Forum Marketing for Being Social
With the push in social media these days, it seems like all anyone is talking about is Twitter this and Facebook over here. Don't get me wrong, while these are very effective ways of communicating with an audience, but there are still hundreds of other ways of connecting with a targeted group of like-minded people.
One of those ways is forum marketing. No, forum marketing is not dead. And yes, there are right ways and wrong ways of using forums as marketing platforms.
Marketing Yourself on Forums
Do you notice how some people have post counts in thousands and they are still there, day-in and day-out contributing to the conversations and answering questions...
Why? Because they give and discovered they get something in return.
Here are 7 steps to using forums marketing effectively:
1. Create accounts only at the ones you think you will participate in. It's a waste of time to register on 10 different forums - there aren't enough hours in the day to participate in them all.
2. Fill in all the blanks - if there's a space for your website address, put it there. Facebook and other social networks? Put those in as well. You want other forum members to be able to get in touch with you, in the way that's easiest for them.
3. Put a picture in your profile. People like to see who you are. Forums are about connecting and your smiling face is a great way to put a face with the name. Plus the default gravatars are just plain ugly.
4. Put a link in your signature file. This is a huge benefit to other forums members - if they like and can relate to your response or your comment, a sig link gives them a place to find out more about you. Some forums require a certain number of posts before you can add links, so check and see how much you need to contribute before you get that coveted link.
5. Introduce yourself. Try to find a thread for introductions or new members - if there's not one just put it in the general forum. Say hi; tell them why you're there, what you are doing in your niche. Introductions are a great way to get your name and face out there initially.
6. Before posting all over the place, take some time to get to know how that forum works - is it really well moderated? Is there lots of activity? Are there several sections for posting? If it's an active forum, chances are, you can hop right in and contribute to something. Remember, forum marketing is a technique, not a shortcut!
7. A longer response is better than a short one. This is a secret tip from me - it seems I get more interaction when my response is a longer response than just a simple answer to their question. Definitely answer the question, but include proof or why it works or how you used it successfully as well. Plus, you'll stand out from all the short, one-sentence responders.
Forum marketing is not a do it once and forget it technique. It requires interaction and a genuine desire to help others.
But, combined with other increase website traffic techniques and lots of consistency, you will see a boost in the targeted traffic to your site.
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