Promotion Techniques?

[sustainedhits]

I have been running a hosting company since early 2000. We have a pretty decent userbase on the local market and I am looking to really branch out.

I understand that paying for targeted hits will get you no where.

I am running a google adsense campaign.

But I was wondering if anyone good shed some light on some other echniques I might be missing...

The site is in my signature. As you can tell I also do major design work.

I created a flash banner and I relaize its a bit long ... Going to size it down but tell me what you think..

http://sustainedhits.com/flash/Ad1.html

But first and foremost... Whats my best chance for quality advertising...

[Chicken]

Welcome to HHO! The person would have clicked on the next page by the time that banner loaded, and even when it does load, there's absolutely no reason for them to wait and watch it. Overall a good example of a banner that would be completely ineffective.

This isn't to be mean or nasty, it's nice flash work, but it just won't do what you want it to do.

[sustainedhits]

I know the banenr was no good I was just trying to use my flash skills... and like i went way over board hahaha..

But thanks for the insight..

You have any promotion tips for me ?

[Chicken]

I have been running a hosting company since early 2000. We have a pretty decent userbase on the local market and I am looking to really branch out.
Honestly I'd focus on expanding your local userbase. If you want to extend your reach and go global, encourage your current users to recommend you to friends and family (which will broaden your base and hopefully lead expansion beyond the local area).

[sneg]

banner adds just not that effective anymore no matter flash or any other add is. People just ignore them and don't even notice on the page. not mention adds kill software that now kills almost 100%.