The term “viral marketing” may sound like an awful thing, but it’s an efficient way to get others to pass on your marketing message. This creates the potential for exponential growth. We’ve outlined some methods for you to consider.

1. Start an email newsletter for visitors. Their contact information can be used for future marketing via those newsletters and other targeted email.

2. Use the double-opt-in method to capture qualified targeted leads. Double opt-in means that new subscribers must confirm their subscription. It reduces the numbers of bounced email messages.

3. Draw people to your web site with a freebie offer (free report, e-book, etc.), in order to capture their name, email address, and perhaps their phone number as well. Then direct them to your home page with a link. Behind the scenes, set up your auto responder to send them follow-up emails automatically, re-introducing yourself and your business offer. In general, people will see your offer at least 7 times before they decide to buy.

4. Write an informational article about a topic related to your business and post it on your web site. Include an "About the Author" resource box at the bottom of the article with your name, company, telephone number, address, web site link, and your permission to re-print and use your article, as long as your resource box remains intact. Submit the article to web sites catering to your target audiences. Your web site traffic could increase substantially.

5. Include a "Refer a Friend" section on your web site and add a hyperlink to this in your newsletter. This gives your visitors and subscribers an opportunity to share your URL with others.

6. Start an affiliate program, and promote it on your web site or e-newsletter. With affiliate programs, you recruit a potentially global sales force that can easily promote your products or services. Your affiliates send you paying customers and you cut them commission checks. It’s that simple.