Three ways to build traffic and revenue numbers for your tech startup

So you’ve just launched your tech startup. Now what?

How are you going to compete with the monolithic companies without getting squashed? You’re going to need to build traffic while controlling how people use your site – what is your plan? Content positioning will either result in sales or in people looking elsewhere, so how are you going to modify those user intents?

Welcome to the industry, and the endless questions you’re soon going to need to find answers to. Having built two solely online startups, these were some of the ideas I had to wrap my head around, and they’re something you’re going to know how to answer by the end of this post. Here are three fundamental ideas that successful Australian startups use to reliably build increasing traffic and revenue numbers.

1. Testing material is crucial – and doesn’t have to break the bank

The only way to know your product or service will actually build readership and authority is by throwing it into the public arena, but you’re making a mistake if you’ve already made significant investments in your ideas. In order to effectively test your ideas, simply generate the product or service on a tiny scale and see if you get a response.

Creditcardfinder.com.au is Australia’s biggest credit card comparison site, but it began from a single blog post on suitable credit cards for students drafted on the back of a doggy bag. When people lapped up that information, it was a clear indicator there was a genuine need for this service. By dispersing your bullet-proofed ideas into your public offerings, people will be visiting and accessing products and services that have already shown results, which can only be positive for your conversions.

2. Build a process pattern that still relies on human interaction

Automation is key for startups – don’t spend time on something you can have done automatically. That being said, once you’ve created these automatic processes, always insert a human touch somewhere along the line to make sure you’re actively working towards a personalised brand presence. For example, the team at finder.com.au receive thousands of comments on their info pages, and every single one is personally attended to by the resident expert on the topic in question.

Whether it’s on social media, sourcing clients or suppliers or even sending out to external groups, find a way to minimise your manual time while still being human; spending less time to produce higher quality will allow you to get more eyeballs to your site and products.

3. Network, don’t partner

When you’re building a business and trying to boost your views and sales, guess who else has the same agenda? Every other startup. While there could be some awesome, worthwhile companies to partner with out there, your first focus should be getting attention to your offerings. Look for networking opportunities, get some articles on their websites and find ways to work together that won’t compromise the presence of your own products.

Fred Schebesta is the co-founder and director of finder.com.au. Place your bid for a one-on-one consultation with him at an event in Sydney on Tuesday 16 June from 6-8pm. The event will also cover ‘How to growth hack your business’. All proceeds from the night will go to the Vinnies CEO Sleepout.

Do you know more on this story or have a tip of your own? Raising capital or launching a startup? Let us know. Follow StartupSmart on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.