OPTIMIZE & GET LISTED: First and foremost is to optimize your website for the search engines and then list it with them. I suggest that you read three of my articles, Boost Ranking, Effective Keywords, and Visitor Trust, which provide some great tips for optimizing your site prior to submitting it to the search engines. You should also make use of the free Online Site Promotion Tools listed on this page.
exchange links join link exchange programsEXCHANGE LINKS: Getting other sites to link to you increases your "Site Popularity" in the eyes of the search engines and may just be the one most significant factor that will affect your search engine ranking. Create a Link Partners page at your site and offer to exchange links with others. Join an online link exchange program, such as the ever popular LinkPartners.com.
volunteer your expertiseVOLUNTEER: Join an internet help board to help others in your area of expertise. This will be a prime opportunity for you to refer others to your site for more info and to gain exposure for your website. Here's a great Help Board that's free to join. I (under the username, Bubbels) am currently ranked one of the top 10 experts in "Java and Web Development" there!
NEWSLETTER: Publish an e-newsletter and be sure to put a subscribe link on every page of your site. Send an issue out at least once a month using "More Info" links at the end of every article. The links should direct the reader to pages at your site where they can find more information on that subject. A great resource for managing a Free Mailing List or Newsletter is Bravenet.
ADDURL / FFA: Do a search on the net using the terms "add url" and "ffa" or "free for all" to find pages where you can add your site's link free.
networkNETWORK: Post on message boards around the net. Put a link to your website in your signature and post it whenever an opportunity arises.
email signatureEMAIL SIGNATURE: Put a link to your website in the default signature for your email account.
linkable graphics award seal emblemGIVE AWAY LINKABLE GRAPHICS: Start a program at your site whereby you give out a graphic that links to your site. Examples would be an award, seal of approval, safe site seal, or member emblem.
bookmark add to favorites codeBOOKMARK: Be sure to provide a "bookmark us" button, link, or reminder on your site to get repeat visits. Grab the free code for this.
reputation management