Traffic Exchanges - What They Are & How to Use Them

These critters exist to allow people to show their programs and offers to hundreds and thousands of people for little to no money.


Most traffic exchanges are free to join, and will offer you upgrade packages (usually every time you sign in!). They are a great way to get tons of traffic to a single site in near record time.


You earn advertising credits by visiting sites for a few seconds at a time (called “surfing”), and clicking an icon once the timer has run out, in order to show the next site. Normally for free members, you must view 1 – 4 sites for a traffic “credit.” These credits can be exchanged for “views” of your site (splash page), text link or banner. Rarely, you might be able to get a free email ad.


Most sites have pages that explain how much time free members must view ads, but there are no traffic exchanges that I know of that tell you how many you must view to stay listed as an active member. Your goal is to get your ad into the mix, so that others are also seeing it.


All exchanges work on “views” - how many times your ad was shown, and record “hits” - how many times someone clicked on your link.


The problem with traffic exchanges is that, while they send TONS of traffic (which can boost your search engine rank), it is rare that anyone actually takes advantage of your offer. Unless, that is, your offer is based on another traffic exchange or safelist service that they are not yet a member of.


I have made some money showing offers on these exchanges, but more money is to be made by sending people TO the exchanges. I am a member of a couple different programs that seem to do quite well on these sites – especially for newbies.


Most times, referrals are worth more free advertising credits as well as normally a dollar or so each. Of course, upgraded members are worth more, and more still if you have upgraded yourself, as you'll get a bigger percentage.


The main benefit to traffic exchanges are that they send so much FREE traffic to whatever link you are promoting.


If you have a blog or site that is in the “make money” field, or you are a member of a lot of exchanges, this is the place to go for traffic for those programs.


Other programs that do well on traffic exchanges are those that are super simple and easy to implement, with a promise of immediate pay outs – or at least fast pay outs. “Matrix” type programs are also great to advertise at these sites – if the number of ads is any indication.


I must confess – traffic exchanges are addictive. I absolutely love surfing some of the ones I belong to – and spend a lot of time doing so when I have unlimited internet. I am also a member of a particular site which allows bonus credits for surfing 4 – 6 of my top sites at the same time.


If you have the time to surf 100 or so pages at a time, these sites offer a lot of perks, but not overly many sign ups. I would suggest joining 4 or 5 of the top exchanges to get a feel for what its like to work with them, and then if you want to join more – that's fine. I am currently a member of more than 20, but I have my core 3 or 4 that I just love to work with – and that send the most reliable traffic to my links.


Fair word of warning – DO NOT spend a lot of time with this when you are just starting out!!! There are other free forms of advertising you should concentrate on first. Once those ads are in place, then spend some time surfing the traffic exchanges for the boost to your numbers and site visits.


Of course, as with my other posts, I would be ecstatic if you intend to join a few sites, to consider some of my top programs as your first ones.

So you know, just like with the safelists, you get a referral link as a part of your membership when you sign up to any traffic exchange. You (and I) will receive commissions and credits for every referral sent to the exchange through your personal link.


Traffic Splash - My absolute favorite! I was an upgraded member at this exchange for a while, and I intend to go back. They give high quality traffic, are fun to surf and offer lots of contests, rewards and bonus pages!

Fast Easy Traffic - Another of my top programs. Super fast surf times but you have to really watch for those bonus pages


Tezak Traffic Power - Nice site, with a nice upgrade, but I haven't taken advantage of it yet.


Dragon Surf - Another favorite, and I should note that these four sites allow you to earn bonus credits (see TE Command Post below). I loved the site before, but now they've upgraded their service and site, and its even better!! Nice upgrade here, too, but again, I have not taken advantage.

Traffic Bunnies - I have to say... I am loyal to this site for several reasons, not the least of which is that this is the very first traffic exchange I joined. Its a simple program - great to get your feet wet with! They are responsible for first commissions on several offers I have promoted, and have been really good to me. Conversions on their solo mailings are excellent! They offer a bonus page for every so many pages surfed, and there is a counter on the top right of the site that shows how far until your next bonus! I LOVE Traffic Bunnies!!!


If you join all of the above sites, you will also want to join the one below. TE Command post offers what they call "Commando Surf" where you get bonus credits for surfing  the first four programs listed above at the same time. It will log you in and keep track of your credits.

TE Command Post also offers other benefits... Be sure to click on all the nifty ways they can help you earn credits and make money!

TE Command Post

I'll be reviewing each exchange individually in a bit, but since these are my best-of-the-best programs, I figured I'd list them here to get you started.

As always, be sure to check the blog often! I'll be adding more of these programs in the future!

And be sure to leave a comment below if you would like to see me review a favorite site of your's or have any hints or tips!

GrannySue