Traffic Exchange Sites

Traffic exchange sites are, what they imply, sites where you exchange traffic with other users. For example, on sites with a 1:1 ratio exchange, you surf a random site and earn 1 credit for it. That credit is then turned into a visit to a site of your choice to promote. If a site promises 2:1 ratio, for example, then it means that you must visit two random sites to get one credit/visit for your site from a random user. Every traffic exchange is different, and even if their ratio is low (such as 3:1), it does not mean it's entirely a bad thing. They may have other benefits for you, such as more prizes, bonus credits, or even paying you more real cash (if they pay).

There are two types of traffic exchange sites:

Manual Traffic Exchange Sites

With these type of traffic exchange, you do the surfing manually. When the timer runs out to indicate that you may proceed to the next member site to get credit, you must do the clicking to yourself. On some you have to click on a matching number. On others you must click on the same picture, do a math problem, click a color -- or a combination.

Auto Traffic Exchange Sites

With these types of traffic exchange, the surfing is automatic. When the timer runs out, the browser is redirected to another member site without your concent. There's no clicking involved.

The Real Difference...

With manual exchange, since you have to do the clicking to surf, you're actually paying a lot more attention to the surfing. Therefore, the other members will pay more attention to your promotions as well. As for auto exchange, you may leave the browser on and do other things, which defeats the purpose of promoting since the other members may do the same thing as you. That is why manual exchange is favored by. But if you want to increase your traffic for other reasons, then auto exchange is the way to go.

Word of Caution

Most ad agencies (such as Google Adsense and Bidvertiser) do not approve of traffic exchanges. If you promote a site with advertisements, you risk your publisher account. If you want to promote sites with ads, try safe lists.