We would all like to have traffic rushing to our site without having to spend a single cent. Many sites have articles that offer tips and guidelines in how to generate traffic using only free methods Because it is possible, it does not mean it's easy. It will take time You get quicker results by paying for your advertisements, but at least, if you are short of start-up cash, you get a fighting chance with some of these free methods.

You can always make use of a newsletter. As soon as you start getting visitors to your site, start a newsletter. You will have to capture the name and email address of everyone who visits your website. An autoresponder will be a big help when doing this.

Your responder will send an initial email asking if they will be prepared to receive your newsletter. You must put an opt-out notice at the bottom for those who are not interested. If they say ?No? you do not have their permission and if you continue to send them further mail it will be considered to be spam. If they do not reply you may send further emails as reminders but be sure to keep the opt-out clause in a prominent position on the email. Be careful not to overdo it or you will end up on their spam list.

Everyone who subscribes is a potential future customer. Once you have their consent to receive your newsletter, you have an audience for future sales offers. (But first you have to get your initial visitors.) How do we achieve that?

Write articles that will attract the attention of people that have an interest in your product. Write articles that provide tips and guides to other aficionados. Send your articles to as many article libraries as you can find. You won't get paid for them but you will have written a note at the bottom telling a little about yourself, With a link back to your own webpage This is generally known as your profile

Other webmasters will welcome fresh content for their own web-pages and newsletters. They will have your permission to publish on the understanding that they do not alter the content of the article and that they include your profile at the bottom.

Take advantage of online forums and online communities. The great thing about forums and online communities is that you can target a certain group that fits the certain demographic that you are looking for. You can discuss lots of things regarding the niche that you represent or are offering. Another great advantage is that you have a lot of things in common.

As a general rule you are not permitted to blatantly advertise your project at these sites, but you will be allowed to make reference to what you do in your questions and answers.

With online communities and forums you can build a reputation by answering some of the questions asked by other members. Researching the answers to questions concerning the internet is a skill that anyone can acquire. Your expertise will be noted. You will soon gain a reputation as someone who knows what he/she is talking about..

What about free adverts? Yes. What about them? You will come across dozens of offers to display your ads for free. They will do just that. They will have your ads displayed on thousands of sites at no financial cost to you. It's true.

Who reads these free ads? Not people who want to buy something. They are generally used by email address collectors. (spammers.) In return for your posting you will get thousands of unsolicited emails, enough to completely block your email in-box. Take my tip. It isn't worth it.

Any of these methods, and more will drive traffic to your site for free. All it takes is a bit of effort and extended man hours. Learn all you can about the methods depicted here and you will soon have a site with a great traffic flow without the usual costs that come with it.

Copyright 2006 Homer Farey