Creating Web Sites: The Missing Manual

Chapter 11. Attracting Visitors

Over the past ten chapters, you’ve polished your Web designing mettle and learned how to build a variety of sleek pages. Now it’s time to shift to an entirely different role, and become a Web site promoter.

The best Web site in the world won’t do you much good if it’s sitting out there all by its lonesome self. In order for your site to flourish, you need to find the best way to attract visitors—and keep them flocking back for more. In this chapter, you’ll learn some valuable tricks for promoting your site. You’ll also see how search engines work, how to make sure they regularly index your site, and how to work your way up the rankings. Before you know it you’ll be more popular than chocolate ice cream.

Your Web Site Promotion Plan

Before you plunge into the world of Web site promotion, you need a plan. So grab a pencil and plenty of paper, and get read to jot down your ideas for global Web site domination (fiendish cackling is optional).

Although all Webmasters have their own tactics, it’s generally agreed that the best way to market a Web site is to follow these steps:

1. Build a truly great Web site.

   If you start promoting your Web site before there’s anything to see, you’re wasting your effort (and probably burning a few bridges). Nothing says “never come back” like an empty Web site with an “under construction” message.

2. See step 1.

   If in doubt, polish and perfect your Web site! Fancy graphics aren’t the key concern here—the most important detail is whether ...