Traffic-generation is a hot topic for marketers. In particular, “free traffic” seems to be desire of most. But many sources of “free” traffic are not really free—they take your time, which can often be more valuable than spending a few dollars on your marketing.

The best idea is to combine better sources of free traffic with some paid advertising. I propose three methods that will boost your traffic. If you remain dedicated to these three methods of advertising, you will get all traffic you need. These sources are: 1) Writing and distributing articles; 2) Contributing to forums; and 3) Writing and buying ezine ads.

1. Writing and distributing articles

This is my favourite way of driving traffic to my sites. Articles have ability to become viral, and that can be a huge plus for you, and a great reason to write articles. Focus on creating a 300 word article related to theme of your site or business. Include a resource box at end of your article that features a link back to your site. Then, distribute your article to article distribution sites (like EzineArticles.com) and email groups (like http://groups.yahoo.com/group/business_articles). You will see traffic from this method.

2. Contributing to forums

I get this question a lot. And frankly, I've never been a big testimonial guy. Well, until recently.

If you've ever wondered about effectiveness of testimonials, this article should clear any doubt in your mind.

As most of my subscribers know, I develop and promote Internet marketing products and services. And this is a niche that is, well... somewhat crowded.

Heck, just do a search at google.com for "internet marketing expert" and you'll find more than nine million (yes, that's 9,000,000) web pages listed.

Wow. That's a lot of experts. (I wonder how many of those nine million really know their stuff.)

But heck, do a search for ANYTHING you need or want online and you'll find thousands, if not millions of choices.

So who do you believe?

That's question millions of potential customers want to know!

Who can they believe? Who can they trust?

What website will not rip them off or leave them for dead after they get their money?

As a web business owner myself, I hate to have to admit this, but... making purchases from unknown vendors on web can be a real crap shoot. There are far too many cons, scams, cheats, hacks and just plain old bad businesses on web.

And because of that, TRUST is something you have to instill in your visitors order to make sales on web.

But how do you portray an image of trust online when customers can't see you or shake your hand?

Simple. You let your other customers do talking. Here's a perfect example from my site...

__________________________

Good Afternoon Jim,

"In a word, WOW! "

"Your ezWebBusinessBuilder is a one-stop source for developing all aspects of a successful Internet business. The information and tasks are easy to understand and implement. It is clear you will help many people 'get it all together' for long-term success."

Thank you, Chip Snyder Hagerstown, Maryland __________________________

Even GIANTS realize value of testimonials...

Go to amazon.com - one of web's largest Internet-only based retailers, and look for any product you might be interested in. When you get to product page, more than likely you'll find one thing prominently displayed...

Customer comments.

Why does amazon.com include these with nearly everything they sell? It's a simple theory. People are more comfortable purchasing when they can first read what people like themselves think about product. It makes them feel more at ease knowing not only that other folks like them bought it already, but exactly what they thought of it.