7 Keys To Successful Forum Marketing - page 3

by Marige OBrien, 2/27/2006

3. Choose forums that allow sig tags. If it's possible read the rules before joining and pay close attention to them. Your time is important, too. It is better to discover if a forum does not allow posts of any kind prior to joining.

YOUR FIRST DAY 4. Read and follow the rules. Every forum is different. Some allow links only to your own website. Others only allow a certain number of links. One forum allows no more than five lines in a sig file, for instance. Beyond .sig files, respect all the rules and be a model member. Complaints will also give you a bad reputation, whether you're aware of it or not.

5. Keep your signature tag short and update it regularly. Ideally, limit yourself to one link, preferrably to your main website. It presents a much more professional appearance and is less offensive to members and the moderators.

6. NEVER, EVER create posts that are nothing more than an advertisement. This is an all-but universal rule and only displays the marketers lack of experience. At best, the post will soon be edited, and, if left on the forum (although an author can always delete their own posts), will only serve to hurt the marketer's reputation. At worst, it could be grounds for being banned.

Some forums have a special Advertisement Section, an area where all members can post ads, though they are usually limited to no more than one per day.

If no such section exists, after being a member for at least a few weeks, a marketer can send a Private Message (PM) to the moderator(s) and politely suggest that an advertising section be added.

Point out that this would mollify any members from putting links in their .sig files, while allowing them a place to post their link. And, too, the advertising could become a service, since it would at the members' discretion to view them. Of course, they may refuse, but at least you made the attempt.

7. Work the (for)room. That is, be an active member on the forum. Plan to spend at least an hour each day there and take the time to get to know the issues and other members. Depending on the forum's topic, both new and experienced marketers can introduce themselves well with intelligent questions.

As a marketer becomes a regular member, they will develop a (hopefully) good reputation and, without saying a word about their promotion, those interested in their product or promotion will approach THEM.--mo

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About the author

Marige O'Brien works as a writer, web designer and Internet Marketer. Visit her Website, Tracker Mo's Den for her latest recommendations in i-marketing tools and biz opps. NEW-- RSS Feeds to Articles and blogs, Plus A Special offer to new TCC Sign-ups.

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