I’ve received a lot of great e-mails and comments (love all my commentators!!) recently asking me how I get traffic to my site. I thought that it was time to answer the question in a little detail!

As it stands right now, I rarely get traffic coming from search engines! This is probably due to two reasons:1. I haven’t done my research when it comes to Search Engine Optimization. This is quite likely the main reason!! Although I am of the philosophy that good content attracts traffic no matter how it’s designed. Many SEO experts may prove me wrong on this one….

2. The Google Sandbox - This theory states that new domains are placed by Google in a ‘holding area’ until they are deemed appropriate by Google to be indexed (some say until they are about three months old). Usually, the sites will just show up under non-competitive keywords. If the sandbox exists - there’s a good chance I’m in it! Help me out!!!

So where does my traffic come from? Here are some of my top referrers (in random order):

Digital Point Forums: I try to post on these forums as often as I can. Not only does it keep me up to date with all the latest news and information regarding marketing, website design and all things webby - it also sends me quite a few visitors. By being active in forums, you can become part of a like-minded community of people who share the same interest as you.

If your site is in any way internet related, the people who frequent the forums there are likely to be interested in the topic of your site - and will probably become repeat visitors! Be sure to add your site to your signature so that people who are interested in you can find your site easily. Whenever I go there, I try to make at least five posts - by either starting new threads or responding to others. It’s also a great way to get answers to any questions that you may have!

MyBlogLog: A great social networking site! It’s like a Myspace for websites and allows you to easily promote all the sites that you author! People can become members of your own community based around your sites. Like in forums, these members will have an interest in what your site is about. Once again, that equals repeat visitors!

MyLot: Another forum. Unlike other forums, this site doesn’t have a general theme or topic. Posts can be on virtually any topic which stimulates some lively discussions. Many of my posts there have received 200+ responses, which gives my profile (and subsequently, my site!) a lot of visibility. Great for promoting a site on any topic. And you even get paid to post there!!

Link Exchanges: Whenever I come across a site that is similar to mine or covers similar topics, I politely (key point!!) ask for a link exchange. People who visit these sites are likely to be interested in my site too - so there’s a good chance of them coming to visit my site.

Furthermore, most webmasters like to provide useful links for their visitors and are more than happy to oblige. And don’t be shy! Ask everyone! I’ve asked some of the top webmasters for links and been refused often - but some have accepted! And the traffic they send is priceless!!

I’ll emphasize “politely ask” again. For example, e-mailing me with “Hey! Link to my site..” does not get you anywhere with me!

The main thing when it comes to increasing traffic is to keep at it and never give up! Something simple like leaving your site’s address when you comment on another site can do wonders. That site’s author may visit your site and do a whole post about it!

Keep promoting and good luck!

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