The website of an online business is in many ways like a traditional shop. The success of both can be measured by the amount of traffic flowing through their doors as hopefully a percentage of them would convert into sales. While traditional methods of advertising like placing TV and radio ads, sending flyers and pamphlets and putting up hoardings can work for websites as well as shops, there are some Web Marketing techniques unique to websites.

Some of the web marketing techniques that are popular and effective are search engine optimization, email marketing, banner ads and pay per click programs, affiliate marketing, link exchanges and referrals, blog marketing, article marketing, viral marketing, listing your website on directories provided by various internet service providers, using social networks, placing ads in ezines and other online publications and directories and participating in various forums related to your industry as an expert.

For a newcomer trying to grasp the nuances of web marketing can be an overwhelming experience and it is best to start with small and cheap web marketing techniques or take professional guidance. Affiliate marketing is based on identifying an affiliate who will redirect traffic from his website to yours for a commission. Payment is usually based on results so this is loaded in the merchant’s favour and there are several affiliate marketing networks that can help you find the perfect affiliate. Email marketing is an extremely cost-effective method that can be done with just a little bit of research and guidance. Blog and article marketing consist of writing about your area of expertise and submitting the same to blog sites and online magazines etc. Your URL can figure at the end of the article or blog and that will pull in interested users. Using online networks is extremely easy and free of cost. You can upload an advertising video clip to YouTube and reach a global audience.