A growing number of websites are using tools like search engine optimization (SEO) to help increase traffic but just throwing content up on a site doesn’t work according to one expert.

Writing for SearchEngineWatch, Hernandon Hasty says that websites not only need "tons" of quality content to help with their search engine optimization (SEO), but that content needs to be organized in a way that makes it easier for visitors to navigate.

"They will come only if you’ve structured your information in a way that’s easy for visitors to navigate, and for search engines to understand," he says. "You will see the traffic you desire only if your content complements your overall goals, your reputation feeds itself from top to bottom, and you’ve got good structure."

This is yet another example of someone in the search engine optimization (SEO) world pointing out that the purpose of SEO isn't just to make sure that a page turns up on the top of a search engine results page, but to make it palatable to the people who end up viewing the page.

Earlier this month in a piece for Search Engine Journal, David Risley noted that creating engaging original content can increase traffic exponentially, especially if that content goes viral through social media site. According to Risley, "if you write so as to provide maximum value to the READER, the message will spread through social media."

Katherine Griwert is Brafton's Marketing Director. She's practiced content marketing, SEO and social marketing for over five years, and her enthusiasm for new media has even deeper roots. Katherine holds a degree in American Studies from Boston College, and her writing is featured in a number of web publications.