Ask a question about how to use this site. It's that easy. How do I use a particular privacy feature on this site, what suggestions would you recommend on this site, and you can even ask someone if they used it or would like to join you on it. The best way to ask a question like this is to ask with doubt like you would figure something out from just asking the question. Let's say your site you want to promote is Mahalo Answers, you might ask, "Has anyone figured out how to tip someone double on Mahalo Answers if you really like their question?" A common feature or functionality, maybe a little more complex, but I'm sure you get the idea. You've done a good job about it earlier, asking questions about a site being down. Asking someone if a site is functioning correctly, btw is the easiest way to say, I really do have an interest in this site!
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Well, you could do what I did, which is put minor plugs in my profile. Most people really won't be interested in what I'm selling on here, so I don't bother too much. But I'll tell you what I would do if I wanted to plug my site.

I'd ask one of the following questions:
What about this website don't you like? I've put a lot of time and effort into this site and it's not even ready yet, but I want people's opinion on what I should change. Please tell me your honest opinion on how I can make it better. Then put a link to the site, for example, http://bibs.jenjenkids.com

Or:
I'm starting a clothing manufacturing company. Can anyone recommend a good contract manufacturer. I found this one (http://www.painlessapparel.com) but they aren't even located in L.A. Any opinions on this?

The reason I like the second one there is because although you are promoting your site, and some may construe it as spam, you are also asking a good question that has search engine and broad relevance. Sure, you hope that people will click on the link if it's a topic of interest to them. But also, if people provide alternative answers, it creates a good topic with several links and resources for people, which is what Mahalo is all about.

Now, this answer was loaded with my spam, but it's also a legitimate answer.
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Used mahalo service, that is to ask a question and give a nice tip to the best answer. You can ask for mahalo members what do they think about your website, explain the purpose or at least give some details about your website then ask for opinions/suggestions. Give a tip to the one that you think or at least close to being honest opinion you can get.
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I think the best way to not make it appear as spam is to make sure there is a legit reason to bring it up. If the site is useful for an answer link to it within your answer...

If you can think of interesting questions to ask about the site I think that is a viable option as well, so long as every question you ask is not about the site lol
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I think the best answer should be not to put the promotion aim at first.You can try to answer more question carefully,and help those who ask the question by directing them to refer to your site.That is a win-win situation.Good luck!
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1. Be a valued member of the community. (Otherwise, it's always spam.)
2. Include your site in your profile unapologetically.
3. Make your username = a website tie in. (I never knew connectedgeek was a website - how about connectedgeekdotnet?
4. Only ask real questions. Sure, they can be contrived and only asked for promotion. But, unless they're real, everyone will think they're spam. The "improve my site" ones are good suggestions.
5. If you aren't going to use a real question, then make sure it's a very entertaining one. Like, What the heck are these cats doing on connectedgeek.net? http://mahalo.connectedgeek.net/2008/10/03/phases-of-work/
6. Wear a ballcap on your avatar that says "CONNECTEDGEEK.NET", not "Mahalo"!!!! Are you Jason's b*ttboy or what? LOL
Source(s):
I like blabbing, and wanted a chance to use "b*ttboy" in a mahalo post.

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Just don't. Really. There are sites specifically for this, like Squidoo. This site is most valuable when the Q&A is genuine. Every time someone does this, not only is it transparently obvious, but it damages their brand by making them look desperate. Poor spelling and grammar also does that, you should know.

BTW, I already feel like you're spamming the site with inane questions, but that's just my own opinion.
Source(s):
http://squidoo.com

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You need to make sure that when you recommend your web site to someone in your answer that your site will actually be helpful to the person and answer their question.

For example, if you own a bicycle shop, don't answer the question "Is my boyfriend cheating on me?" by saying "go to my bike shop!"

However, if someone says "What is a good bike for rocky terrains?" you could definitely help by answering "here is a link to some great bikes for this purpose!"
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How about this: Please don't.

Seriously. I know people will try, and succeed, to use Answers as a marketing tool. It's just sleazy. There are a billion ways and places to promote your site. It would be fantastic if the marketers left Answers to just users posting actual questions and answers, though. More integrity in the site.

I'm sure this won't be a popular opinion (hell, I expect Jason doesn't agree) but, I don't care. I felt like someone had to say it though. Maybe it's just me. :)
Source(s):
Personal opinion.

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I agree with r3v, with one exception: If your site is the answer to someone else's question.

Plenty of sites/services are created to fill a need. If you want to monitor Answers for people who have that same problem, and post your service as the answer, then that's fine. If you post questions to get other people suggesting your site, or post nonsense questions, then all your doing is wasting peoples time, which is the reason everyone hates spam.
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I think the best and fair would be answering the questions of other people and giving the reference of your website if the asker is looking for the website or service related to your site of business. I dont think you should raise questions of your own and answer them. Its doesnt seem legitimate.
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It has been done before several times here on answers, Moderators let it slip by when users ~tip~ and ask for legitimate advice, for example, "How can I improve website.com"

There is a fine line, but the moderators do their best to remove the spammy websites that are a disservice and burden on the budding community here. Just use your best judgment.
Source(s):
I'm an Answers moderator
http://mahalo.com/answers/search?q=improve

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First, look at what's popular in Mahalo Answers for your website's topic. Then write plenty of information (articles) on your site regarding this topic. Then go answer other peoples questions with a source link, leading to a relevant page on your site.
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Create an Aura About your website on mahalo answers.Throw in your review on the subject however Techie or obscure it might be,make it a paragraph in length.Cite your authoritative site (Which In This Case,Is The Site You Are Promoting) under your sources and hope it goes viral.
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The link in your profile..
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Come back in a year, earliest to even think about it. The amount of content currently will not be enough for you to add useful information without spamming.

In case of spamming, the regulars and moderators recognize this very fast and make sure to mark you as spammer through the report link. Leave it alone until it hits critical mass for your topic and then add answers with additional, valuable information on your site and you will be happy to see that people can see your link.

Besides, you did see that links are done as nofollow?
Nicole
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