How to Promote Your Website Using Web 2.0

The Internet has undergone many changes since the early days. Many of these changes involve websites becoming more hands-on and interactive. This movement is often referred to as Web 2.0. Web 2.0 has brought forth lots of new methods of website promotion. While search engine optimization is still as important as ever, Web 2.0 gives webmasters many new ways to promote their websites. Taking advantage of this can result in boosts in traffic and profits.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Blog
• Microphone
• Podcast recording software

1. Create a business blog. Today’s Internet user craves fresh, new content, and blogs are an easy way for them to get it. It is important to allow users to comment on your entries in order to build a sense of community and keep them coming back for more.
2. Join and participate in relevant forums. Instead of blatantly promoting your site, contribute to discussions and include a link in your signature line.
3. Submit noteworthy blog posts or pages to social bookmarking and popularity sites such as Digg and StumbleUpon. If other users like and vote for them, it can result in lots of exposure.
4. Write articles for sites that allow user contribution, such as eHow. Link to your website where appropriate and beneficial to readers. Even if you can’t logically work in a link, interested users may look at your profile and find a link to your site. Make sure that you include a link there in case they do.
5. Record podcasts. Using audio adds a dimension that is often lacking on the web, and many people find that refreshing. Some people retain information better by listening to it, so podcasting caters to them as well.
6. Create RSS feeds. These are traditionally associated with blogs, but there are more ways that you can use them. These include announcing special offers and new product releases.

Tips & Warnings

• In addition to maintaining your own blog, commenting on the blogs of others can help generate interest in your website.
• When setting up your blog, take measures to prevent comment spam. This detracts from your message and is a turnoff for readers. Use a spam filter or moderate comments if necessary.
• Be careful not to get involved in “flame wars” when participating in blogs and forums. There’s nothing wrong with healthy debate, but don’t let it escalate into name-calling or mudslinging.
• When utilizing social bookmarking or popularity sites, be sure to submit sites other than your own as well. Submitting and voting for items from one’s own site only is not beneficial to the community. It is also usually considered spamming.