Other traffic generation methods

This category includes articles about traffic generation methods that do not involve search engines or directories. Despite the fact that there is usually only one article devoted to each of these subjects, don't let yourself be fooled into thinking that they aren't important. Some of the traffic generation tricks discussed in this section are vital for anyone who wants to build a successful website.

At the moment, the following articles are available:

• Banner ads. Everyone is complaining that banners no longer work, but is that true? They aren't a suitable traffic generation method for all sites, but can work well for online stores. Read this article to learn how to increase the CTR of your banners.

• Click exchanges. The idea behind these programs is that in exchange for visiting other sites, other people will visit yours. However, are the results you'll get by using them worth your time and effort?

• Design & content. All the traffic generation methods in the world won't make your site popular, unless you offer good content and your design is acceptable. The saying "Content is king!" has been repeated over and over again, but that is simply because it is true.

• FFA pages. This article is about the dangers of submitting to FFA's and also gives instructions to avoid the worst pitfalls.

• Get more return traffic. I wrote this to remind people that a lot of traffic can be achieved by getting the same people to return to your site again and again.

• Promotion links. While this page is not an article, it is still highly valuable. In here, you can find links to different resources that are related to website promotion and search engine optimization.

• Reciprocal links. Exchanging links is a traffic generation trick that works in two ways. You'll get visitors from the link and your link popularity will rise, increasing the amount of traffic the search engines send you. This article talks about how to find sites you can exchange links with and what to do when you have found one.

• Signatures. Creating and using a signature does not require a lot of effort, but it can attract quite a bit of traffic if you frequent message forums or send a lot of E-mails.

• Topsites. You've probably visited a "Top 50" site at least once. But is it useful to enter your site in one?

• Usenet advertising. Usenet and advertising is often thought to be an oxymoron, but I do not believe that to be the case. Read this article for some tips on how to announce your site on the Usenet.

• Website awards. We'll take a peek at their advantages and disadvantages. Is it better to win an award - or give one to others?

• Writing ezine articles. Time to brush up on your writing skills! Creating content for online newsletters is a great way to promote your site, especially if your budget happens to be tight.