7. Publish a Newsletter

It can be sent daily, weekly, bi-weekly or monthly, but be sure you send it out on a regular basis. Mine is published weekly on Fridays without fail. My readers have learned to look for it and I'd never consider letting them down by missing a deadline. Aside from being consistent, it is a cardinal rule to offer something of value to your readership. Don't use it solely as a venue for advertising – there are plenty of places to put text links and banner ads within it. To maintain readers, you will need to include some helpful information as well. If you aren't much of a writer, there are articles available on web that are free for publication, providing you include a link to writer's website and a promotional paragraph. If you have a hard time finding these, consider posting a call for submissions on writers' websites offering $5.00 and free promotion via a byline. You will be pleasantly surprised how many people respond with fresh and well-written ideas.

8. Purchase Advertising

Think advertising is expensive? Think again. There are countless inexpensive opportunities for advertising on Internet. Start by looking for sites which target same market you do, providing they don't directly compete with yours. Chances are they have a link for people interested in advertising on their site. If you can’t find it, simply e-mail webmaster or site owner and inquire. Another option is to do a search on eBay. Many sites put banner ad placement on auction. You can find ad spots on eBay for as little as $5.99, but remember, it is an auction, and someone could easily beat you out. I recently saw a banner ad auction get up to $269.00. Don’t forget however, because it’s an auction, you have power to limit amount you will pay a your maximum bid. It is important to have a banner ready to go, since you will usually need to obtain permission from website’s owner before bidding on auction. Always read terms of auction carefully, to make sure you understand dates your banner will be up and exactly where it will be placed.

9. Promoting Your Business Using an Online Network

Just starting to catch on is a unique way to network with other small businesses by way of shared advertising. The basic idea is to swap business cards, flyers, or coupons (called "fillers") for your site with other small business owners. They will put your fillers in their customer orders and you will put their fillers in your orders. Many groups put together bags or packs with a compilation of member fillers along with other goodies recipient will enjoy. These can be given out at area businesses, schools, day care centers, parties... list is endless. If you have trouble finding a networking group think about starting one of your own.

10. Write an Article

With a little work and a free morning, you should be able to put together a couple of paragraphs for a "how-to" piece on your area of expertise. Just be certain it somehow relates to your website. Use your article in your own newsletter or search on writers' websites for sites or e-zines looking for articles that may be a good fit for your piece. Whether or not they pay for publication they will be an excellent way to get word out about your site. Just be sure to keep your byline brief and don't reference your website within your article unless absolutely necessary.

Jen Merkel is a freelance writer living in Chandler, Arizona with her husband and two children. Working from her virtual office, Jen offers business writing services (press releases, proposals, etc.) as well as assistance with meeting and incentive planning. Please visit her website at http://jenmerkel.bravehost.com or send her an email at jen.merkel@cox.net.