Unfortunately, these methods can be very time-consuming. But, you get what you put into it. And even if you only spend an hour a day constantly striving to increase your PR, it will be an hour well spent.

First, email all the websites you can and simply ask for a link. You'll be surprised at how many people say yes. Politely explain that you'd like to increase your traffic, and explain why you think his or her site's users have something to gain from visiting your homepage. Enclose a pre-made html coded link so that if they agree, it's a simple cut-and-paste job.

Next, start on your linking campaign. Again, try emailing webmasters and explain that your sites' readers can benefit from reading both websites. Show them where you will prominently post their link, and politely ask for the exchange. If your site contains helpful information, they will most likely say yes.

You can in addition try posting testimonials about other sites on your homepage. When you're finished, send a link of your comments to the webmaster. Who would pass up the opportunity to brag about a great review?

Next, start writing free articles for popular article directories (search "article directory" in Yahoo! or Google for submission options). This allows people to read your work and publish it for free. Make sure to include a Bio Box that includes a link to your site. Stipulate that the article may be reprinted for free as long as the Bio Box is included. This will instantaneously provide extra links to your page when people reprint your work.

Be sure to post comments in discussion groups and on message boards. Make useful, relevant statements based on topics being discussed. Comments that only contain a link will usually be deleted or banned. If you make worthwhile contributions, people will definitely want to find out what else you have to say by visiting your site.

If your site distributes a newsletter, start a contest for ad space. Offer to advertise a website in your publication to the sites that offer you a free link.

Finally, submit your website to as many relative sites as you can that accept free one-way links or offer a link exchange, A great new tool to help you get this done quickly and easily is called Backlink Submitter found at backlinksubmitter.com

Also submit your website to as many directories as you can. Webmasters readily agree that directory submission is the BEST way to gain targeted traffic to your site. By listing your site in a directory, web users will view your page as a reliable resource tailored specifically to their search criteria. You can submit to directories such as Yahoo! Directory for about $300. However, if you're operating on a smaller budget it is better to take the time to submit to several small directories. It is much more time-consuming but you can ultimately achieve the same results!

For a faster way to submit to over 2000 quality, specialized directories (at less than 1/3 of the price of Yahoo!), directorysubmitter.com