I've offered freebies; now what?

[Revka]

I'm kind of stuck in my latest venture. I taught myself how to create custom blog images, and, to tell you the truth, I think I'm pretty good at it. I gave away 25 free custom header designs to gain experience, build my portfolio, and receive advertising. After that, I did receive a few orders, but I have not received any in a couple of weeks.

I keep my blog updated with what I think is relevant and helpful information, I've submitted my site to the search engines, I promote it (occasionally) at my other blogs, and I've even held a joint contest with a friend. I saw quite a nice spike in traffic during the contest, but it has since tapered back off.

My question: am I overlooking ways to build traffic and generate income, or am I doing everything, and it's just a matter of time until people realize I'm out there ... somewhere? :)

Your input is greatly appreciated.

[Audrey]

One of the latest crazes are plug boards. Do you have a plug board on your site? If not, create one:

1. it can showcase your work
2. it will get folks to your site

If you're not sure what a plug board is, visit my www.recipe-barn.com site and click on the very bottom link.

The most common plugs are 88x31.

Now, create a plug for you and begin plugging. http://kimikinsplace.com/Plug-Board.php this is a great list of where to plug.

[Revka]

Audrey,
Thank you so much! I had not heard of plug boards, but I reviewed yours, and I think that is a great idea. I'm off to start plugging. :) Thanks a million.

[Audrey]

I wanted to follow up and say, you need to keep doing all of the things you're currently doing while continuing to add more ways to get your name out there.

[Revka]

Thanks, Audrey, for all the advice. That's a great help. :)

[Audrey]

I just saw a grapic design plug on my board, is that you?

One word of advice, make the banner something folks can read and get the word graphic (s) in there so folks know what you do.

Consider putting a plug board on YOUR site. In your rules area, put something about "if you need a custom made graphic, contact XXX".

The Tupperware plug I use is made by Tupperware. The Recipe Barn plugs I use were made by a graphic artist who charges $5 for two banners.

In the super near future I'm wanting a new banner for my recipe site...who do you think I'm going to ask???? So, get a plug board on your site and let fokls know to contact you to have their banners made.

[Revka]

No, Audrey, that wasn't me at your site - yet. I'm working on making my plugs. I did get a plugboard (http://www.designsbyrs.com/plug-your-site/) up at RS Designs. Right now I just have up plugs for two of my other sites. I'm working on figuring out how to design for something that small. It's a lot harder than you would think.

Thanks for the tip about the text to put on the plug. Great advice which I will follow. :) I did think to put an offer to create the graphic for people; I actually got the idea from Kimkin's Place. I, like your graphic artist, thought $2.50 was reasonable but not too cheap, if you know what I mean.

I'll be plugging everywhere as soon as I get my graphic designed to my satisfaction. I'll let you know when I've plugged at your place. :) Hey, stop by mine and put up your plug; I'd be glad to have you there.

[Audrey]

Revka,

I'm going to email you the two banners that were made for me by someone else. I have no idea what it entails. You'll see what I got for my $5.

If you don't receive my email, let me know. I took the email off the website in your signature.