No cost. Free. There are no words sweeter to the ear of a business owner. Usually they don't even care if the product or service works. It didn't involve opening their wallet.

Most of us subscribe to the no free lunch theory. But in the case of website promotion, there is at least one step you can take that will bring you new visitors--free.

Start writing. Get to your computer keyboard and start writing about that which pertains to your business. Write about the practical. Write about the theoretical. Just write what you think your audience would like to know. If you're not sure, ask them. They'll be happy to be your adviser.

When writing your articles, provide good information. This isn't a forum to be a two-bit huckster and sell your online wares. This is a place to help others--to provide them advice they can use.

After you've polished your written communique, post it. Start a blog, send an ezine and above all else, submit it to a dozen or so free article marketing services. By posting, your name and website address will spread across the Internet in a true viral fashion. Others will publish your words in their newsletters, blogs, websites and other materials. Exposure multiplies. Interested surfers will come to your website from the four corners of the web.

Most things in life aren't free. When it comes to website promotion, though, some well-written articles, shared with a massive online audience, is some of the best advertising money can't buy.

Brian Grinonneau is the general manager of McMann & Tate Advertising an agency that insists its clients tell their story like it has never been told before.