Members join a traffic exchange to get their site seen by other members. In return, they view other members’ sites or purchase credits.

How does it work?

1. You join a traffic exchange. I recommend that you join only free ones as I have tested ones that ask you to pay up front and these exchanges don’t have as many members.
2. You add your sites in the member’s area. You are usually limited to adding between 2-5, unless you upgrade your account to a paid membership.
3. To get your site seen in the traffic exchange, you must “surf” for credits or purchase credits. Surfing means that you view other members’ sites for a time period and then click on an icon or button that moves you to the next member’s site. Traffic exchanges make money by taking a certain percentage of your every click and making it available for purchase. Hence, most sites give you a surf ratio of 2:1 or 3:1, which means that for every 2 or 3 sites you view, you get 1 credit. The surf ratio varies per site and some sites also give you bonus credits while surfing, which could make the surf ratio better than stated. I personally look for 2:1 or even 1:1 sites, but occasionally use sites with 3:1 as long as they offer lots of bonus credits.
4. You can also promote your site in the traffic exchange by adding your banner, which is seen in the surf bar or in the member’s area and home page. You get the banners seen by converting your surfing credits to banner impressions. Each site varies, but usually 1 credit equals 20-25 banner impressions.
5. Another way to promote your site is by text links, which a lot of traffic exchanges have. Similarly to banners, you get your text links seen by converting your surfing credits to text link impressions.

How do you make money with traffic exchanges?

• The purpose of a traffic exchange is to get traffic to your site. Hopefully, your site is set up to convert customers once they get to your site.
• Another way to make money with traffic exchanges is to look for traffic exchanges that offer commissions. When you promote these exchanges, you can earn money when your referral upgrades or purchases credits.

What is the best way of promoting your site on traffic exchanges?

• Most people agree that splash pages are the best way to promote on traffic exchanges. Since sites are shown for just a few seconds, you must capture the attention of the viewer with great graphics and a simple statement. Splash pages that have a lead capture is even better. If the viewer is interested, they simply fill in their email and you can contact them later.