What Are Traffic Exchanges?

Before we get into detail of how Traffic Exchanges (or TEs as they are commonly referred to), can become a valuable part of your advertising portfolio, let me explain what Traffic Exchanges are.

Traffic Exchanges are similar to safelists, in that they both have the, what I'd like to call, 'let's trade ads' concept. What I mean by that is, both allow you to put your ad in front of other marketers, in exchange for you viewing their ads.

That is where the similiarity ends.

What makes Traffic Exchanges so much more different than Safelists is the time you have to get the attention of your prospect. With Safelist, once you get them to open the email, (with a appealing subject line), if they like what they're reading, they'll keep reading, but with Traffic Exchanges...

You Only Have Seconds To Get Their Attention!

That's right. You literally have seconds, usually around 10 seconds or less. Yes, TEN seconds or less to get someone to see what you're offering. That's why you must have an ad (page) short enough to get your point across within seconds.

What you must realize is that people use Traffic Exchanges (and all other internet marketing tools) to sell THEIR products or programs, so the ads that are 'flashing' by them in 10 seconds or less, must catch their attention. All the viewer is really interested in is watching the seconds go down, so they can get their credit and move on to the next ad (page). This viewing of ads in 10-second (or less) spurts is called 'surfing'.

So How Do You Advertise On A Traffic Exchange?

The most effective ad (or webpage) to use on a Traffic Exchange is a short, fast-loading page. You need to keep the page short enough that the point you want to make can be done without the viewer having to scroll. So don't use a lot of graphics or hundreds of words.

Splash Pages Keep It Short And To The Point!

You want to say just enough to peak the viewer's curiosity enough to click on the link, (or give their email address) for more information. These short, fast-loading pages are called Splash Pages.

If you're used to making your own web pages, you can do that, but if you're not comfortable with html, or making web pages or sites, most programs have ready-made pages, and many have ready-made Splash Pages too.

The main thing to remember is that you want everything seen fast before your time runs out, and the viewer clicks to get that next credit.

Now, The Other Side...

Make Traffic Exchanges Work For You

What I'm going to tell you now, is known by at least 99% of experienced marketers that use Traffic Exchanges, and quite a few experienced internet marketers use them - Why? Because they work!

One of the major keys to using any Traffic Exchange is keeping enough credits in your account so your ad(s) will be seen as much as possible. You can do this by a couple of ways. As with all forms of advertising, it involves - Money and/or Time!

Most Traffic Exchanges allow you to join as a Free member, with upgrade options available. If the traffic exchange is a good one (and we'll talk about that a little later on), and you can afford it, upgrade. Most Traffic Exchanges give upgraded users credits monthly, and you get more credit when you surf ads. Each Traffic Exchange is different, so you should check out each one to see if what they offer is of value to you.

Now if you're not able to upgrade, or simply want to test the Traffic Exchange longer before you upgrade, then you must spend the time surfing more to get enough credits for your ad to be seen constantly.

You can also buy credits as you need them. You can do this whether you are a free or upgraded member.

The Key To Any Advertising Is Getting Your Ad Seen OFTEN!

So if you don't have the time to surf a couple hours or so each day, then either buy the credits, and/or upgrade your account. If you can't afford to upgrade, then you MUST spend the time!

Internet Marketing is a BUSINESS, and you must treat it as such! If you feel you don't have the money to spend, and you don't want to spend the time, then you don't want to build this business. It won't happen by osmosis. There's no magic. You MUST work at it!

Now, here is a way to get several hundred credits each hour by surfing Traffic Exchanges. Surf several at one time. Most of the current browsers allow you to open up several windows as tabs.

I usually surf up to five different Traffic Exchanges at a time. This way you can add up the credits in each! If you're an upgraded member, you get more credits than free members, but even as a free member, you can drum up 100 credits or so in each Traffic Exchange in about an hour. That's about 500 credits an hour. Do that for a couple hours each day, several days a week, and even as a free member, you get your ad seen by hundreds daily.

You can also get credits for referrals. Most of the better Traffic Exchanges will give you credits when people you refer are active. So when they surf, you get credits. Promoting Traffic Exchanges is a whole other animal, so we won't get into that here.

Read Your Emails

The better Traffic Exchanges will send you emails with specials they are having, and sometimes just good solid information to help you succeed. A lot of TEs have Bonus Days and Double Surf Days, where you get double the amount of credits for every site you surf. You can add up a lot of credits that way, so check your emails, and when you catch those specials, take advantage of them. They usually only last for 24 hours. Sometimes only 6 or 12 hours.

Don't Try To Sell

The best advice I can give you for using Traffic Exchanges is NOT to Sell in your ads! You don't have the time, and the people viewing your ad are surfing for credits, so the last thing they're interested in is buying something from you. Get their attention by showing them you have a tool or resource, etc. that will help them sell THEIR product or program!

Limit What You Promote

This is especially important if you are a free member in the Traffic Exchanges. As a free member, you only have so many credits, and you spend a lot of time earning them, so DO NOT try to promote everything under the sun! Only promote one program or service and give a at least a good month before trying something else.

Now, if you are an upgraded member, and/or you buy thousands of credits, you can try different ads, but still keep in mind that you should not try to sell directly from the page folks are viewing in the TEs. Give them a teaser to make them want to click your link, or submit their email for more info.

Which Traffic Exchanges Are Best?

• TE Profits - Your Easy Way To Profit With Traffic Exchanges
• Traffic Alternative

Julius Covington, Sr. julius@onlineresourcecenter.com 304) 439-0496

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