More inexpensive or free ways to drive web traffic

[UKRay]

I have been exploring a few new ways to increase the visibility of my website and at the same time increase the number of visitors/customers I see. Here are some ideas that folk may find useful. Some are pretty obvious to those who have been doing this for a while but others are a tad more subtle. I like subtle...

Start a 'link building' campaign.

This simply means sending emails to people who have their own website asking for a link from their site to yours. If you have your own links page then sweeten this a little by offering a reciprocal link - in other words if they link to you then you will link to them. This will give your website more credibility with the search engines as they see a link as an endorsement of your website. Linking works particularly well if you ask friends who have blogs to mention your website on their blog and include a link to it. This is called 'third party endorsement' and is generally acknowledged as the best kind of advertising.

Get a bumper sticker

Make a bumper sticker for your car with your website URL on it and a short description of what you do. How many times have you sat behind the same car in a traffic jam for ages. Now anyone following you will be forced to read about your business.

'A' boards

You know the sort of thing. Two boards that are hinged together at the top and stand outside stores with advertising on them. Make yourself a couple of nice looking 'A' boards together with your business name and URL on them and stand them in strategic locations where you know your customers will walk. Put one on your driveway if you want the neighbourhood to know what you get up to in your spare time, LOL!

WARNING - this one could cost a little money - Sponsor a local activity group - kids, teenagers, old folk it really doesn't matter.

Make a banner with your website URL and trading name on it - trust me the materials can be really cheap if you look around - and display it at games or events. People always read the advertising even if they don't want to. If your customer base lives locally then this is a great way to add to it. The pennies or time you spend on sponsorship will come back to you in goodwill especially if disadvantaged people or kids are involved.

Remember: The better your banner looks the better impression people will have of your business. (A ragged old sheet with painted letters probably isn't good enough...)

I'd be very pleased to hear other promotional ideas as I'm trying to increase my website traffic all the time.

Ray

[Suze]

Good ideas Ray -- but check your local laws about advertising a business in your home. You might just have the "tax man" on your doorstep - especially if you "just haven't gotten around to buying that business license yet"

some towns DON'T want signs in driveways. (Garage sale signs in some places are also a no-no)

PS - how is your show coming along? ?

[UKRay]

Good ideas Ray -- but check your local laws about advertising a business in your home. You might just have the "tax man" on your doorstep - especially if you "just haven't gotten around to buying that business license yet"

some towns DON'T want signs in driveways. (Garage sale signs in some places are also a no-no)

PS - how is your show coming along? ?

Hi Suze,

My suggestions were for online businesses, remember, so doorsteps shouldn't come into the equation - and anyway all LW forum members are entirely law abiding and would naturally have a business license if they need it... I don't have a moment's doubt about any of them... well, okay, one or two perhaps! LOL

Now listen up you guys, Suze says if you aren't allowed to put a sign on your driveway then DON'T DO IT!!!!! Got that? Good! <grin!>

Ray