You’ve heard the old adage, “You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours”. The premise is if you help me then I will return the favor and help you. This is the notion behind “Click Exchange” programs available on the net.
Many online businesses see Click Exchange as a viable alternative to paid advertising. If Click Exchange works they may not need to alter their Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategies either.
What is Click Exchange?
The selling point of Click Exchange is the fact that no money needs to change hands in order for you to be involved. Essentially Click Exchange means that while you are a member of the program you are assured a visitor to your site in exchange for your visiting other member sites.
Those using these types of programs do indicate a rise in site visitation, so at least on the surface this program seems to be a productive way to drive visitors to your site. Or is it?
What Does it Mean?
Click Exchange programs may mean an increase in site visitation, but it’s more akin to cotton candy than steak. It’s not very filling and won’t sustain you very long. By all indications Click Exchange programs are not a very effective site promotion tool.
For the most part the increase in numbers comes from unmotivated members who are simply visiting your site for a matter of seconds so they can receive a site visit in exchange then they move on to other arenas of interest.
If your idea of success is higher site visitation alone then Click Exchange might help you feel better about your site, but if you are searching for motivated customers who visit your site because they are actually interested in your products or service then you might want to stay away form Click Exchange programs.
A Better Approach
Virtually every other approach looks at long-term strategy. In a results oriented society it may be hard to think that any results from your site promotion activities may not be seen for some time to come.
Here are a few site promotion tools that actually will assist you in long-term results.
1) Use only legitimate Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategies
2) If you want to advertise, Pay Per Click (PPC) is a better road to take
3) Make sure you use your website information on all emails and forum or blog posts
4) Submit your site information to multiple directories
5) Use press releases to target potential site visitors
6) Keep your eye on the consumer. Provide great customer service and support
7) Encourage the liberal use of backlinks to your site
These are just a few of the many site promotion tools available to you. In each case they promise a better quality of visitor than Click Exchange programs.
Remember – always click responsibly.
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