10 Ways to Succeed With an E-Business

3. Target List: You need to have a plan to generate media attention. It is wise to make a list of local, regional and national newspapers, magazines, online publications and radio and television stations. Once you have sent the releases, call the editors within three to five working days to make sure they received the information and to see whether they have any questions. If there isn't an immediate response, periodically send them brief updates on how your site is doing.

4. Links: Relationships with other sites are also crucial. You want to develop links to other Web sites to drive traffic to your site. Offer site owners a commission of 5% to 15% on sales as an incentive. The amount of commission you offer will be dependent on the gross profit margins of your products. Amazon.com (AMZN Quote) has developed such a successful link program that there are more than 100,000 sites selling books for Amazon, and each owner receives 10% to 15% commissions depending on the volume of business sent to Amazon.

5. Classified Advertisements: Depending on the quality of the product, buying classified advertisements in large daily and national magazines is a cost-effective idea. A client with a children's clothing site is running classified ads in magazines targeted to mothers of children ages two through 10. Classifieds are also good in local newspapers if you are selling a service like magic shows for children or computer repair services. A magician can show photos and videos of his act and a handyman can list all of the various services he offers and a price list for those services.

6.Online Newsletter: Not everyone will understand your business. One way to educate them is to develop a newsletter that provides insight into your industry. First, send it out to everyone on your email list in your computer. Then offer it free to individuals who visit your site. My client can develop a weekly advice column for parents and interview authorities on raising children. She can email this newsletter once a week.