1. Bulletin Boards:

Bulletin boards are lists of questions or statements and responses in your area of interest that can be viewed on web, usually in a bulleted list format. Do a search, and then read through several bulletin boards that might appeal to people who would buy from your business. Once you're comfortable with format, offer a suggestion, give an opinion, or post a question. Be sure to include your full name at bottom of your post along with your web address and a line that gives a reason for visiting your site. I usually sign my notes:

Kevin Nunley 10,000 marketing tips at http://DrNunley.com

After your posts have appeared regularly for several weeks, people will begin to see you as someone who is involved and ready to help, and they'll check out your website. A new customer is born.

Now, some people say that bulletin boards are declining. Don't listen to them, though. As people are growing more comfortable with web and getting involved with more and more sites, they simply aren't posting as much. That doesn't mean they aren't reading. I recently added a brief tip to several discussion groups that seemed to be a little slow. The results were actually really great. I tracked a number of people clicking from bulletin board to my web site, far more people than had posted in days since my original post.

2. Discussion Groups:

Being recognized as an expert in your field can really boost your sales. When people know you can help their situation with experience and knowledge, they'll come to you, and they won't mind paying for whatever you suggest.

Free web sites are fine for fun and games and there is a definite need for them on Internet. But this is not so for serious-minded business people. Credibility is tantamount to doing business on World Wide Web.

In order to establish credibility on Internet, you would be much wiser to invest in a private paid web site whereby you are guaranteed that your web host will not "disappear" one day and take your business along with it.

A free web page/site gives your customers impression and implies that your business is not that important to you. Would you want to do business with someone who cared so little about his business that he was not willing to secure his investment?

A free web site will also come with "strings attached." No company is going to give you a free web site without wanting "something" in return.

Companies that offer free web pages/sites will often require you to sign up for some other costly service and require you to let others post banner ads on your site which could ultimately cost you sales.