Being the owner of a marketing related forum, this is certainly a topic dear to my heart... I have seen countless marketers made or broken by how they approach forums as a marketing tools, so here are a few tips from someone who is "in the know".
Do Your Homework: Prior to joining any forum, you must do some research.
1. Join relevant forums that are in some way related to the promotion’s primary sales market. For example, for someone involved with a health related product, many types of forums could apply- everything from holistic medicine to stay-at-home moms, but for someone involved in HYIPs, do you really think that the members of a forum which discusses holistic medicine are going to be interested?? I think not...
2. Choose forums that allow sig tags. If it’s possible read the rules before joining and pay attention to them. Your time is important, too. It is better to find out that a forum doesn’t allow posts with sig tags before you go to the time and trouble of joining.
After You Have Joined: OK…you have chosen two or three forums that meet your requirements…now what?
1. Keep your sig tag short and update it regularly. The ideal thing is to limit yourself to one link, preferably to your main website.
2. Never create posts that are nothing more than an advertisement. This all but a universal rule and only displays the marketers lack of experience if he does so. At best this kind of post will be deleted by the moderators… at worst, it is grounds for being banned.
3. Work the room. 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 users. Take the time to introduce yourself with intelligent questions relating to the forum’s topic.
Generally speaking, as a marketer becomes a regular member, they develop a good reputation and without saying a word about their promotion, those who are interested in their product will approach them.
