Do Traffic Exchanges Really Work For Home Businesses?
Traffic exchanges, which are also known as hit exchanges and start exchanges, can be a very easy way to drive targeted traffic from other business opportunity seekers.
Being in a traffic exchange is a lot like being in a club. You surf, using a specially designed “surf bar” unique to the traffic exchange that you are a member of, and view the other member’s websites. Every time you view a website you receive credits, or points. You can then exchange your credits for visitors who view your website. Normally there is a “ratio” involved and for free members it is often one return visitor for every two websites that you view.
Joining A Traffic Exchange
Most exchanges are free to join but many have a “pro upgrade” option where you can get a better view/return view ratio (say 1:1) for a monthly fee, typically a few dollars a month. The large majority of members in the typical exchange are free members.
Traffic exchanges can work to get great business partners, but the marketing has to be done correctly. One of the main reasons cited for this is the fact that most of the traffic exchange members are members of the exchange primarily because they are already promoting a business opportunity or product of their own.
While this is usually a fact, it does not necessarily mean that they will not be interested in what you are promoting. If you are offering either an informational product or any kind of tool which could be used to enhance an already existing business then the members of traffic exchanges could very well be an excellent target market for you.
For example, if you have software aimed at online marketers, network marketers, home business owners, etc... then traffic exchanges could offer you very rich pool of prospects indeed.
Common Traffic Exchange Mistakes
One of the most common mistakes marketers make is to sign up for an affiliate offer and then use the standard website that comes with the program on traffic exchanges. This is a waste of time since the exchange members will not have enough time to view the typical information rich sales page.
It is also likely that there will be several others promoting the exact same website on any given exchange so your site will blend in to the background and will have little, if any, impact.
How To Use Traffic Exchanges
You will see many members using the same marketing materials, while some may get leads and signup, most won't. You can be profitable just by following the guidelines below and use traffic exchanges to build your opt-in list and then follow up later with your offers.
1. Don’t use the standard page that came with your affiliate program.
It has too much information and will confuse viewers.
There are probably many other people advertising this page.
2. Use your own customized squeeze page with bold headlines that stand out.
2. Use your own customized squeeze page with bold headlines that stand out.
- Keep it clean and uncluttered.
- Focus on benefits.
- Five or six bullet points only.
- Stand out from the crowd.
This also frustrates the members. Keep your scrips to a minimum so your page will load quickly and the surfers can see what you are offering.
4. Give away a free and awesome lead magnet for your perfect prospect for signing up.
5. Collect e-mail addresses for follow up with valuable content.
6. Customize your squeeze page for the traffic exchange you're using.
Have a special message for your visitor which usually gets their attention when surfing–
“Traffic Swarm user bonus….”
"HerculistPlus user bonus..."
7.Monitor your results and don’t waste time with exchanges that don’t deliver.
4. Give away a free and awesome lead magnet for your perfect prospect for signing up.
- A free e-book.
- A free cheatsheet.
- A free resource report
- Free software
- Free Resale Rights Products
5. Collect e-mail addresses for follow up with valuable content.
- Automate them with an autoresponder.
- Give away subscriber bonuses, tips and real valuable content.
6. Customize your squeeze page for the traffic exchange you're using.
Have a special message for your visitor which usually gets their attention when surfing–
“Traffic Swarm user bonus….”
"HerculistPlus user bonus..."
7.Monitor your results and don’t waste time with exchanges that don’t deliver.
Use URL trackers, Banner tracking software and other tools to know where your traffic and conversions are coming from. Use split-testing to know what works. Many traffic exchanges provide these tools with your free membership.
8. Only use traffic exchanges that get results.
8. Only use traffic exchanges that get results.
Traffic exchanges will come and go over the years. There are some great traffic exchange platforms that have thrived for decades. Don't use that don't produce results. If most of your traffic is bots, it won't help you generate revenue.
9. Advertise on a number of different exchanges and safelists to ensure a wide range of visitors.
There are many types of traffic exchanges and not all of them will produce the same quality visitors and leads. Some exchanges combine solo advertising, PPC type advertising, text advertising, banner advertising or link promotions. Test Everything.
Evergreen Traffic
Using the rules above may help you see double digit sign up and leads daily. Follow up with email marketing and funnel your subscribers to other marketing assets like your social media or blog.