5 Mistakes to Avoid When You Buy Website Traffic

Martin Freiwald

Oct 09, 2023

8 min read

Introduction

Hey there, savvy marketer! You're considering buying website traffic to give your site that much-needed boost. Smart move! But hold your horses—before you dive into the deep end, it's crucial to know what you're getting into. Buying website traffic can be a game-changer, but only if you do it right.

In this article, we'll review the top 5 mistakes people often make when buying website traffic and how you can steer clear of them.

Hook: Did You Know?

Did you know that nearly 55% of website traffic comes from bots? Yeah, you read that right. So, if you're not careful, you might pay for clicks that don't even have a pulse. Let's make sure that doesn't happen, shall we?

Statistic: Distribution of bot and human web traffic worldwide from 2014 to 2022 | Statista
Find more statistics at Statista

Why Should You Listen?

You might be wondering why you should even bother reading this article. Well, avoiding these mistakes could save you time, money, and many headaches. So, let's dive in!

Mistake 1: Not Researching the Source

Introduction to the Mistake

First things first, do you know where your traffic is coming from? If you're scratching your head, that's a red flag. Knowing the source of your traffic is like knowing where your food comes from—you wouldn't want to eat something sketchy, would you?

The Risks

Skipping the research part can lead you to a rabbit hole of low-quality traffic, high bounce rates, and scams. Imagine paying for a crowd to come to your party, only to discover they differ from the guests you'd want to mingle with. Not fun.

How to Avoid

So, how do you avoid this pitfall? Simple. Do your homework. Look for reviews, ask for recommendations, and test out a more petite package from the provider before going all in. Trustworthy sources often have testimonials, transparent practices, and responsive customer service.

Extra Tip


  • Read Reviews & Testimonials
  • Test Small Traffic Plans
  • Contact Support & Ask Questions

Use Third-Party Review Sites

Don't just rely on the testimonials on the provider's website. Check out third-party review sites for unbiased opinions. For example, Trust Pilot is a great way to see if a provider selling website traffic is legit.

Be aware that most reviews will probably be negative as people tend to write only reviews when having a lousy experience. However, by the frequency of bad reviews, you can see if some issues occur more often than others.

We've meticulously evaluated more than 30 websites where you can purchase website traffic. Explore our comprehensive reviews by clicking here

Mistake 2: Ignoring Traffic Quality

Introduction to the Mistake

Alright, let's talk quality over quantity. You might think flooding your site with as many visitors as possible will do the trick, but what's the point if the website traffic does not do what you want it to accomplish?

The Risks

Low-quality traffic is like empty calories—sure, it might look good on the surface, but it does nothing for you in the long run. It can skew your metrics, mess up your analytics, and give you a false sense of success.

Risks


  • Not Trackable
  • Not Adjustable
  • Lower Traffic Than Expected
  • Employing Low-Quality Proxies

How to Avoid

To ensure you're getting high-quality traffic, look for providers that offer different traffic types with options to adjust your website traffic. Want to attract people interested in digital marketing? There's an option for that. Looking for a specific age group? You can target that, too. The more specific you can get, the better.

Extra Tip: Ask for a Sample

Some providers offer free website traffic options. Take advantage of this to gauge the quality before making a more significant purchase. Sometimes you will not receive any website traffic from those trials, in most cases this is caused by wrong settings. Therefore do not hesitate to contact the support an ask them for a solution.

Mistake 3: Lack of Targeting

Introduction to the Mistake

Speaking of targeting, this brings us to our next mistake—ignoring it altogether. Targeting is like using a GPS; it helps you reach your destination more efficiently.

The Risks

Without proper targeting, you're essentially throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping some of it sticks. Buying website traffic from providers that do not offer a large variety to target your website traffic will waste your money.

How to Avoid

Most reputable traffic providers offer some level of targeting. Whether it's by geographic location, interests, or even time of day, make sure to utilize these options. Think about who your ideal visitor is and aim your targeting settings accordingly.

Required Targeting Options

If you want to buy website traffic you need to check if the following targeting options are available to you:

  • Geographic Location
  • Time of Day
  • Traffic Speed
  • Clicks & Scrolls
  • Bounce Rate
  • Time On Page

Optional Targeting Options

If you want to buy website traffic you need to check if the following targeting options are available to you:

  • UTM's
  • Navigation Funnels
  • Shortners
  • HTTPS Language
  • Sitemap
  • Device

Extra Tip: A/B Testing

Consider running A/B tests to fine-tune your targeting settings. This can help you identify what works best for your specific needs.

Mistake 4: Not Tracking Performance

Introduction to the Mistake

Okay, so you've bought your website traffic, and it's starting to trickle in. Great! But how do you know if it's actually working? This is where tracking comes into play.

The Risks

If you're not keeping tabs on how your bought website traffic is performing, you're flying blind. This can lead to a wasted budget, missed opportunities for optimization, and a whole lot of frustration.

How to Avoid

Luckily, tracking your performance is easier than ever with tools like Google Analytics. Set specific goals, monitor your metrics, and don't be afraid to tweak your approach if things aren't going as planned. Data is your friend—use it. If you do not track or receive your bought website traffic contact your website traffic provider immediately!

It's crucial to verify that the website traffic you purchase is compatible with your chosen tracking software. Not all types of website traffic that you buy will be trackable with every tracking tool.

Google Analytics

For instance, if you acquire website traffic that relies on datacenter IPs, be aware that the current version of Google Analytics may not effectively track it. Google Analytics primarily requires residential traffic for accurate tracking, and traffic using datacenter IPs may go unnoticed or be ignored by the analytics tool.

By confirming compatibility between your website traffic source and your tracking software, you can maximize the effectiveness of your tracking efforts and obtain more reliable insights into your website's performance.

Extra Tip: Use UTM Parameters


Utilize UTM parameters in your URLs to track the performance of your bought traffic more accurately.

UTM Generator Tool

Mistake 5: Overlooking Cost vs. Value

Introduction to the Mistake

Last but not least, let's talk about money. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement and overlook the cost vs. value aspect. Just because a traffic package is cheap doesn't mean it's the best value.

The Risks

Opting for the cheapest option without considering the value can result in poor ROI. It's like buying a cheap pair of shoes that fall apart after a few wears—you spend more in the long run..

How to Avoid

Before making a purchase, evaluate what you're getting in return. Are the targeting options robust? Is the traffic high-quality? Does the provider have good reviews? Weigh these factors against the cost to determine if it's a good value for your investment.

Extra Tip: Calculate the Lifetime Value

Consider the lifetime value of a customer when evaluating the cost. Sometimes, it's worth paying more upfront for higher-quality traffic that will convert better in the long run.

Conclusion

So there you have it—the top 5 mistakes to avoid when buying website traffic, complete with extra tips for each point. By steering clear of these common pitfalls, you'll be well on your way to making a wise, informed decision that can boost your site's performance and, ultimately, your bottom line.

Call to Action

Ready to take the plunge and buy some quality website traffic? Check out our other resources to help you make the best choices for your online empire. And hey, if you found this article helpful, why not share it with your network? After all, sharing is caring!