In This Issue:

• Building Your Site's Link Popularity

• Other Ways to Increase Web Site Hits

• Five Sure-fire Ways to Increase Web Traffic

Building Your Site's Link Popularity 

Link popularity plays an important role in the visibility of your Web site. Without other sites linking to you, you're unlikely to climb to the top of the search results. In fact, some engines require at least one or more links coming to your Web site or they will drop you from their index.

So, let's look at some things to consider when trying to build your link popularity.

Other Ways to Increase Web Site Hits

Submitting your site to the major search engines is only one way of drawing traffic to your Web site. Here are some other ways to increase the number of hits your site gets each month.

Business Cards, Letterhead, Company Vehicles, and Signs - Showcase your Web site address next to your physical address and phone number, directing your customers toward your full, online sales pitch.

E-mail Signature - Include a Web site link on your e-mail signature to make it easy for customers to click into your site.

Press Releases - Public Relations is an often forgotten form of promotion. Submit a press release announcing the opening of your new Web site to local newspapers, business associations, alumni publications, industry specific magazines, or national wires such as PR Newswire or Business Wire. Publicize business milestones in trade journals.

Article Submission - Promote your Web site by writing and submitting articles for electronic or paper publications. Require inclusion of your final credit paragraph that lists your Web site address. If your article is published online, you'll receive a hot link directly back to your site, not only increasing your traffic, but also improving your search engine rankings. Although considered a passive marketing tool, articles strengthen your credibility in the industry and can lead to buyer interest.

Giveaways - Print your Web site address on giveaways like pens, hats, stickers, and post-it pads. Wherever your company giveaways go, so does your sales pitch!

Generate an Opt-in Email List - Place a sign-up book in your shop and/or a sign-up button on your Web site for customers interested in future promotions or news. Send newsletters, promotions, or noteworthy accomplishments to this list to generate Web site traffic and repeat business.

Your Web site address is a quick, one-line sales message. Instead of spending thousands on printing for small, frequently updated fliers, print generic pieces directing people to your Web site.

Five Sure-fire Ways to Increase Web Traffic

1.  Help people find your site. Since most people find sites by using search engines, it makes the most sense to continually submit your site to these sites. (Notice we said continually - submitting your site just once a year may not yield the traffic-building results you're looking for.) If you need help with this, click HERE.

2.  Provide the best content possible. If you make sure the viewer always gets what she's looking for when she visits your Web site, she'll not only come back but also possibly suggest your site to others.

3.  Make some friends. Unless you have a very unique product or service, chances are there are a number of related Web sites that you could share links with. Contact the Web administrator of these sites and set up reciprocal links.

4.  Don't forget the old-fashioned way. While it may seem "so yesterday," a simple press release sent to the right people can mean thousands of potential visits.

5.  Be shameless. Your Web site address should be included in any e-mail or paper correspondence that leaves your desk. It should be on your business cards, letterhead, and company vehicles.