Many people seem daunted by the task of website promotion, however in reality there could be no cheaper way to advertise your business. You will find an abundance of ways to promote your business for free on the web compared to traditional advertising mediums such as print.

1). Create content.

As we pointed out in previous articles, content is the key way to build website traffic. If you build it they will come, both from search engine traffic and from social networks. See later point on social bookmarking.

2). Gain new links.

It is amazing how many places around the web will be willing to either exchange weblinks with you or link to you for free. Some links will be gained organically through creating good strong website content, some can be obtained manually through either directories or blogs and some can be gained by just asking for a link. See our article on link building to read about some of the places online where you can find good link partners.

3). Market your website on your offline material.

To gain further traffic, make sure your website is heavily advertised on anything and everything relating to your business. Nothing will work harder for you than the 30+ characters you gain with a website address. Letterheads, Stationary etc all play their part in gaining additional traffic. Direct traffic (website visitors who know your website address without searching) is also more likely to result in sales statistically, as someone already knows your brand.

4). Direct Mail.

Already have an existing customer database? Consider doing a new campaign to launch your site.

5). Social Bookmarking.

Have you written a useful article recently on your business? Have thoughts to share with other people? Social bookmarking is the practice of sharing bookmarks with other likeminded people. If they like the link you've provided they will add it to their bookmarks. The more people that add it, the more traffic you receive.

6). Email Signatures.

Most email programs offer users the ability to add a link to the bottom of their emails. That way anytime you send an email, you are sending the ability for someone to click onto your website. In addition to that if you regularly send useful information to people the ability for them to forward your website link to other people is there.

7). PR.

Issue press releases around the web to industry related sites, and they will thank you for it with a link back to your site. Remember that alot of websites out there need content as well, and if you can provide them with useful relevant content, theres a chance there's a link in it for your business.

8). Give something away for free.

Everyone loves a freebie, so if you can develop a significant competition and combine it with social bookmarking, you are likely to see a spike in website traffic. Be creative, and offer exposure for the winner. They may link back to you in return also.

9). Forums.

Website forums (within your chosen industry sector) are an easy way to get noticed and gain authority, post good replies to people, build up a network of online buddies and they may link back to your site, or even give you direct business.

10). Think outside the box.

Would a radio advert work for your website? Perhaps a leaflet drop or handing out flyers on the street? Write your website in chalk on the ground? Who knows where your ideas might end, if you let your imagination go.

Like this? Have a look at our success on Google for 2008 guide.