Even if you've been marketing on internet for only a very short time you've no doubt come accross 'traffic exchanges'. The number of exchanges out there is staggering, so if you need to know what these things are all about read on.

A traffic exchange is a system where in return for veiwing websites of others you will get credits for hits to your own sites. There are several different types of exchanges:

The 'surf exchange' or 'start page exchange': The names are synonimous and they are by far most predominant type of trafic exchange. The user is required to veiw a web page in their browser for a set amount of time before clicking to earn credit and move on.

'Auto surfing': Like above but pages change and credit is received without user interaction.

Pop-up exchanges: With these web page will 'popup' at set intervals or or events. You will need to view window for a set time before closing and receiving credit. These will usualy require a small program to be downloaded and run on users computer.

Now that you know what they are you need to know what they're made of. These are things you will need to consider when comparing different exchanges.

The 'surf ratio' is how many pages you'll veiw before one of yours is displayed. These can be from 1:1 to 5:1 but are usualy somwhere inbetween. Many sites will also give bonus credits or run promotions for credits. Some will also give credit for sending traffic to your referal page. All of these will combine to determine how many credits you actualy get for surfing.