How COVID-19 Will Affect Website Traffic
The coronavirus is already having an impact on website's traffic and conversions. It's hard to predict if the current trends will continue as no one knows if the virus will continue to spread or die out. Still, savvy publishers can take advantage of the situation to keep their earnings up during the economic uncertainty sweeping the country.
News Websites
News websites are making out well as people search for information about the coronavirus. Posting unique, accurate information is essential. Research the virus and other past health scares to put the current one in perspective or write about which schools and businesses are closing if you have a regional audience.
E-Commerce Sites
If you sell a commodity in short supply, expect a surge in traffic. You can also expect more traffic to your online store as people are avoiding malls and crowed stores. If you have a large amount of stock on hand, consider PPC ads. Don't price gouge as people will remember and not patronize your store again.
Travel Websites
Travel websites are severely affected since President Trump suspended travel to 26 European nations on March 13. People don't want to travel much domestically either, preferring to avoid crowds. Publishers relying on travel commissions can highlight the cheap flights available. Publishing cancellation and refund policies for various hotels and flights will bring in traffic as well.
Ticket Sellers
Publishers who sell tickets to events are losing money as promoters cancel events. People are also leery of attending events still happening because of the large crowds.
Product Availability
Companies who import goods from China are worried they will have less inventory to sell. This can also affect affiliate publishers who depend on commissions from these merchants.
Unfortunately, we don't know what will happen to website traffic and conversions in the long run. For more information click here https://www.reddit.com/r/SEO/comments/fixnkj/20dropthisweekinsearchtrafficwhoelse_is/.