[TrippinNomad]

did a quick search and didn't find a similar topic...
Apologies if its been done before and I can tag onto a different thread if one already exists...

Joined up this site - because it looked like it may have a fair number of webdesigners/site owners on here and thought it would be good to exchange ideas...

As with most people first setting up a site - I don't have the cash to pay for advertising or PR to promote my site - so essentially need to try and do it myself.

Have set up twitter and facebook pages - which I think is great for recognition - but doesn't seem to drive traffic unless you pay for adverts or are massively popular like Stephen Fry (which I'm not!)

Forums/bulletin boards are great - but limited because you can get accused of being a spammer. Chat rooms - the info disappears when you do - and also can be kicked out for spamming/promotion.

Its a long old slog - but I guess the answer is to keep chipping away. What I really need is a national newspaper to feature my website as a 'cool' website to visit - but not too sure about how to make that happen...

Anyone else want to share their experiences on what works for them?

[Hybr!d]

I mainly drive traffic via organic search using SEO.

[TrippinNomad]

I probably need to do a lot more of that - I know its all about content and links...
Will start paying attention to that a bit more!

[Hybr!d]

Yep, content and links in short. SEO gives the best ROI imo.

[TrippinNomad]

Very true! Need to figure out how to get other sites to link to me though... as usually you can't post up your own link without being banned for being a spammer!!!!

[Hybr!d]

Directory subs, article subs, guest posting on blogs, asking. Coding a wordpress plugin or vBulletin MOD. Loads of ways, be creative. If your site is good it will get them naturally too. It takes time. Like years.