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Masters of Traffic : How to Diversify Your Traffic Sources & Reduce Dependence on Search Engines

By Brett Tabke on March 11, 2025

(wow, yesterdays big list of search engines was surprisingly popular, we felt a deeper exploration of traffic sources was in order.)

23 years ago, I wrote a article called Mostly Viral Top Traffic Alternatives to Search Engines. At 20 million page views and counting, it has turned out to be one of the top five all-time traffic posts in WebmasterWorld history.

I started to update that list of traffic sources, but as I dug into it, I realized that there really hasn’t been but a few sources that need deep updating. We really don’t need that kind of review, but what we need is a hands-on list of sites that are appropriate for today’s web.

Honestly, as SEO’s we have tunnel-vision on search traffic; but, with all the changes to SE’s the last couple years, can we really afford to have such a narrow focus!? Obviously not. A broad ranging traffic strategy is crucial for achieving sustained stability and growth. So, this compilation offers a moderate exploration of various alternative sources of web traffic, encompassing social media, content aggregators, e-commerce platforms, video-sharing networks, and lesser-known directories. Whether your objective is to enhance your brand’s visibility, boost referral traffic, or uncover neglected opportunities, this resource delivers a thorough analysis of the platforms and networks capable of attracting high-quality visitors to your website.

(note: we have not received any compensation for including any site in this list)

Also note, we will explore each section in the coming weeks in a new column we call the “Masters of Traffic“.

Lets start with a list all the higher value traffic sources we can compile. Maybe this list will jog your creative thought process:

  • Search engines
  • Paid search/PPC advertising
  • Social media platforms
  • Email marketing
  • Direct traffic (typing URL directly)
  • Referral traffic from other websites
  • Display advertising
  • Affiliate marketing
  • Video platforms (YouTube, TikTok, etc.)
  • Content marketing/blogs
  • Podcasts
  • Mobile apps
  • Push notifications
  • SMS marketing
  • QR codes
  • Forums and communities
  • Guest blogging
  • Influencer marketing
  • PR and media mentions
  • Webinar sponsorship
  • Virtual events
  • Trade shows and conferences
  • Print media (magazines, newspapers)
  • TV and radio
  • Outdoor advertising
  • Word of mouth
  • Review sites
  • App stores
  • Browser bookmarks
  • RSS feeds
  • Newsletters
  • Marketplace listings (Amazon, Etsy, etc.)
  • Voice search
  • Chatbots
  • Partnerships and co-marketing
  • Product listings (Google Shopping, etc.)

See yesterdays list of search engines, but here are a few for completeness sake:

1. Search Engines:

2. Social Media Platforms:

3. Video Platforms:

Video content is still a powerful way to attract traffic. YouTube, TikTok, and FB Reels allow businesses to showcase products, tutorials, and engage audiences. Optimized video descriptions with links, and keywords for max visibility.

4. Shopping & Marketplace Traffic:

Listing products on Amazon, eBay, and/or Etsy can generate traffic. Optimize product descriptions with links and use ultra-high-quality images to get noticed.

  • Amazon – Leverage Amazon’s massively huge customer base by listing products and optimizing for Amazon’s SEO, driving traffic to your product listings and potentially your brand website. Reminder: many people skip Google and go straight to Amazon for product searches.
  • eBay – The grand daddy of online junk selling has transformed into a modern market place for new products. Utilize eBay’s auction and fixed-price listings to reach a world-wide diverse audience, driving traffic to your eBay listings and building brand recognition that – ultimately – can translate to website visits.
  • Etsy – Attract customers seeking unique items by showcasing your products on Etsy, using detailed descriptions with links and high-quality photos to drive traffic to your own website.
  • Walmart Marketplace – This is a tricky one and requires some forethought. So expand your reach by leveraging Walmart’s traffic to drive product visibility and indirectly redirecting customers to your website via links for more info.
  • Shopify – Build a branded online store with Shopify, using SEO optimization, links, and Shopify’s integrated marketing tools to drive targeted traffic to your site.
  • Alibaba – Connect with world-wide business buyers through Alibaba driving traffic to your product listings and potentially generating leads for your wholesale or B2B business.
  • Temu – We know of several people that are getting traffic out of Temu. So utilize Temu’s high-volume platform for product exposure, driving initial sales, and targetted brand awareness, which can directly lead to increased website traffic.
  • AliExpress – Same as Temu – reach a global audience by listing products on AliExpress and potentially drive traffic to your own website.
  • Target – If selling through Target’s programs, leverage their brand recognition.
  • Best Buy – Utilize Best Buy’s platform to drive traffic to your product listings and brand building.
  • Newegg – Target tech-savvy customers by listing computer components and electronics on Newegg, driving traffic to your listings and potentially increasing brand awareness.
  • ASOS – Reach a young, fashion-conscious audience by selling on ASOS, using the platform’s traffic to drive product visibility and potentially attract customers to your brand website.
  • SHEIN – Use SHEIN’s fashion platform to gain exposure for your products and drive traffic.
  • Wish – As with the others, utilize Wish’s platform to reach budgetconscious shoppers, drive traffic, and branding.
  • Wayfair – Showcase your sites home goods and furniture on Wayfair, to leverage the platform’s traffic.
  • HomeGoods
  • Zappos – Sell shoes and apparel on Zappos, leveraging the platform’s reputation for your branding and links with traffic.
  • Macy’s – Like the others, utilize Macy’s platform to showcase your products, driving traffic to your listings and potentially increasing brand awareness.
  • Costco – Reach Costco’s member base by selling products through their platform.

5. Content Aggregators & Communities:

Content aggregators like Reddit and Quora can drive targeted traffic. Engage in discussions, provide valuable answers, and share your content where relevant.

  • Hacker News (Tech & startups)
  • Quora
  • Medium
  • Substack (Paid & free email newsletters)
  • Mix.com (Formerly Stumble Upon)
  • Flipboard (News aggregation)
  • Dev.to – (Software development)
  • Product Hunt – (New products & tech). Product Hunt is a great place to showcase it to a tech-savvy audience, driving initial traffic and user feedback.
  • Pocket – (Content saving & sharing)

6. News & Blogging Platforms:

7. Email & Newsletter Platforms:

Building an email list gives you direct comms with your audiences. Send newsletters with updates, offers, and valuable content to keep subscribers engaged and make it worth their time. Many of these services offer ‘build-a-list’ tools:

  • Mailchimp (Email marketing)
  • Revue (ugh, Twitter-owned newsletter service)
  • Beehiiv (Newsletter growth platform)
  • Constant Contact (Email marketing and online surveys)
  • ActiveCampaign (Email marketing, marketing automation, and CRM platform)
  • Brevo (services: Email marketing, SMS marketing, and CRM)
  • GetResponse (Email marketing, landing pages, and marketing automation)
  • MailerLite (Email marketing)
  • AWeber (Email marketing and automation)
  • SendGrid (Email delivery service)
  • ConvertKit (Email marketing for creators)

8. Alternative Ad Networks & Traffic Sources:

Ad networks like Outbrain and Taboola can clearly drive traffic through advertising. These platforms will recommend your content across different websites that you don’t have exposure too.

9. Podcast Platforms:

In 2024-2025 podcasts tipped mainstream. Being featured on a podcast or starting your own can increase brand awareness significantly.

10. Mobile & App-Based Traffic:

Mobile apps can drive traffic through push notifications, in-app ads, and organic search app store discovery. If you have an app, make sure your business is listed in app directories (atleast Google and Apple). Drop links in the product description.

11. Alternative Review & Directory Sites:

Getting listed on review sites like Yelp and Trustpilot helps build credibility and attract traffic from users looking for recommendations.

12. Dark Social & Private Communities:

Dark social encompasses private or encrypted communication platforms where users share content directly, complicating tracking through conventional traffic tracking methods.
Communities such as private Slack groups, FB Groups, and Telegram channels, have very high levels of engagement and are niche oriented. Obviously – like other social communities – it is essential to engage in discussions, provide valuable insights, and share content in a manner that avoids spamming. Building user profile trust on these networks can result in high-quality, word-of-mouth (the golden goose) traffic that is more focused and engaged compared to other sources.

13. AI Chatbot & Voice Search Traffic:

As voice search grows, optimizing for AI assistants like ChatGPT and Alexa can increase traffic. Ensure your content is conversational and structured for voice search queries.

14. Web 3.0 & Decentralized Platforms:

So called Web 3.0 marks the beginning of a new phase characterized by decentralized platforms that emphasize privacy, user autonomy, and interactions based on blockchain technology. In contrast to conventional social and content platforms, these networks function on distributed systems, thereby diminishing dependence on centralized authorities and sources. Platforms such as DTube, Lens Protocol, and Mirror give creators options to disseminate their content while retaining ownership and monetization opportunities. Like other forums and social communities, no spamming.

  • DTube – Blockchain-based video sharing
  • Lens Protocol – Decentralized social media
  • Mirror – Web3 publishing platform

15. Crowdsourced & Public Content Platforms:

Crowdsourced and public content platforms like WikiPedia enable users to add, share, and organize info, making them great sources of natural organic traffic. The main point is to know their rules-of-engagement and offer value without being too promotional, so your contributions are viewed as helpful rather than just advertising.

  • wikiHow – User-generated how-to articles
  • Quora – Q&A platform with high organic traffic
  • HubPages – Revenue-sharing writing platform
  • Listly – Create and share lists

16. Niche Communities & Discussion Boards:

17. International Search Engines & Directories:

  • Seznam – Czech search engine
  • Qwant – Privacy-focused European search engine

18. AI & Emerging Tech Platforms:

  • Neeva – AI-powered search engine (Now acquired)
  • Hugging Face – AI model sharing and community

19. Smart TV & OTT Streaming Platforms:

This one might seem odd – and it is – but smart TV and Over-The-Top (OTT) streaming platforms, such as Roku, Pluto TV, and Amazon Fire TV, offer unique opportunities for traffic generation (albeit indirect). As more and more users get content from streaming, brands can utilize these platforms through video advertising, branded apps, and creative interactive content experiences. Creating video content, launching your own OTT app, or running targeted ads within streaming services can attract a targettecd audience. Additionally, integrating QR codes or short URLs within video content allows viewers to easily visit your website.

  • Roku – Smart TV advertising
  • Pluto TV – Free streaming service with ads

20. General Web Directories:

21. Local Business Directories:

Local directories help businesses attract customers within their area. Ensure your business is listed on Google Business Profile and other local directories.

Industry-Specific Directories:

  • Avvo – Legal professionals and attorney directory.
  • Healthgrades – Medical professionals and healthcare provider reviews.
  • HomeAdvisor – Home improvement and contractor directory.
  • Houzz – Home design on steroids, renovation reviews, and so-so contractor directory make this a must be for home builders.
  • OpenTable – Restaurant reservations and reviews.
  • Zillow – Real estate listings.

Additional Active Directories:

  • AllBusinessNow – A general business directory offering categorized listings.
  • SoMuch – Provides a wide range of website listings across various categories.
  • A1 Web Directory – Offers categorized listings of websites and businesses.
  • Elib.org – A comprehensive directory of websites across multiple categories.
  • Viesearch – A human-edited directory and search engine.

Random Ideas:

Local Related Sources:

  • Nextdoor – Neighborhood-focused business listings.
  • Chamber of Commerce Websites – Each city has its own; search for your local chamber.
  • Local Newspaper Business Listings – Many local newspapers maintain business directories.
  • City Government Business Directories – Check municipal websites for official business directories.
  • Industry Association Directories – Trade associations often maintain directories for their members.

Published in Tutorials