How to Market Your Membership Site

Effectively promoting your website is the key to a successful Internet business…no matter what that business is. There are the obvious ways like, writing a great e-book that contains links to your site and products, that you give away and joining in on joint ventures with established Internet marketers. There are other ways to promote you website, however, and here are just a few ideas that might help:
Promote Your Site in Online Forums and Blogs. The Internet offers thousands of much targeted e-mail based discussion lists, online forums, blogs, and Usenet news groups made up of people with very specialized interests. Use Google, MSN or Yahoo Groups to find appropriate sources. Don't bother with news groups consisting of pure spam. Instead, find groups where a serious dialog is taking place. Don't use aggressive marketing and overtly plug your product or service. Rather, add to the discussion in a helpful way and let the signature at the end of your e-mail message do your marketing for you. People will gradually get to know and trust you, visit your site, and do business with you.
 Announce a Contest. People like getting something free. If you publicize a contest or drawing available on your site, you'll generate more traffic than normal. Make sure your sweepstakes rules are legal in all states and countries you are targeting. Prizes should be designed to attract individuals who fit a demographic profile describing your best customers.
 Exchange Ads with Complementary Businesses. Banner exchange programs don't work well these days. But consider exchanging e-mail newsletter ads with complementary businesses to reach new audiences. Just be sure that your partners are careful where they get their mailing list or you could be in trouble with the CAN-SPAM Act.
Devise Viral Marketing Promotion Techniques. So-called viral marketing uses the communication networks of your site visitors or customers to spread the word about your site. Word-of-mouth, PR, creating "buzz," and network marketing are offline model.
Buy a Text Ad in an E-Mail Newsletter. Some of the best buys are small text ads in e-mail newsletters targeted at audiences likely to be interested in your products or services. Many small publishers aren't sophisticated about advertising and offer attractive rates.