’s no excuse not to dive in.

Handling Challenges Along the Way

Let’s be real—no strategy is without its hiccups.

Whether it’s getting your Pinterest account suspended or dealing with a dip in email engagement, challenges will come up.

The important thing is to keep experimenting.

When something doesn’t work, tweak it and move on.

Staying Agile in an Ever-Changing World

One thing I’ve learned from this whole experience is that flexibility is crucial.

Relying solely on one platform, especially Google, is risky.

But by diversifying with email marketing, social media, push notifications, and even paid ads, I’ve managed to not just recover from my traffic drop, but grow beyond it.

Final Thoughts: It’s About Playing the Long Game

At the end of the day, the key to driving traffic without Google is patience.

It takes time to build an engaged email list, figure out which social platforms work for you, and find a rhythm with paid ads.

But once you do, the results are worth it.

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the constant Google updates, don’t sweat it.

There are plenty of other ways to grow your traffic and make money online.

Just take it one step at a time, and you’ll get there.