Ah, the internet. It's such a modern marvel, so technologically advanced that it's changed the way most of the population on the planet live and go about their lives. It really is an incredible innovation. When you're looking for ways to increase the traffic to your website, however, it may benefit you to step backward in time and try a few methods that are decidedly 'Old School'.

Concepts from decades, even centuries past can actually help you increase your online traffic. It may sound strange at first, but let's take a look at a couple ideas from the past that can benefit you in the present and future:

The Barter System

That's right, bartering; exchanging one item for another so that both parties feel they have benefited from the exchange. This system of commerce traced back hundreds upon hundreds of years and is quite simple. How does this apply to he online world though? You aren't trading chickens for goats, or sheep for a horse.

If you apply it to a situation in which you are trying to drive traffic to your web page there are actually a few options to consider. Trading links between closely related websites is a great way to increase your exposure while doing the same for another site. Keep it reasonable and don't start trying to trade with unrelated pages to the point of coming across as a spammer. Stick to related pages and you'll benefit with not only increased traffic, but by also becoming part of a larger community.

Also available are options to trade banner ads, half page ads, or classified ads. This is another great way to increase exposure without spending money on advertising. Exchange your ads with ads from similar pages or websites and everyone wins.

The Printed Word

Paper; the once undisputed king of communication and advertisement. Don't make the mistake of looking at advertisements in print as being outdated and obsolete. Remember, there are still plenty of people out there who aren't constantly connected to the internet and will only go online when they need, or are searching for something in particular.

Have you considered the phone book? Everyone residence has one. How about business cards, magazines, brochures, flyers, and newspaper ads? You could post a small classified ad for very little and suddenly reach the entire circulation of your local, or even nation newspaper.

Most of the options will cost you something, but chances are it's worth the investment to increase the traffic to your website. Not just traffic, but quality traffic as you're reaching real people in the real world and giving them a reason to visit your page.

So there you have it; if you take a step backwards technologically you may be able to leap forward online when it comes to the volume of traffic directed toward your web page or website!