The Rs have endured a miserable start to the campaign, with chairman Tony Fernandes admitting in the build-up that it has been "nothing short of a disaster".
Harry Redknapp's side went some way to making amends though, as Adel Taarabt inspired QPR to victory against west London rivals Fulham at Loftus Road.
The Morocco international's brace secured a 2-1 win that moves the Hoops off the bottom of the table, and left-back Traore knows the result has to act as a catalyst.
"It was definitely a relief to get that win," he said.
"After coming so close in a lot of the games, I think it was a big relief for the players, for the fans and for the club.
"I think last week at Wigan we did well. We went 2-1 up and unfortunately they scored one back.
"There are a few I can think of off the top of my head where we came close, but it was a good all-round performance.
"I still think it is going to be really hard and I think that before this game we were unbeaten in three.
"It was really important to get that win, like Harry said, so I think now we can start our season."
