This applies to both recreational website promotion and business/corporate website promotion - 2 major types of marketing are used by most people: Strategic - A marketing plan or 'strategy' is put in place detailing how/what/where/when a person will market their site/business. By far a more professional approach to marketing, Strategic Marketing is traditionally used by businesses however many recreational websites now use these methods and the principals instilled to promote themselves. Impulsive - Generally waiting for marketing opportunities to come along, as they always do. Opportunities often present themselves to both businesses and recreational websites alike, these can be having a banner placed in a prominent place on a popular website that doesn't usually allow banner ads, getting a mention in a popular blog or podcast etc. These are viable marketing methods, however these opportunities usually cannot be planned in advance and are therefore taken up by the webmaster on impulse. Now for my own views on marketing: Personally I believe a good mix between these two marketing methods is essential, however also applying your own unique style and flair to all situations is neccessary. These two methods are quite probably the most popular and widely used methods of marketing; many more methods exist and are quite successful at producing good results. As a business or individual website you need to find your feet and decide what is the best way to market your website/business based on the sector you are operating in. When securing opportunities to market your website do not be afraid to 'haggle' or negotiate a deal that suits you; you may not get exactly what you want but you may also get a better deal. Never spend more money on marketing than you really have to!! Keeping on about money - As a business or individual you have to learn to exhaust all viable free/cheap methods of marketing BEFORE moving into large marketing and advertising ventures; A small site for example does not need advertising on TV, for obvious reasons. Equally though you must not be at all reserved about pushing the boundaries, trying new things and perhaps looking to bigger/better methods with regards to marketing. When you set a budget for your marketing you must ensure you keep to this, throwing money at a business or individual website is often not an effective way to make it succeed. Passion, skill, perserverance and general guts are much more usrful in marketing your business than just throwing money at it! Never be afraid to learn from someone elses examples, if they've succeeded then you should hold them in high reverance. Don't copy them by all means but do look at what they have done, how they have done it and strive to achieve your goals using a mixture of your own methods and theirs. Don't be afraid to talk to people or ask them questions either, perhaps not publically but via Email or IM or face to face if you can. All of the above said though Marketing is only a small part of your business - Sales Techniques, Product Development, Product Placement, Customer Services, Public Relations - All extremely important too. All of the above said marketing and advertising is only a small part of your website - You must remember that unqiue parts of your website and constant innovation will allow you to succeed against other websites, constantly changing and developing your website to be the best it can be is a good idea... Equally continuity and stability are needed; periods where you aren't working on the website and adding bits and pieces to it! Article copyright Richard Myers for Audentio.com & hertzweb.net