Search engines look favourably on websites that offer a fair amount valuable content. That is content that visitors will find value in, information that people are searching for on the internet. No matter what type of site you have, you can leverage this to increase the traffic to your website. Whether you have an online store, a forum, or a blog, you can add content to generate traffic.

Also, visitors really love sites that offer free content. Think for a minute what the average person is normally doing on the internet; they are searching, searching for information. Information that you as a webmaster can and should provide. Personally, if I go to a website that is just a store front, I may be hesitant to buy and I very rarely ever go back for a second look. However, if I stumble on a site and do some clicking around and find some information that is valuable to me I am more likely to stick around and browse the site longer. In turn I am getting to know the site owners a little better and gaining trust in them and their products. Maybe then I may just be inclined to grab my credit card and make a purchase.

Plus, content makes websites “sticky”. This means that, if a visitor comes to a website and finds good information (in any format), they are more likely to return than if they just land on a shopping cart or a sales page. They are more likely to bookmark and return to read whatever they missed on their first visit or to check back often to see what's new and interesting on the site.

There are a number of ways you can add 'Content' to your Website:

1. Add articles to your website that relate to your website theme, offer information that your visitors might be looking for. You can use a mix of your own unique content, free reprint articles and private label rights (PLR) articles. For example, if you have a Jewellery Shopping Cart Site, you might consider adding articles about how to care for your jewellery or tips on choosing the right jewellery for you.

2. Add a blog. If you don’t want to add articles directly to your site, then create a blog where you can talk about your products, services, information that relates to your site and list special offers. You can add articles to your blog, or simply chat and showcase specials and uses for your products and services. Establish yourself as an expert and people will come back for more.

3. Tweak your product descriptions. This is a simple way to increase the content on your website (and, possibly, increase sales). Just add more text to your product descriptions in your storefront – be more descriptive, and you’ll be providing more content.

4. Ask for comments and feedback. No matter what kind of website you have, incorporating comments and from others can help make your website more valuable.

5. Add testimonials. Simple and effective, testimonials not only make your site appear more trustworthy, but they also add content for search engines.

6. Archive your newsletters. If you publish a weekly newsletter, archive your previous issues on your website.

7. Add audio. It’s simple and easy to record and publish audio online now, with services that do everything for you. Interview someone or have someone interview you. Include your interviews on your website for added credibility and information for your visitors.

8. Frequently Asked Questions. Keep track of the customer service questions as you receive them, and answer them on a FAQs page. You’ll add content and spend less time answering repeat questions from your potential clients.