Traffic Exchange Basics
Okay, for some this might seem redundant and unnecessary. However you must remember that not all are familiar with or even know what a traffic exchange is. First time I joined one, I didn’t know what it was or how to use it either. So please bear with me here. 
Basic description: A traffic exchange is a membership site where all members agree to view each others sites. In return for viewing others sites, your sites will also be seen by other members. Hence the word exchange.
Now without getting into all the detail most are free to join, some require payment to join. Even free traffic exchanges have upgraded options for more benefits, i.e. higher surf ratios, credits bonuses, higher commissions, referral bonuses etc.
But I digress, that is too much info too quickly. Lets stick with the basics.
You join a traffic exchange, confirm your membership, add your website in the appropriate place, confirm you’ve entered it correctly and made sure it meets the terms of use.
Not all exchanges are the same but basics are. My suggestion would be to familiarize yourself with first the terms of service, the frequently asked question section and if tutorial videos are supplied, view them.
After those steps, be sure your site is entered correctly, verified, and taken off hold, i.e. ready for rotation.
Next step would be to begin your surfing. Find the surf link after logging in, click it. Many exchanges have images you will need to match to view the next page. Click the appropriate image to move forward to the next site.
Now you have begun your advertising by creating credits for each site you view. Most exchanges require a minimum amount of surfing to activate your account. Soaring4Traffic requires 5 sites only to activate.
For each site viewed, you accumulate credits. The more you view the more credits you gain. Each credit is normally worth one view of your site by others. Ratios vary of how many credits you receive for each site viewed by you.
In other words, joining a traffic exchange, entering your site only will not get your site seen. Some effort is required on your part. Credits are needed for your site to be seen.
Credits are most economically received by surfing the exchange, viewing other members sites. That’s the beauty of a traffic exchange, your site will be seen at no cost but time on your part spent surfing. Simple math, surf more to have your site seen more!
Of course you can also purchase credits for more exposure, upgrade for more benefits, but that is a choice only you can make.
My whole point is that you first understand what a traffic exchange is. Hopefully understanding the basics will then allow you to familiarize yourself with how each individual exchange operates and how the service best benefits you.
Much more to learn after understanding the basics to achieve results but that’s for more intense discussions. Know and understand the basics first!
Please, never feel embarrassed to ask questions if you don’t fully understand. You are not alone, everyone that uses traffic exchanges started somewhere without knowing the first thing about them.
If memory serves me right, think the first exchange was created approximately 10 years ago, so as an industry still very young. Way before my online experience began…lol
Traffic exchanges are one of the best ways to get your site, opportunity, business seen online. Direct views by others without waiting for some search engine to find you.
With that said, login to your Soaring4Traffic account now, start surfing to build advertising credits.
Comments always Welcome!
Ray White - Owner/Admin
Soaring4Traffic.com
ProClickExchange.com
January 16th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
Great post Ray!
Just wanted to add that you can earn traffic credits from most traffic exchanges for “referring others” to the exchange. Not to mention…with some exchanges you earn credits from your referrals when they surf…. so the more people surfin’ the merrier!
Happy Surfin’ Everyone
January 17th, 2008 at 1:37 am
Thanks Ray,
Even the “not-so-newbies” sometimes need to be reminded about certain basics. With one of the latest T/E’s I joined I only relised after a couple of surfs that I did not post my ads.
Keep it up with Soaring Traffic.
January 17th, 2008 at 1:43 am
OK - now I think I am getting it. I was wondering what benefit there was to constantly surfing.
Thanks …
R
January 17th, 2008 at 1:46 am
Yes, wonderful post, Ray!
This is just the sort of thing I needed to send to a new downline member in my primary business, who is brand new to internet marketing. This explains clearly and simply how Traffic Exchanges work. Will be emailing it to him shortly!
Thank you!
January 17th, 2008 at 2:48 am
Great post Ray.
One of the categories on our website is to do with Traffic Exchanges and your article is one of the best I have seen to explain how to get something from an Exchange.
If it is ok with you I will write a post and trackback to your article.
CJ
January 17th, 2008 at 9:03 am
Thank you for the basics, as a newbie, I am a bit overwhelmed with soo much stuff to learn and do. I started an online business to grow it to a point where I can work from home. Now I can start to see a little, how I need to focus some of my efforts. I started deleting more and more of the “YOU JUST HAVE TO BUY THIS PROGRAM” e-mails, and have kept my basic business, and Soaring4Traffic, because I appreciate your honest advice and straight forwardness. looking forward to building a world where we help each other move forward and lift each other up.
Chris Downs
January 17th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Nice post Ray. Surfing certainly does bring more exposure and traffic. It is interesting that internet marketing is still a young industry and so is traffic exchanges. Exciting times ahead! I like the way you run Soaring4Traffic. Keep up the good work.