Business can get expensive. If you are like most people starting
an online business you may quickly find your savings tapped
and your credit cards maxed. That is, unless you know how
to market your online business for free - or nearly free.
There are many ways to market your business, but not all
methods deliver the same results to every business. While
you learn your way around the online business world it makes
sense to start with the cheap or free methods of marketing
before spending a lot of money on a system that will not
work for you.
Here are three methods for marketing your business for little
or no cost. Some will work better than others and some will
take longer to show results. Find out the costs as well as
the Pros and Cons of each method.
MARKETING METHOD ONE: TRAFFIC EXCHANGES
Traffic exchanges are very popular for new online businesses.
They can be free or charge a monthly fee. The way they work
is that each member views other members websites, usually
for a specified period of time, to build credits. Their sites
will then be displayed to other members depending on the
number of websites they have viewed.
PRO: Usually free. Lots of traffic quickly. CON: Traffic
is not targeted so usually works better for businesses that
appeal to a wide audience. Viewing other members websites
is time consuming.
MARKETING METHOD TWO: ONLINE FORUMS
Forums are online communities that discuss specific topics.
There are forums (or discussion groups) on just about any
topic you can think of. You can find these by doing a search
for 'forum' and your topic. Or you can go to Google and search
the Groups for your key word or phrase. Forums are usually
free to join.
Most forums do not allow commercial solicitations. The focus
is on exchanging information. Be prepared to add useful comments
to the discussion and follow the posted rules. You may be
allowed to attach a signature to your comments. Put your
website in the signature to attract the search engine spiders
and send visitors to your site. Develop a reputation as an
expert on your topic and give free advice when possible to
build credibility.
PRO: Targeted traffic. Builds credibility CON: Have to be
careful not to be labeled as "spam". Must spend time answering
questions and posting comments. Depending on where you post
and what you say you may or may not see a lot of traffic
initially.
MARKETING METHOD THREE: NEWSLETTERS
Start your own newsletter right away. While this does not
bring traffic to your site it does take advantage of the
visitors who do come. The code for collecting emails can
often be obtained from your host provider for free or an
autoresponder service which is free or paid depending on
your service.
Have a place for visitors to enter their email address and
name. Send them a free report or email once a week with tips
or news about your topic. This will permit you to build a
relationship with prospects as well as grant you permission
to contact them again with your offer. It often takes up
to seven contacts before a prospect will buy, so don't let
them leave without getting their email!
PRO: Permits you to contact interested prospects again.
Builds relationship with customers and potential customers.
CON: Effort is needed to provide quality information on a
regular basis. Does not attract new visitors.
Each of the marketing strategies outlined above are proven
to work. What works best for you and your business will depend
on various factors such as; what your business is, what time
you can spend marketing and what information you can provide.
Start using two or all three of these methods and you will
be creating a solid marketing foundation for your business.
Copyright 2006 Sandra Le Vaguereze
Sandra Le Vaguereze is the webmaster of
http://www.MakeMoneyOnlineAnywhere.net
