The other day, I re-visited all of sites I had been to that week (using Internet Explorer's History option). I asked myself simple question: "Why did I visit that site?" And I came up with 21, yes 21!, reasons why I visited a particular web site. Now if they are reasons why *I* visited a site, they could well be reasons why I (or someone else) would visit YOUR site!

So here are some reasons why I visit a web site, and at least one way to make it a reason that people visit YOURS!

Reasons I Visited A Web site:

*1* To Win Prizes [Run an online competition]

Surfers are a selfish lot - they all want to win something (including me)! Why not let them? A suitable joint venture, affiliate program or just something you can offer as a prize will do it. Find more information about online competitions at - http://www.loquax.co.uk/webmaster/

*2* To Read My E-mail [Host a web-based e-mail service]

This is Hotmail's fault (but I keep on returning!). Now there are plenty of ways to create your own free web-based e-mail system, with your own web-address too. Why not visit - http://www.bigmailbox.com

*3* To Buy Something [Join an affiliate program]

I admit it, I'm one of few that buy online!! You probably do too. Did you know that there are many, many ways of running your own virtual store. The easiest way, though, is to build a collection of affiliate links (not just banner ads!) that your site visitors will really appreciate. Find details here - http://www.shoptour.co.uk/webmaster-profit/

*4* Because Of Free Stuff [Create a download resource]

We all like freebies, and even visit sites that only contain LINKS to freebie-sites. Well, now it's possible to put free downloads etc on your site. Visit this site for an example - http://subportal.iboost.com/subportals.html

*5* I Found It On Google [Submit site to search engines]

Submitting your site to search engines is a must, when it comes to getting visitors to your site. Rather than going on about meta tags, keywords, doorway pages, etc., I'll just point you to my favourite resource (ahem!) - http://www.HowIPromoteMyWebsite.com

*6* I Clicked A Link On Someone's Site [Reciprocal link]

Links to your site get you noticed; links to your site build trust; AND links to your site improve your ranking on search engines. So swap links with similar sites, and create a "Links" page. Or just visit this sites for more ideas - http://www.howipromotemywebsite.com/bin/ap.pl?link-swaps

*7* I Read About The Site In An E-mail [Press release]

This could also be 'because I saw site address in a magazine or a newspaper'. How did that address get to be in newspaper or e-mail? Probably because someone submitted a press release to editor of magazine, newspaper, or ezine. Most news is 'created' via a press release or publicity stunt. Learn how to get your news release published here - http://www.howipromotemywebsite.com/bin/ap.pl?press-release

*8* Because Your Site Already Book Marked [Add To Favorites]

"Bookmark my site!" Does your site exclaim this? Do you ask visitors to "Add this site to your favorites!" You should do. You can get a simple bit of JavaScript that will do both for you dependent on your visitor's browser. Find a script here - http://javascript.internet.com/

*9* As Site Was Recommended To Me By Friend [Recommend site]

You see those links on a site that say: "Like our site? Tell a friend!" Well, it works. People like to recommend a great site to their friends - they gain kudos, respect. So why not make it easy for them to recommend YOUR site to THEIR friends! You can set up a recommend service yourself by using a free Perl/ CGI script, or let another site provide service (for free): - http://www.bignosebird.com (script called Birdcast) - http://www.recommend-it.com

*10* To Meet Others [Build a community]

This is a 'killer reason' to visit any web site. You meet others that share your interest, and you swap information and ideas. Message boards, forums, online communities, they all generate a great deal of traffic; traffic that returns again and again. Community-building tools are free, but you will need to promote heavily to get your community started, and you will need to consider just how you go about moderating discussions too - http://www.ezboard.com/

*11* I Read A Site's Newsletter [Create a newsletter, e-zine]

I subscribe to many newsletters to find out about free offers, competitions, price updates; or just to act as a reminder to visit that site. (I only subscribe if I'm confident my e-mail is safe from spam, mind - I always look for a privacy statement of some kind.) A newsletter provides you with an excellent opportunity to stay in touch with your site visitors; a great newsletter even encourages new visitors. Use this resource - http://www.topica.com

*12* I Saw URL Somewhere [Promote your site off-line]

Now where did I did see that URL (website address)? Was it on someone's T-shirt, or on side of a car? Was it on a letterhead or business card? Was it on a tie-pin or broach? Was it on a computer's screen saver, or an electronic Christmas card? Was it on a bill-board or on TV? Was it on a restaurant's guest book(!)... Okay, okay, I'll stop there! But you get idea!

(Oh! And don't forget your e-mail signature files!) - http://www.siglets.com

*13* To Check On An Affiliate Program [Run affiliate program]

When I visit a site, I make a point of looking for some standard features which increase value of my stop. One of these things is a guestbook - why? Because I want to sign it and let webmaster know that I appreciate his or her efforts. This is important to me, as someone went to some trouble to communicate, and I like to communicate back, even if it's just a "nice site, thanks". Sometimes I have to spend an extra few minutes to find something to compliment, but I usually am successful.

I also look for a link to send an email to webmaster. This allows me to send private messages, which are more useful for feedback not appropriate for a public forum such as a guestbook. I don't always send an email or make a comment, but it's useful to know that I can if necessary.

It's always a huge delight to find a message board, and it's even better to find that board is active and in use on a regular basis. You see, this means that I can have discussions with people about a subject, knowing that most of them have some interest in conversation.

An example of my own message board can be seen if you click link below.

http://www.internet-tips.net/cgi-bin/discus/discus.cgi

A good message board allows people to register (as does mine), lets people set up profiles with information about themselves (all voluntary), and informs people (optionally) of updates via email. Additionally, people should be able to post replies and add messages anonymously (at discretion of board master).

What does all of this do? It allows people to have conversations about specific topics with a group of interested individuals. What is value of this? Well, suppose your site is all about X-Men comic series. It has some great stories which you have written, some graphics and a few videos from movie (all with permission, of course).