Can anyone list some basic, quick ways to increase hub traffic without investing in one of those hyped-up internet...

As a writer yourself, you'll know the saying that "content is king". This is true whether it's writing for an offline publication, a website, a blog or even the humble Hubs here. Great content = great traffic. Yet there are other ways to increase the readership of your Hubs - here are some of the simplest.

Unique and Interesting Content

Anyone that visits a website, blog or other online source usually does so for a reason - to be entertained. Sure, you might go to eBay to buy something and you might go to iTunes to download new songs. Yet the majority of online users are using the Internet for a reason - entertainment.

Look at some of the most popular sites - Digg, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, etc. All these sites - and others like them - have one thing in common: entertainment value.

You can get some great stories at Digg when you dig around (no pun intended). You can have some great conversations on Facebook, and have a laugh at what old friends are up to. Same with Twitter - it's a great way for people to interact and often there are some incredibly funny comments made.

The same should go for your Hubs - entertain people. Offer your readers something they need - top tips for a problem, a personal review or opinion on a popular item, movie or similar. If readers come to your Hubs and find entertaining and unique content, they'll stay and read more, and more often than not they'll also recommend you to their friends.

Network

There's no better way to get traffic to your Hub than by making people aware of it. After all, if no-one knows it's there, where will the traffic come from?

Some of the best ways of networking include:

• Becoming the fan of other Hubbers (this works best if their subjects are of interest to you and vice versa)
• Answer requests (this will show you as knowledgeable on various subjects and help grow interest in your own Hubs)
• Use the HubPages forum
• Social media (Digg, StumbleUpon, Technorati, etc)

By interacting with other people, and offering your views on their work, you'll soon build a loyal and sizable "fan-base" from which to increase your readership.

Use SEO

We've all heard of it - SEO, or search engine optimization. Some may tell you that it's incredibly difficult to use properly, while others will promise results instantly. The truth is somewhere in between.

SEO can be relatively easy if you know the basics - keyword usage, organic SEO and how to attract the search engines like Google. If you're unsure, read articles or blogs on SEO and learn how to take advantage of this excellent medium for attractiing natural traffic.

Promote, Promote, Promote!

The best and most effective way of increasing your Hub traffic is simple - promote it! Some of the best ways include:

• Use your Hub URL as your email signature
• Use your Hub URL as a forum signature
• If you have a blog, install your HubPages widget on there
• Email your friends and family and advise them of your HubPages profile

As you can see, there are many effective ways to increase Hub traffic without having to buy into affiliate schemes (many of which are useless anyway). With some hard work, dedication and patience as well as the tips above, you'll soon see the traffic flow you're after!