The greatest start-up cost and risk is therefore time. It can take months to create an effective web presence. Once your web site is up, it takes many hours to establish worthwhile links. After all, a link is a business relationship that must be developed and maintained. Links to web pages far afield of what your company offers will probably not create good prospects.
Bad prospects ask deflating and time consuming questions.
Free links are worthwhile, especially given the cost. You will want to surf wisely to find and develop strategically useful links for business alliances that add value, credibility and hits. Develop your net sales skills. Answer, sell, post, respond to the plethora of inquiries, provide new free information, create an audience of qualified buyers. Sell and close by providing useful insights and ideas for the cyber-junkie on the other end with a definite need for the fix, the solution you offer.