HN Theater @HNTheaterMonth

Borrow other people's traffic. Specifically, guest blog everywhere you can, and set up an affiliate program. If you don't want a public affiliate program, that's fine - only open it to certain referrers. For instance, give bloggers with large audiences who you'd like to target a discount code they can share with their readers.

Email/tweet at Smashing Magazine - they're nice folks and I bet they'd mention this, even if just in a tweet.

Edit: I see now that you have been guest blogging. Do it more! It's not just about the traffic you see in the next day - it's also a long term link-building strategy.

Also, don't get down about "only" 5.5k uniques. That means FIVE AND A HALF THOUSAND HUMANS were interested enough to visit your site! Go watch Gary Vaynerchuk's talk at RailsConf 2010: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QWHkcCP3tA

He talks a lot about caring about your customers/audience/whoever (or, as he puts it, "giving a fuck"). Maybe you could put in some sort of "Not totally convinced? Enter your email here to learn more from the founder" mechanism, and then personally email those people, get to know them, and convince them to buy (if it's a good fit). Sure, that's not scaleable, but why not do it right now while your traffic is "low"?

Loved his talk at RailsConf. Was a longtime fan of his show and he seemed like a real genuine dude. Great off the cuff too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QWHkcCP3tA&feature=playe...

Just read his book cover to cover, its only 130 pages, he has motivated me to get off my ass and do something. It is really easy to fall into the typical social conventions and not do something because "I don't feel like it". Check out a great talk on creating for the long term at RAILSCONF: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QWHkcCP3tA&feature=playe...

⬐ dirtyaura

Everybody, seriously, watch that video. Awesome. A lot of wisdom about creating community (or "caring about people who care about the shit you do").

⬐ peripitea

I'm embarrassed to say that I almost closed the window after a few minutes because his accent/demeanor made him come off as a bit of a douchebag. Now I'm really enjoying it.

⬐ wmblaettler

I highly recommend watching. If you are unfamiliar or put off by Gary V's demeanor, give him a chance. His character is part of why his wine review show is so successful. He is a successful, tenacious entrepreneur. His thoughts presented here are valid and insightful.

FYI, there is some coarse language though.

⬐ mrduncan

For those who haven't seen a talk by Gary V before, be prepared for plenty of cursing.

Also, he can be a little off-putting at first - give it a chance, you'll be glad you did.

⬐ callmeed

I was there. Enjoyed the talk.

⬐ None

None

⬐ zalew

Had no idea who this is, now I know he's awesome. And a great speaker. I love when someone is himself, curses in every sentence not giving a damn, while still bombing you with more inspiring stuff than many of those guys who try too hard designing the perfect speech.

Lots of great thoughts there. I didn't know that there are such talks on Railsconf.