e-Business-Formula Internet Marketing Discussion Forum

[Kevin Robb]

Forum Marketing - Get Your Post Noticed and Read -

In forums that have fewer members, getting your post noticed and read isn’t difficult. These are great forums to participate in, because you are able to grow with the forum - and eventually, when it is known as a popular forum, you will be well established as an ‘inner circle expert’ on the forum. You will be a big fish in a big pond. However, if you are participating in a large forum, and you haven’t been there from the beginning, you are a little fish in a huge pond, and getting your posts noticed - much less read - is difficult. Here are some tips to help you out.

• Start by figuring out who the key players are in the forum. Keep notes for each forum that you participate in if necessary. Your goal is to get to know them better - through the forum. By getting to know the big fish, you can become a big fish - but it isn’t just who you know, it’s what you know too. Do not irritate the big fish, or they will eat you. If you don’t know what you are talking about - don’t talk. Listen and learn instead.

• Just because you are making friends with the big fish - don’t make the mistake of ignoring the other small fish. Answer their posts just as you answer the posts of the big fish. Make sure your answers are intelligent and to the point. Even though you are doing what is called ‘forum marketing,’ don’t make the mistake of posting for the sake of using a signature file. Again, if you have something to say, go ahead. If you don’t, listen and learn instead.

• Not all posts need to be read. When you see the letters *DNO* behind the subject line of a post, it means ‘do not open.’ This tells you that the answer to a post is in the subject line, and isn’t more than two or three words. This is perfectly acceptable, and if your answers are short, use the DNO option. This will help to establish you as an active member of the forum, as opposed to a ‘drive by’ poster who only comes around to leave that signature file behind.

• Make your subject lines interesting. This doesn’t mean to use subject lines that don’t pertain to your post in anyway. It just means not to be boring. Give it some thought, and make it interesting - even enticing if possible. Even if you are replying to someone else’s post, change the subject line and make it your own.

• Do not use all caps in your signature file, and don’t use abbreviations that might not be understood by others. This is a big no-no.

• Don’t make your subject line appear like a subject line of a spam email. Make sure you are asking legitimate questions, giving legitimate answers, and posting legitimate, on topic information.

• Watch for popular topics, and get in on it if you can. Tread carefully here, especially if the topic is controversial. You could make people mad with your opinions. If you feel strongly about your opinion, give it. If you don’t have an opinion one way or the other, ask a question related to the topic. Avoid arguing at all costs - even if someone starts flaming you. It’s okay for them to look unprofessional - it is not okay for you.

• Don’t answer every single post, but contribute regularly. If you can answer a question, do so. If you have something to new to contribute, start a new thread, using a great subject line. Otherwise, read and learn.

• It will be impossible to be an active member in a large number of forums. Choose two or three forums to participate in, and visit those forums daily - even if you don’t post. Keep up with what is going on in the community.

The main key to getting your posts noticed and read is to establish yourself within the community. Be helpful. Give solid advice. Ask legitimate questions. Always mind your manners, check your posts for spelling and grammar, and stay active!

Cheers

Kevin Robb