< < back to July 2008 Issue Top 10 Ways to Promote Your Website for Under $100 1. Bag Stuffers: With every retail sale or on-site sale, include a flyer announcing your web address. 2. Brochures: Attach a label with your company name and web address. 3. Advertising (Newspaper/Yellow Pages): Include your web address on all advertising including post cards, direct mail, and flyers. 4. Promotional Products: Include your web address on all promotional products i.e. pens, shopping bags, refrigerator magnets, etc. 5. Link with Complimentary Sites: If you use local embroidery firm, place a link to your site from their site.  If you have local medical publications and/or physicians offices, this is another great place to offer a link to your site. 6. Exchange Ads with Complementary Businesses. Banner exchange programs don't work well these days. But consider exchanging e-mail newsletter ads with complementary businesses to reach new audiences. Just be sure that your partners are careful where they get their mailing list or you could be in trouble with the CAN-SPAM Act. 7. Write Articles for Others to Use in their Newsletters: You can dramatically increase your visibility when you write articles in your area of expertise and distribute them to editors as free content for their e-mail newsletters or their websites. Just ask that a link to your website and a one-line description of what you offer be included with the article. 8. Install a "Signature" in your E-Mail Program to help potential customers get in touch with you. Most e-mail programs such as AOL, Netscape, and Outlook allow you to designate a "signature" to appear at the end of each message you send. Limit it to 6 to 8 lines: Company name, address, phone number, URL, e-mail address, and a one-phrase description of your unique business offering. Look for examples on e-mail messages sent to you. 9. Announce a Giveaway. People like getting something free. If you publicize a giveaway availiable on your site, you'll generate more traffic than normal. Offer something free with each purchase, possibly something that also has your website address and logo on it. 10. Send Offers to Your Visitors and Customers. Your own list of customers and site visitors who have given you permission to contact them will be your most productive list. Send offers, coupon specials, product updates, etc. Personalizing the subject line and the message may increase the results. Sources: Darryl Williams, Sales & Marketing for Landau Uniforms and Dr. Ralph F. Wilson, Web Marketing Today