Forum Moderators: phranque
But how about those webmasters with sites that haven't got that advantage and/or have a very limited or non-existent budget? Are there any other alternatives for promoting a site on a tight budget that you've found to be effective, either on line or off line?
[edited by: Dante_Maure at 10:20 am (utc) on Nov. 20, 2002]
Viral marketing?
Can be applied easier to some sites than others, but it also has that "word of mouth" referal bonus
Local / Niche websites - flyers.
Most of the people on this board must have at least some DTP skills.... get in a ream of coloured paper and do up some black and white flyers. Pull up any business contacts you have to distribute them (shops, cinemas, etc). Fairly low cost, just time consuming.
JOAT :)
Here's a couple of suggestions that have worked for me:
Online
1. Affiliate Scheme
I'm not suggesting CJ or the like, they are pricey, but there is a free remotely hosted shopping cart that includes an affiliate management system, we have been using it on a couple of sites for years with no problems. I'll post the url if I am allowed.
2. Get Specific
If you can't get top rankings with your primary keyphrases try targetting more specific ones - 3 or 4 word phrases are usually neglected by sites with good rankings on other phrases. They will bring less traffic but the traffic they do generate will have a higher conversion rate and it will be easier to get in the top ten. They will also be cheaper on ppc if you do have any budget for it.
3. Reciprical Linking
Focus on the referal value of the links, not the PR - although pr is good too.
4. Directories
This is pretty standard, but a listing in every relevant directory possible is especially important if you can't rely on SE referals for traffic. Note that having an affiliate scheme will often secure you a premium listing in smaller directories.
Offline
1. The Obvious
Every ad you print and every scrap of paper that leaves your premises should have your web address on it.
2. For Sites with a Local Market
Take out ads in local papers and include your url, they are relatively cheap and there are many people who would rather visit a website than pick up the phone.
Of course, a lot depends on the type of business you are in. Writing articles or posting in topical forums - those that allow signatures ;) - is effective in some cases. For others persuading a newspaper/magazine to review your site for free is a possibility.
You can get a link to your site and you users will percieve your site as being of a higher quality.
Awards Schemes - your own
Gets other sites interested in your site and gives the impression that your site is an authority on your subject area. Also any awards would have a nice link back to your site! :)
Current Events
Keep up to date with current events and write content on it. See Brett's thread on Fresh Waves:
[webmasterworld.com...]
You can use this technique to advocate important issues and again gain the perception that your site is an authority on your subject area.
Good customer service
If you have a method of gaining feedback from your users then use it. If your users see that their suggestions are taken on board, they are more likely to remain loyal to your site.
Look at the success of this site! The main selling point of this site is that it is a close community and suggestions and comments are taken on board.
JOAT :)
People who have email are already on line. It's just one click from the message to your site.
