Increase your web marketing without increasing your budget.

With national concerns over money, debt, and the stock market, many businesses are trying to market even more vigorously to their audience without breaking the bank.  Here are some tips to increase website traffic without a big budget.

1. Blog.  Yes, I know blogging is so 2008, but it really works. But how can you keep your audiences' attention when competing with 140 character twitter feeds? Keep the blog short, use clear headings, and a descriptive title.  Then Twitter about it! (Read more about blogging in our post 7 Blog Tips to a Successful Blog)  
2.  Use Social Media wisely.  It is easy to waste a lot of time (and time is money!) on social media. You can Tweet and post updates all day without a single prospect to show for it. How can you really capitalize on this trend? Use sites to interact with your audience "“ get personal. Provide them with something useful, like information or special deals.
3. Go MultiMedia. 
    It isn't enough anymore to just have a nicely designed website. Web visitors expect to be entertained and enthralled by your content. And that means Videos, Articles, great images, humorous Twitter posts, and a Facebook pages full of pictures, surveys, and other interactive information.  Don't want to take the time to create your own? Borrow media from other venues (just be sure to properly give credit!).
4.  

   Make it fun.  Everyone can appreciate a funny quote, inspiring image, or useful graph.  A great way to attract users to your page is by giving them something for visiting. Maybe the answer to a poll, the end of a riddle, or a special deal.
5. "Viral" is not a four letter word. It is five letters (haha). But seriously, making something "go viral" (viral marketing = spread quickly throughout the web) is something many marketers attempt, most unsuccessfully. However, you CAN encourage your users to share your content, by following these tips. Offer a special deal they can share with their friend, or create a humorous poll / image / video / article that they might want to share. And make it EASY to share by including a share feature on all your content (try www.addthis.com).  
6.  Find your users. Don't wait for them to find you.  Be proactive about gaining a larger audience.  "Like" other companies on Facebook, mention Twitter users in your industry or looking for a service your offer (Tweetdeck and other programs let you type in a search and shows everyone mentioning those search terms).  
   
   
7. Don't let them forget you.  Out of sight, out of mind. So make sure you send regular newsletters, posts, or other information to your audience so you are always fresh in their mind.
   Try   email marketing FREE
8. Links, Links, and more Links! Make sure you are exchanging links with other businesses in your industry (but not your direct competition).  This really increases SEO, which will help your web visitors find you!