Internet Traffic Techniques...?

[allen]

I have an affiliate website that I have been working on. I am wanting to get traffic to the site. I have signed up for many social networks and I post things regularly to those, well over 50 social networks already. Youtube as well... I also have advertised for my site on forums and signed up with many other sites on the web so I could have the site listed on those other websites, just for some search engine optimization.
I have heard paying companies for traffic is a waste of money and time. Is there anything that I could do for a little extra help? Any website in particular or any tricks that someone might know to get a little more traffic to a website?
Right now, I am a bit of a novice on getting traffic, so any help would be great. Even if it is something that most people do, perhaps I have not, so please tell me what ever your thoughts are. I am hoping that someone with experience might read this, and have some good pointers for me as well. Thanks!