There are so many ways that you can promote your online business or website that it can seem overwhelming. Some methods are more effective than others. So how do you know which ones will work. These five methods are proven to generate traffic to your site as well as generating income for you.

1. Offer a Freebie.

One thing that appeals to everyone is "free." If it is free people will take it. Think about all the samples of cheese given away at grocery stores. Do you really want a small piece of cheese? Probably not! But you take it anyway simply because it is free and someone is nice enough to offer it to you. This same principle applies with information or services offered from your website. You can send out free newsletters, free email courses, or offer a free trial period. One popular item being given away now are free credit reports or free PC scans. These freebies are what we in the marketing field like to call "teasers". After running the free credit report or PC scan, the customer is alerted if something unusual is found on their credit record or PC and then presented with an offer to show them what it is or repair the problem for a fee. This can be an effective way to get information to your potential customers, create sales or generate traffic to your site.

2. Provide Useful Information.

Your website contains information about a service or a product that you are very knowledgeable about. You can generate traffic to your site by writing articles in your area of expertise and having them published in an ezine or an article information site or directory. Submitting to directories is often free and can be very effective in generating links back to your site. The most effective way to use articles is to write them for free and ask in return that the publisher allow you to include a byline. A byline is a brief summary of the author and their credentials along with their website. Your byline is a way that readers will come to know you as an expert on a particular topic. This generates trust that your site is a source of credible information.

3. Utilize Pay-Per-Click Programs.

Some search engines allow a website to purchase ranking. This is an excellent Internet marketing technique in that it is effective and inexpensive. In the pay-per-click programs, your website is billed only for those who actually visit the page. This is a more effective strategy than banner ads which may be seen by millions but only used by a few. When using the pay-per-click programs you choose keywords relative to your site. When those keywords are entered into the search your site will appear. If the surfer chooses to view your site, you are then billed for that click. Many pay-per-click programs offer several other benefits as well, including updated lists of commonly used keywords and tracking.

4. Network with Other Internet Marketers.

Remember that there are many other individuals out there trying to succeed in this business as well. You can choose to network with those who have similar marketing ideas. When networking, you share links and refer customers to each other. Always be very cautious when choosing a networking partner since everything that you recommend is a reflection of yourself or your product. Therefore, be certain that your networking partner is a reputable source of information. Know something about the product or service offered by reading, listening to, or by actually using the product.

5. Utilize Offline Sources of Advertising.

Simply because your website is online, doesn't mean that all your advertising has to be. Advertise in newspapers, on TV or the radio. You can send out a press release to get your information to thousands of people all over the country. Pass out flyers and postcards in your neighborhood. Use your imagination to find unique ways of letting the public know about your product or service.

Utilize any or all of the above strategies. These five strategies will ensure your internet marketing success when used consistently.