Search Engines

Technically speaking, a search engine is a database of submitted websites or other data combined with an application to search within that data. The front end is what we see when we visit Google or AllTheWeb.

The back end is an indexing program that locates words in the HTML code.

Your website can be located by words within the text, however, it takes longer to do that. The faster way is to include a meta tag called Keywords in your HTML.

Note however, that the keywords can't just be inserted in volume to generate more "Hits", they have to be relevant to the text actually contained in the website.

Once you have inserted relevant keywords into your web code, then you can begin to submit your site URL to search engines.

You can either use an automatic program or you can do it manually by adding your URL to the search engine website.

Directories

A directory is like a search engine except that it has been sorted manually. Websites that are submitted to a directory like Yahoo are scanned by editors for content and are placed into an appropriate category.

The fastest way to get listed in multiple directory websites is to add your URL to the DMOZ website at http://www.DMOZ.org.

Link Exchange

Many websites offer a link exchange service where you can put your URL on their website and theirs on yours.

The exchange doesn't have to be a link, it can be a banner ad or graphic instead.

Affiliate Programs

An affiliate program is a service where you can get paid for putting another company's URL on your website.

Generally this is a good idea but careful research is required to ensure that payments are made and the reference URL is one that you want to include on your site.

Email Signature

An easy way to market your website is just by putting your URL in your email signature. Maybe add a brief description of what your company does aswell.

Newsgroups

Newsgroups are the best and most often ignored TARGETED marketing tool. The name of the newsgroup usually defines what kind of messages can be posted there.

You can access them with your email program or one of the free newsreader programs available on the web.

Posting to a newsgroup is just like sending an email, except that the posting will be available to everyone reading that newsgroup.

Prepare a promotional document in HTML or text format, think up an eye-catching subject line, and post your promo in newsgroups that are relevant to your product or service.

For example, if your company offers Financial Services, post your ad in any Business, Finance, or similar newsgroup.

Only post in one newsgroup at a time as cross-posting (posting to multiple newsgroups) is not permitted in many cases.

Marketing Firms

If you are not sure how to proceed with the above types of marketing methods, consult a marketing firm for further guidance.

Bear in mind that this costs a lot more than any other method and the results are not guaranteed.

Another alternative is to create a marketing plan then do it yourself if you can. Only use the marketing firm if you are unable to market yourself otherwise.