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 Forum marketing has recently been
touted as a type of free, organic marketing. But because
many marketers go into forums purely with the intention of
marketing, their actions and attitude unwittingly causes
exactly the opposite to its desired effect.
Forums, after all, are not marketplaces. But when used as
such, the marketers' actions become offensive and will
only inspire the wrath of fellow members and marketers,
not to mention the moderators.
Before a marketer can effectively market on forums, they
must first understand that this type of marketing -- in
order to be effective -- carries a certain degree of
commitment, responsibility and respect.
To successfully market on any forum, the first requirement
is to take a personal interest in the main topic of the
forum. Not only does that mean visiting it regularly, but
also developing a good relationship with both other
members and the moderators, as well as taking an active
interest in helping others. And, of course, it means
abiding by any and all rules that exist. By doing this,
one develops a reputation and, since it is human nature to
work with a trusted colleague, business will naturally
develop from this.
Because this type of marketing has already suffered some
abuse, many forums have recently (and rightfully)
developed stringent rules designed to protect their
members from abusive or overly-aggressive marketing
tactics. One forum, for instance, grants .sig files only
after a member has created 100 valid posts; another has
disallowed ads in sig files altogether.
Marketers must respect that the purpose of a forum is to
be a platform to exchange ideas on a given topic, NOT
merely to advertise their wares. And, contrary to what
might be thought, this is especially true in marketing
forums, where EVERYONE has something to advertise. But by
focusing on the topic and posting responsible questions
and answers, a marketer's reputation will grow. From this,
the potential sales/sign-ups will naturally follow.
Also, there are different types of forums, beyond the
obvious topical types, of "marketing" or
"special interest", etc. These are examples of
one type of forum, referred to as "open forums."
But there are also business and professional forums, which
do not operate under the same rules and, more often than
not, disallow any and all types of advertising or
self-promotion. Forums created to support the membership
of a particular program are especially adamant on this
topic and often request that all members check their
adverts at the door. They ask this because advertising
other programs -- especially to newer marketers -- can
often compromise the very program the the forum was
created to support.
With all that said, it is still possible to successfully
market on forums. But in all cases, a pre-requisite for
success is developing a good reputation and a good
relationship and maintaining both. So, while this is a
free form of advertising, it does require a certain amount
of investment as far as time and energy are concerned, not
to mention subtly and finesse. Below are seven practical
suggestions to successfully market on forums.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK Prior to joining any forums a certain
amount of research is required.
1. Join relevant forums or forums
that are in some way related to the promotion's primary
sales market. For someone involved with a health related
product, for instance, many types of forums -- from
holistic medicine to mom's at home -- could apply. But to
join a forum about punk music, for instance, would not be
very productive.
2. Choose popular forums. Page ranking and the amount of
active members are two good ways to check for this. This
ensures that the forum will have enough members to remain
active. Because forum marketing requires a certain amount
of time invested, this also ensures that it will be there
beyond tomorrow.
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, preferably 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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