"Build it and they will come", has never been so wrong when it comes to websites. You must drive customers to your site, which requires some work and a plan. Here are some good ways to lure visitors to your site.

1. Get Prominent Listings on Search Engines and Web Directories. The key word is "prominent" - you don't want to be at the end of the list because most don't get past page 2. However getting listed is important because it accounts for 70% or more of the visitors to many sites.
   
   
2. Swap, Beg or Buy links from sites your customers might visit. Associations, other companies, friends' sites are great candidates to get linked.
   
   
3. Promote your site everywhere. Put it everywhere you would otherwise put your address and phone number. Put it on letterhead, business cards, invoices, checks. Also include it as part of your e-mail signature.
   
   
4. Press Release Announcements of site. When you launch a site add something interesting, have a promotion or hold an activity so you can generate some press coverage. It is a relatively cheap and quick way of gaining attention.
   
   
5. Pay commissions to affiliates who send traffic/customers to you. Have you been on a website with recommended reading and when you clicked it sent you to Amazon to buy the book... Amazon pays that site for every referral and purchase made. This method is only suitable for companies that are selling online. Check out cj.com or LinkShare.com for more info.
   
   
6. Promote Online through chat groups, message boards and discussion lists. This form of viral marketing spreads information about your site through word-of-mouth. But be careful not to overly use this method it might alienate possible clients.