Blake Schwendiman's Blog and Blook

This is day 7 in my series: New ways of driving traffic to your site or blog. [Read Day 1]

Possibly the greatest advantage of using a Google Module to drive traffic to your website is that the marketing is already done for you. Once you have tested your module and you're happy that it's working, simply submit it to be considered for inclusion in the directory. Once approved, you'll see an immediate increase in your web site traffic and if your module is one that will convert users into customers, you'll see that effect right away also. Pageflakes and Windows Live both have their own submission process which works essentially the same way.

Also, you can list your module at googlemodules.com. This is an open listing site for all Google modules. There is no approval process. This can be a good way to get some initial interest for your module before the Google approval occurs.

You should obviously mention your module or gadget on your blog, your personal web site and wherever else you frequently visit (obviously don't spam -- I'll be watching). You can create a Squidoo lens for your module or for the subject surrounding your module like I did.

Most important though is that your module should reference back to your site or blog or whatever you are trying to support (and to your other modules if appropriate). It should provide links that allow users to make suggestions, give feedback and you should be prepared to make updates based on those suggestions and feedback. Like anything else on the web, you're potentially building a community when you release a module, so make sure that you're committed to it and are ready to spend some time with it.