How many people have worked from nine to five for 40 to 50 years and have nothing to show for it? How much is your time really worth? Most of us do not have the money to invest in advertising on the Internet. But, do you have the time? How about one to three years? Many people are drawing 6-figure incomes from the Internet within only a few years. More millionaires have been created on the Internet then in any other way in history. But, you will have to invest your time!

There are many proven, free advertising techniques available to anyone who will take the time to learn how to use them.

Here is a list of ideas that you can use to advertise online for free. They may be free, but remember that any accomplishment takes persistence and effort.

1. Articles. By providing valuable information on a topic that is related to your business can help you build your credibility and drive traffic to your website. Write articles that are related to your expertise and submit them to all the websites that are looking for good, informative articles. Make sure to list your website address in your resource box at the end of your article. There are many website owners out there who are looking for good articles that they can post on their sites.

2. Classified ads. Free classified advertising is a great way to promote the benefits of your website or program. Make it short and sweet and do not waste time getting to the point since you have limited space. There are many free classified sites, so test your ads to find out which sites pull. Once you determine which classified sites bring you the most traffic post to them regularly and do not waste time on the other sites that are not working. Try searching on free classified ad submission to find places to place your ads.

Tip: The key to a successful classified ad is in the headline or title. It must grab the readers attention. No one will read your ad unless they notice your headline.

3. Forums. Most forums do not allow advertising, but they can be used to build credibility by getting involved in discussions relating to your topic of interest. You can also ask questions and get opinions from others that may be involved in your line of business. Can you think of a better way to get free exposure for your business then by providing helpful answers to questions?

Tip: Put your website in your signature file when you sign up for a forum. It will then be displayed each and every time you make a post.

4. Press releases. Put together a simple press release explaining your offer or business and then do a search on free press release submission. Some of the submission sites actually provide a template that you can use for your press release.

5. Link exchange. Exchanging links is a great way to get free advertising while also helping your websites search engine ranking. The best way to find links is to search for websites relating to your topic and requesting a link. It is important to the search engines that your back links relate to your websites content. Do not get involved with link exchange programs that do not allow you to choose the sites that you link with. Link farms are bad for your website and for your search engine ranking.

Tip: Set up a page on your website for links and only post sites that are related to your business. Do not call it a link page. Instead, set up a resource page that provides helpful links for your visitors.

6. Free directories. Take the time to post your website to free directories. You only have to post once and they do not require you to resubmit your information repeatedly.

7. URL Submissions. This may be one of the easiest ways to advertise your website. Just do a search on "free url submission" and than use the results to enter your websites address and click submit! That is all it takes.

8. Traffic Exchanges. The way they work is that you earn credits by surfing other peoples websites. Your earned credits are then used to show other people your website. To join, you need to submit your name, email and website. Your website will then go into rotation with the other websites that have registered with that particular traffic exchange. As with all free advertising resources, determine which traffic exchange programs work for you.

Tip: Use a multi-tab browser. This will allow you to surf many exchanges at the same time by running several websites in multiple tabs while only one window is open for viewing in your browser. The Firefox Browser and newer versions of Netscape will let you surf multiple exchanges at once.

Let your imagination loose and you will have a force working for you that can help you reach your goals and thus succeed!

Copyright 2006 by Joe Rispoli