Need advice - I build WordPress websites locally, how to get traffic without SEO or Ads?

Hey everyone,

I'm Hamza, a WordPress developer from Morocco. I used to build websites for local clients here.

After some work issues, I had to start from ZERO and I decided to shift my focus online and start selling my services worldwide.

Right now I'm working on my own website (for my WordPress services), and my biggest challenge is:

How do I get traffic to my new website without SEO and without paid Ads?

I have zero budget at the moment, so I'm looking for free and effective methods to get my first clients.

Are there any platforms you would recommend? Like:

• Reddit, Quora, Facebook Groups, LinkedIn?
• Any marketplaces for web services besides Upwork & Fiverr?

If you have ever been in the same situation or have a method that worked for you, please share it. I would really appreciate any advice.

My goal is just to get back on my feet and land my first online client.

Thanks a lot for your help!

The only way is to find investors

Try Facebook groups and LinkedIn. Share your work, help people with small problems and don’t spam your service. It can take time, but you can get your first clients this way.

Don't focus on random traffic, focus on direct, targeted outreach.

Not copy-pasted "I build websites" messages, something definitive and actually relevant to your lead. For example, "I noticed your site is difficult to use on mobile and your contact form is buried halfway down the page. I build websites for local businesses, and I'd be happy to show you what I'd change".

That immediately gives them a reason to keep reading because you're talking about their business, not yours.

Google Maps alone should give you a nearly endless list of prospects. Find businesses with broken or nonexistent websites, spend a few minutes writing a meaningful report that can identify one or two specific problems, and contact them directly.

Your website doesn't need traffic, it just needs to look like a polished website that proves your capability.

Once you have a few clients, testimonials, and case studies, then you can start worrying about building inbound traffic and competing against the DIY site builders. Right now, one qualified prospect is worth more than thousands of random zero-intent visitors.

You can try sharing useful content in relevant communities and local groups. Consistency and providing value can help bring targeted traffic over time.

I’ve come across many instances where businesses already have websites but haven’t updated them.
Offering website update services could be a good business idea: -> generally, updating an existing site is cheaper for a company than building a new one from scratch.

And where to get those customers? Direct messaging to the company's email address... But don´t use "automatic" message. I get everyday those emails, what is automatic and the email. Where it has been sended is always some random shit email address.

And if you can, maybe somekind of video message would be cool. I have talked some companys and they are telling, that they get messages regarding making "updates" to the website. But they see those a fake - scam. I don´t know what they mean by that.
Perhaps trust needs to be built in some other way. I just don't know how.....

Lifeisnotgood said:

But they see those a fake - scam. I don´t know what they mean by that.

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I, and I'm sure many others, get multiple spam emails every day telling me all about how my contact form is broken, my phone number doesn't work, my photos are poor quality, and I need to hire them before my domain is delisted.

When practically every web redesign email is full of lies and threats, it's easy to mentally filter all of them into the scam category.

That's why outreach has to be specific enough to look legitimate, not "your contact form is broken" in an email sent through the contact form.

For a new service site with zero budget focus on communities and direct outreach first Reddit LinkedIn relevant Facebook groups and local business communities can work well if you provide useful advice instead of simply promoting your services.

CASUAL STYLE said:

The only way is to find investors

Click to expand...

even investors require a functional platform and proven traction before funding so fucusing on forum and socials will help