How to publicize your Web site

If you're like most independent publishers, you don't have a big pile of cash earmarked for publicity. In fact, you probably have no cash earmarked for publicity. This, as you can imagine, limits your mainstream options. It's hard to buy advertising when all you've got are pennies and pocket lint.

Fortunately, there are plenty of effective grassroots methods you can use to get your site noticed. These techniques don't cost much -- some don't cost a thing -- and with a little bit of effort they can expand your audience dramatically.

Of course, the greatest publicity in the world is meaningless if your product is bad. Attracting an audience is fun -- especially when you start seeing real growth -- but remember that the sole reason people are visiting your site is because they like what you do. If you want visitors to return, keep your focus on the content.

With that warning out of the way, let's start this section with a look at search engines.