Consider giving things away for free on your website.

As Scooby Doo might say, “Hrmph? Ruh roh, Raggy.”

While this may seem counterintuitive at first, it makes perfect sense once you stop and dissect it. In the information age, people have come to expect certain things online to be free (and rightly so). If your long term goal is to build an audience, the best way to do so is to offer value. Give your readers a reason to come back. Show them that you care and they will reciprocate in return. Offer some incentives for free (trackers, spreadsheets, advice via blogs, etc.) and you will create a fanbase that will grow to trust you. People buy from those they like and trust.

Take a page out of Dan Miller’s book and give it a try. You’ll inadvertantly develop raving fans who will do all your marketing for you. Besides, it feels good to give.