Three Tested and Proven Online Marketing Strategies

Utilizing methods to make money from home can become expensive. Many people quickly find that their savings have been exhausted, and their credit cards have been maxed out. However, if you know how to market online business effectively, you can complete this task nearly for free.

 

While there are a myriad of ways to market your business, not all of these methods deliver the same results. Therefore, it makes the most sense to begin with inexpensive and/or free methods of marketing before spending money on marketing which may or may not work. 

 

Below we will review three methods of online marketing which cost very little or nothing at all. Of course, some work better than others depending on your type of business. Therefore, we will outline the pros and cons of each method. However, remember that only you will be able to pin point the method which works best for you by execution.

 

 

1.  TRAFFIC EXCHANGES

 

Traffic exchanges are usually very popular. This is especially true for newer online businesses. Many times they are free, but sometimes they charge a nominal monthly fee. How traffic exchanges work, is that each member views the websites of other members for a prerequisite period of time in order to earn a certain amount of advertising credits. In turn, their site will then be displayed to other members of the traffic exchange based on how many credits you have accrued.

 

Pros = A lot of traffic quickly, which is usually free.

Cons = Your traffic is not very targeted. Those viewing your website have the ulterior motive of building credits so that others view their website. Your viewing of other members' websites will be time consumer.

 

 

2. ONLINE FORUMS

 

An online forum is a community which is composed of discussions on a vast array of topics. In fact, you can find a forum or discussion group on nearly any topic. If you just conduct a search in one of the search engines for the term "(your topic) forum", you should find exactly what you are looking for. Forums are almost always free to join.

One thing that you need to know at the outset, is that most forums do not permit commercial solicitation. Rather, there is a focus on exchanging information. Therefore you should be prepared to add useful information to the discussion, and follow the rules posted. However, many forums allow you to attach a signature to your comments. Here you are permitted to place a link to your website. This is an effective method to not only steer visitors to your website, but also to attract the search engine spiders to your website.

Focus on developing a reputation on a topic which directly relates to your business. This will raise your credibility immensely, thus raising the credibility of your business concurrently.

 

Pros = Targeted traffic. Building of credibility and trust.

Cons = You have to be careful not to be labeled as a spammer. Answering question and posting comments is time consuming. Might take some time to generate traffic.

 

 

 

3. CREATING NEWSLETTERS

 

You should start your own newsletter immediately. While this does not bring your website traffic, it does utilize the traffic which does come to your website. You can ethically collect e-mails by giving your visitors the option of "opting-in" to your e-mail list.

Create a place on your website to allow visitors to enter their e-mail address and name. You can entice visitors to sign up by giving them something of value, such as a free report or software product. Send them tips or news about your product weekly. This will allow you to build a relationship with your prospects, as well as granting you permission to contact them again with your offer. Realize that research shows that it takes as many as seven contacts before a prospect will make a buying decision, so do not let them leave your website without first getting their e-mail address.

 

Pros = Permits you to contact interested prospects over a period of time. Builds relationship with customers and potential customers.

Cons = Effort is needed to provide quality information on a regular basis. Does not attract new visitors.

 

 

The good news is that you are not reinventing the wheel. Each of the marketing strategies outlined above have been proven to allow individuals to make money from home. What works best for you and your business will depend on various factors. These include, but are not limited to, nature of your business, and the amount of time you have at your disposal to dedicate to marketing. Start out by using two or all three of these methods, and you will be creating a solid marketing foundation for your business.