10 Methods to "Narrow Down the Internet" and Engage with Your Target Customers

      Side Hustle Nation is focused on enhancing your personal profitability. To achieve this, we frequently collaborate with businesses that share our vision. If you register or make a purchase through one of our partners' links, we may earn compensation—without any additional cost to you. Learn more. When I first set foot on the University of Washington campus, I felt a sense of intimidation. The student population exceeded 30,000, nearly double my hometown's size. However, during freshman orientation, our group leader shared a memorable insight: “It’s not as vast as it appears from the outside. You’ll discover ways to make the university feel smaller.” She was correct. I found my niche through clubs, courses, residence halls, and recreational sports teams. Although it took time, the immense university began to seem much cozier.

      The Internet operates similarly. At first glance, it looks overwhelmingly vast and congested — until you learn how to navigate it effectively. In this episode, I’ll present 10 methods for accomplishing just that. These techniques will help you appear where your potential customers are already searching.

      You’ll learn:

      - How to leverage local search (even for online services)

      - The “listicle hack” for attracting free traffic

      - Why Reddit and YouTube are valuable resources

      - How Facebook groups can connect you with clients

      - And more

      Intuit — Join the exceptional network of Tax and Bookkeeping Experts at Intuit!

      1. Think Locally (Even for Online Services)

      Many individuals prefer to conduct business with local providers, even if you're working remotely. Chris Misterek, featured in episode 388, realized this. As a web designer capable of serving clients anywhere, he chose to focus on local businesses instead.

      Here’s what Chris did:

      He listed his home address on his website and wrote a blog post titled “The 10 Best Web Design Firms in Gilbert, Arizona.” He included a selection of other reputable designers, as well as his own firm.

      “When you concentrate on local clients, it makes it easier for them to find your site,” Chris explained. “Google seeks to connect nearby individuals.”

      The outcome? “I’ve received numerous job offers from people who said, 'I was searching for someone in my city, and you’re just down the street.'”

      Action steps: Set up a Google Business profile, submit your business to local directories, and write a blog post titled “Best [Your Service] in [Your City],” ensuring to include yourself in the list.

      2. Get Added to Existing Lists

      Many established “best of” articles already rank highly in Google. Why not request to be added to them?

      Here’s how:

      Search for articles with titles such as “best courses for [your topic]” or “top [your service] providers.” Locate the contact information for the website owner and send a courteous email.

      Your message could be: “Hi [Name], I noticed #7 on your list is no longer operational. I have a successful [service] and would appreciate being considered as a replacement. Here’s a ready-to-paste description for you…”

      Make it straightforward for them and write the description yourself to leverage existing traffic.

      3. Answer Questions on Reddit

      Reddit users post questions daily, many of which are areas where you can offer solutions.

      Search for your keywords on Reddit and seek threads where people are seeking help. Hannah Morgan discovered threads discussing “the mental load of parenting,” which aligned perfectly with her virtual house management service. She was able to respond, “We can alleviate some of that mental load for you.”

      I came across a thread asking, “Has anyone ever hired a business coach?” If you’re a business coach, seize this opportunity to assist.

      The crucial part is to be helpful initially. Avoid being overly promotional; instead, share your experiences and insights.

      These threads also rank in Google, providing exposure beyond just Reddit users. We discussed this thoroughly in episode 673.

      4. Utilize Google Search Console Data

      This tip is for those who already have websites.

      Open your Google Search Console and examine your search analytics report. Identify keywords that receive many impressions but few clicks.

      This indicates that Google considers your content relevant, but it isn't ranking high enough for users to click. Improve that content to make it more informative and current, and you'll likely see an increase in clicks since Google is already showing it to users.

      It feels almost like acquiring free traffic.

      5. Podcast and YouTube Guesting

      Building your own podcast audience can take considerable time.

      Guesting on existing shows is a much quicker route. You can tap into another person’s established audience in just about half an hour.

      To discover opportunities, search your keywords on iTunes or YouTube for interview-style shows. Identify hosts who could benefit from your expertise.

      Avoid sending generic pitches. Demonstrate that you have engaged with their content and provide a clear advantage for their audience