There are many large link exchange groups on the Internet. They were spawned based upon the need for cross-linking sites. Why? The search engines used to make the assumption "the more links pointed at your site, the more popular your site". "Used to" is the operative word here. The search engines can now tell if you are linked to these large linking farms and discount your website because of it. So, back to the "old" way of link sharing.Think of your product. Let's say your product is vintage dolls. Go to your search engine of choice (I prefer Google) and type in "vintage dolls". Now start to go through every website listed. Find those sites which complement your product but don't compete with your product.
In our example, you would look for websites that focus on display cases for dolls, vintage clothing for dolls, or furniture for dolls. On every one of those websites, find their contact information. Now, send them an email. Your offer? To place a link from your website to theirs if they will do the same for you. Give them your website address so they can check it out.For every one that responds, add their link to your site, as they have for you. At the very least, this might generate a targeted customer to your website. It will also help your search engine popularity ranking.If you are starting out on a shoe string, try these cheap and easy methods first. As you begin to make money, take some of the profit and invest it in higher order marketing like website optimization efforts, online advertising, and email campaigns. Ready? Good!