In this article, I will share techniques I learned and implemented to achieve a  #4 ranking  on Google and AOL, and #3 on Yahoo (Not this site, as it is new, but I am working on it!).   Maybe you too have a limited or non-existent marketing budget.  You can still create traffic for your website with little or no out of pocket expenses.  Of course it would be faster and a whole lot easier if one had a sizeable marketing budget.  For those of us who don't, there is still hope. 

Step 1 - Do not use your main email address for online marketing.  Usually, posters will receive a lot of spam which will in turn clutter up your main email address.  You can register for free accounts at Yahoo and Hotmail or a service of your choice.  Use these free email accounts when conducting your online marketing.

Step 2 - Create several clever and creative text ads.  Don't write an ad with endless paragraphs, but rather something short with a clearly defined message.  Your key is to generate interest.  Create a subject title that is interesting and draws the attention of the reader.

Step 3 - Websites can be marketed freely by joining Yahoo, AOL and MSN groups that allow advertising.  Search for groups which match your website's theme.  For instance, if your goal is to use your website to build a large organization by recruiting via the web, target groups designed for direct selling, wahm, work at home, home business and etc. 

You will need to read the guidelines for each group before joining.  Some allow unlimited advertising while others limit it to a particular day of the week.  Post your creative ads to these groups per their guidelines (Unlimited, daily, weekly and etc.).  Persistence is the key! 

Step 4 - I also recommned joining groups that do not allow advertising, but are a good match for your business.  One, you can learn something beneficial for your business by networking with others in the same profession and two, promote your business with a creative signature.  Always use an email signature with your company name and website address. 

Step 5 - Message Boards are another FREE advertising source.  Again, search for boards that fit the theme of what it is you are selling or offering.  Post only in the areas where advertising is allowed.  Join in conversations on boards where advertising is not allowed by sharing tips, ideas and etc.  Be sure to include your signature with website address to promote your business when posting. 

Step 6 -  Link exchanges are an excellent and FREE venue for advertising.  Some company sponsored sites will not allow Independent Consultants to alter their website in any way, however, if possible, I highly recommend link exchanges.  Exchange links only with other websites whose theme matches yours.  For instance, if your website deals with skin care and cosmetics, an online casino would not be a good match.   

Another key factor for online succces (if you create your own website) is creating a domain name that is easily searchable.  If your target is the work at home mom's community (wahm), then creating a domain name with keyword "wahm" somewhere in the title will be a definate plus. 

Step 7 -  Another form of generating traffic are safelist and traffic exchanges.  While the jury is still out for some on whether these are productive, I have personally found them to be beneficial.  The key is joining only quality safelist and traffic exchanges that fit the theme of your business. 

To get started searching for groups, try Yahoo Groups.   For message boards, try searching  Google, keyword "message boards." 

Remember, persistence is the key!

This article courtesy of Diane Drayer, owner of DirectSellingOpportunties.com.  If you would like to reprint or publish this article, please send an email to info@directsellingopportunities.com.