Advertising an internet dating site can both fun and frustrating. Its fun to hang out at the places where you will advertise the site. It can be frustrating when your site doesn’t gain traction against the mainstream competitors.

Specializing is a way to improve your chances of success. Everybody knows that eBay is the most popular (and profitable) auction site. I actually purchased an item from there today. But, there are auction site owners who do well by specializing. An STD dating site is a good idea. People flock to the mainstream sites. The members of these sites don’t know how or when to disclose the fact that they have an STD.

So, let’s get down to the advertising. First you should hit all of the expected places. Make the internet search providers your first stop. I’ve researched that many people search for dating, and socials using STDs as keywords. The next obvious place is your city/alternative (usually free) paper. There’s a reason that many chat lines and dating sites advertise there. Don’t forget the bars, pubs, lounges and clubs. You may be able to pay the owner to allow you to place coasters, napkins, match books or other collateral inside the establishments. Your web address has to be one that is easily remembered. People may be embarrassed if others see them taking your collateral or writing your website down.

You should also consider various social sites. Places such as Facebook and MySpace have millions of users. They allow you to advertise and still don’t have prominent dating sections to their sites. Even a site such as BlackPlanet that has its own dating section can be an excellent source of clients. BlackPlanet’s dating section doesn’t ask about STDs. So again an user may not know when to disclose that information.

Other places to you may not have thought about include the clinics, doctors offices, pharmacies, support groups and other places that work with those who have STDs. Meet with the person who runs the establishment. Allow them to look at your site to see if they approve and have any suggestions. Then talk to them about leaving some of your advertising collateral. To get them onboard your site will probably need to be informational and tactful. Include information on the effect of STDs, how they’re spread and so on.

Bottom line, to promote an STD dating site you need to be energetic, creative and tasteful.