Not all online marketing tactics work the same for all the different websites, but in order to increase the traffic to your website, you may have to offer free services or other promotional gifts. Offering free services or promotional gifts to the visitors of your website can mean all the difference in the world when converting a visitor into a customer. People like freebies, whether it is free shipping, a freebie, or buy one get one free offer. People like to know they are getting a great deal and they will often flock to the source to see what is available. Best of all, people always remember where they got their freebie from, especially if it is an item that can be used often.

There are literally thousands of ways to promote your website and to increase the traffic, but it is up to you to find the way that works best for your website. Here are the top three ways to offer free services or promotional gifts to increase your website traffic and to convert your mere visitors into loyal customers.

1. Contests

People love to enter and win contests. The thrill of competing with others for a grand prize or for numerous other prizes can be exhilarating. Contests work several ways: by the entrant deciding to opt-in for your websites newsletter, completing a survey, or a number of other ways. Prizes could range from iPods, vehicles, DVDs, vacations and stereo systems to products and gift certificates from your website. The bigger the prize(s) or even the more prizes, the more entries will be received. You can choose from one entry per person or unlimited entries. You may also choose one entry per person plus one extra entry per referral. This option could generate more potential customers, which can lead to more sales and profits. Be sure you are following your states law regarding contests before posting the contest on your website and any rules and regulations.

2. Banner Advertising

This can work two ways. You can pay to have your websites banner advertised on various other websites, directories and search engines or you can use banner exchanges. A banner exchange is agreeing to advertise other banner ads on your website free of charge while the website you are advertising for is posting your banner ad on their site, free of charge as well. Hence the term banner exchanges. Buying banner ads can be a great advantage and done at an affordable price. If you choose to exchange banners, it is often at no cost, but you will have to remember that the more banner exchanges you do, that is more advertisements that appear on your website. Keep in mind that you do not want to clutter your website with other business advertisement banners. Select the sites you will be advertising on carefully. They should be in the general area of your business. For instance, if you are in business with selling dog toys, you will want to advertise with animal websites such as veterinarians, kennels and other related sites. You would not want to advertise dog toys on a construction equipment website.

3. Discounts

People love bargains. A great way to convert a visitor into a customer is by offering them special discounts and deals. Free shipping on the first order or on an order over $50 is sure to attract the attention of those bargain seekers. Buy one get one free or buy one, get one half off is a popular lure to entice customers to buy more products or services. You can also offer 10-20% off the second order, or a special discount when they refer you to a friend who makes a purchase. People flock to the twelve hours sales, especially around the holidays. The possibilities are endless. You want to make your customers think they are getting a great deal. Even a freebie with every order can be a great incentive to buy from your website.

Find your target audience and send them offers they cannot refuse. Free services and promotional gifts will not only increase the traffic to your website, it will practically guarantee loyal and repeating customers as well as an increase in sales and profits, which are just the right ingredients for running a successful website business.

Copyright 2006 Anton Cheranev