I really need to do some advertising of my web site, but have no funds available. Is there such a thing as free advertising and where do I get it?
Dante_Maure
4:10 am on Nov 29, 2002 (gmt 0)
The specific channels open to you depend quite a bit on the subject of your website, but the following may give you a few ideas....
Site Announcement Services There are many lists and sites devoted to announcing sites within certain niches. In particular, sites that are entertainment or education focused can scoop up thousands of hits from just a single mention on a popular channel. For entertainment there are the many Cool Site Of The Day type sites, and for educational there are many lists and sites devoted to announcing sites that are of use to educators, students, and researchers.
Topical Specific Directories No matter what type of site you have, there are going to be countless niche specific directories that are a potential source of traffic. Search them out and submit using the same guidelines you would for a major directory. (professional, straightforward description of how your site can be of benefit to their audience)
Signature Files Find discussion lists, message boards, and blogs devoted to your niche. Lurk first, then contribute wherever possible and include a simple engaging sig file. I know many successful sites that have built very healthy traffic using this approach alone.
Writing Articles Well crafted articles submitted to newsletters and websites that target your ideal audience can deliver thousands of visitors to your website... many long months after the article is first published. Can also help build your inbound links from those sites that archive their newsletters online with your sig file hyperlinked.
Offline Free Classifieds Just about every area in the country has a free classifieds paper that will accept a 3 to 5 line ad at no expense.
Give Away A Free Premium Offer your products or services for free or at a significant discount to the visitors of other websites that reach your ideal prospects. Approach webmasters and offer them a limited time offer as a free premium to their valued audience. If you don't have actual products or services, create a special report, eBook, or other related offering that can be used the same way. In many cases giving away 5 to 10 products can lead to thousands of visitors if the giveaway is announced in a well read newsletter, or on a high trafffic website.
