Use Strategic Links
to Increase Traffic

Step 8 of Pacific Business Marketing's
"Ten Steps to Web Site Success"

How can "strategic links" increase my traffic?
Strategic or "reciprocal" links, involves placing your banner on other sites or "swapping" banner links with other sites. The purpose is simple... to increase traffic! The advertising and promotion you do (hopefully) brings more targeted visitors to your site. While on your site, a visitor may view the link(s) you have set up by way of banner ad, graphic or text link to related sites. Chances are that some of your visitors will "click through" to those related sites. That site benefits from your traffic in the same manner in which you benefit from theirs. The ultimate goal is to increase revenues for all sites involved.

How do I go about getting links to my site?
The process is relatively straightforward. Surf the web for sites that are related to yours and email them regarding exchanging links! Unfortunately while the process itself is extremely simple, there is some netiquette involved, along with a dose of common sense. Here are some suggestions before you rush into emailing every related site on the web:

• Don't request to swap links if your site is still "Under Construction"!
• Ensure the site you wish to swap links with is ready to market too! There is little point in exchanging links - if one or the other party is not ready to promote.
• Prepare an email message that explains your reason for contacting the site in question. MAKE SURE you personalize the email so the recipient does not think they are receiving a "boiler plate" email message (or worse yet, a spam). Mention your site traffic (be honest), explain briefly what kind of traffic you attract, provide your URL and an email address and telephone number to contact you.
• Have options for the site you wish to link with. Give them the option of a text link as well as a small and larger banner. If you don't have a banner or haven't been able to create the one you want, consider our our banner design services.
• If you have access to inexpensive banner design services or can create them yourself, offer to create a banner on their behalf.
• Remember that no one is obligated to exchange links with you!
• You should know that many new Internet marketers don't understand the potential benefits of linking with sites they see as competitive! Don't try to convince them. Move on.
• Be aware that exchanging links is a "do it right now" process. If you offer to exchange links with another site and they agree, do it now! If you don't act quickly, many people will lose interest.
• Don't embarrass yourself by asking to exchange links with a site that sells links unless you have a really good argument as to how they will benefit from your traffic. At the same time, don't be afraid to pay for a link if you are getting highly targeted traffic! Paying for a link can be a very wise investment!

| Web Design Services |
| Merchant Accounts | E-Commerce Solutions |