6. USE EMAIL AUTO-RESPONDERS. If your Web host offers auto-responders (many do) set up 2 or 3 that contain articles you've written, a "Top 10" list, etc. Place a link on your site or in your email signature that readers can click to get an article for free. Everyone likes to get something for free (see #3 above)! Make sure your article is content-heavy and that you include your copyright, byline, and a brief 75-word or less bio with a link to your site. A plain text format is best to ensure compatibility with all email programs.

7. ASK FOR RECIPROCAL LINKS on Web sites of colleagues, clients, associates. The more links "from" your site and "to" your site, better your search engine ranking, and greater likelihood of increased traffic through cross-referencing.

Undoubtedly there are many more low-cost, no-cost ideas you can devise and implement. The only limit is creativity and time! The key is to remember that marketing doesn't have to be expensive to be effective.

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Copyright (c) 2004 by Matt McGovern--All rights reserved.

9. Offer a free gift to all ezine/newsletter readers. ~ Again, downloadable items work best.

10. Offer to sponsor contests online and offline. ~ This is also excellent exposure!

Now you have a long list of where to give your gifts, so now question is what do you give? Here are some examples of what to give:

1. Free samples ~ Of course give samples of products that you sell.

2. Discounts ~ Offer discounts as a free gift on back of your business card.

3. Advertising specialty items ~ Mugs, t-shirts, magnetic business cards, hats…all with your log on them of course.

4. Free products or service ~ Give away free a few items that you sell or free demonstrations of how to use them.

5. E-books ~ These make excellent gifts but always make sure you have "legal right" to give them away.

Now you know how to increase your traffic with promotional freebies, so go start giving gifts away! Tis season!