The number one factor for a successful website is a constant stream of targeted traffic to your website. You can have the biggest, flashiest, prettiest website in town…but if you don't have traffic, your chances of earning an income from the website is slim to none.

You've probably heard the old saying, "It takes money to make money." This is true, to a certain extent. However, you don't have to go broke trying to survive in the online world of business.

Because you are a small business, you don't have the big bucks to put up for expensive advertising campaigns. You can invest a bit of sweat equity into your business, though, and get traffic flowing to your website with a little effort.

Here are the five easiest ways to pull in targeted website traffic:

1. Link Exchanges

Back links are one of the best ways to build your PR (page ranking) with the search engines. Link exchanges are fairly simple and easy to manage. First, do a quick search to find several similar, but non-competitive websites, to yours. Send them a quick email, telling them what you like about their website. Then give them a brief description of your site and ask if they would like to exchange links.

2. Traffic Exchange

Traffic exchange is somewhat similar to link exchanges. However, in most cases, traffic exchanges do cost a minor fee. Normally, you exchange website or page views with other people, in an effort to generate traffic. Traffic exchange is popular because, when conducted properly, your website gains greater public visibility.

3. Article Marketing

Article marketing is extremely popular. Also referred to as Bum Marketing, writing and submitting articles is a "friendly" way to attract targeted website traffic. You write articles, including a link to your website in your resource box at the end, then submit them to article directories, ezines, and other websites for free reprint use. Article marketing requires more time and effort on your part, but is considered to be among one of the best free online marketing tools today.

4. Create Your Own Newsletter

While you're busy writing articles to use for article marketing, why not go ahead and start your own newsletter. Another great way to build targeted website traffic is to attract a following. Adding your own newsletter to your website will do just that. You can include tidbits of facts or information about your business, useful tips your customers will love, or free articles. Encourage your subscribers to forward each issue to their friends or colleagues, and your newsletter will take off in no time at all.

5. Online Networking

If you haven't already, do a quick search to find niche-related forums or online communities. Register and get to know people. Post questions and offer suggestions or help to others. As you build your recognition online, you will become a well-known and trusted source. Plus, you can use your signature line in many forums to promote your website. Just be sure when you say something it's worthwhile!

Use these five easy tips to get your website traffic flowing. They're simple, but proven and will bring steady streams of traffic once you begin using them.