What is the best way to advertise a new website? My business is new so I don't want to pay a lot of money to these search engines. Is there another way to get my website out there? Help!
You don't have to pay to submit your sites to a search engine, but there are companies out there that will charge you to do it. But you don't have to pay them because you can do it yourself. IIRC, if you sign up for a google analytics account, that automatically submits your site to google and sends the googlebots to check out your site. Having a successful website takes a lot of homework and a lot of reading, but it can be worth it in the long run. You may want to research "search engine optimization" or SEO. I agree with the other posters to include your link on everything. If you are selling products, you may be able to put an item or two on your local craigslist. You may also want to get a myspace page for your website and start networking there. For example, let's say your site is www.kellyeshoes.com . You'd get a myspace page named kellyeshoes and start building a network of friends that may want to check out your site. Good luck! :-)
Are you familiar with something called "contra?" It's an exchange or barter of services. If you can find a professional whos business is publicizing web sites, someone interested in your goods or services, you can do an exchange (no cash involved). Also consider contra for your ad on other sites? Your city may have a barter organization which you can join or at least access for additional information.
Include your URL on all your e-mail, snail mail, cheques, business cards and consider writing an informative article for a local magazine (they'll take the article if you don't charge them and if the piece offers good information for their readers).
Websites move up in search engines like Yahoo and Google based on number of links to them - so your best bet is to find other related sites to have you cross listed. For example, if you are a reseller of a certain merchandise, can you get listed on the manufacturer's website as a source, or if you are a craft reseller, can you get on some of the craft group boards in their advertising section.
Include the link to your website in every email you send - you never know who might be interested in what you are selling. Don't be afraid to tell people what you are doing...
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