Get Traffic & Sales Using Discussion Forums
by:
Jean Sutherland
Message boards, discussion forums and newsgroups can all produce
very profitable results for you and your business. Most of us already
participate in one or more of these and the more you participate the
bigger the benefits to you and your website will be.
So let's find out how to make this a profitable venture for you.
Message boards, discussion forums and newsgroups can all produce
very profitable results for you and your business. Most of us already
participate in one or more of these and the more you participate the
bigger the benefits to you and your website will be.
So let's find out how to make this a profitable venture for you.
Posting on forums, newsgroups and boards is the start of a
relationship between you and others who read these venues. Many message
boards and forums also allow you to use a picture of yourself. This
adds to making the whole experience much more personal between you and
other readers. It allows for many friendships to be formed. I am
constantly told by readers of my newsletter that they have often meet
people they deal with online and many friendships have been developed.
With these venues you have the potential to reach thousands of
people, all who can help you and your business and may form some
lasting friendships in the process..
This is one of the most productive efforts that you can
involve yourself in online. Time is money and a lot of you are also
working full time jobs while trying to build an online business. Set
aside time on a daily basis to participate in at least one of these
ventures.
- Join boards where your expertise can help relevant traffic and leads for your site.
- Join areas where you have an opportunity to help others and others who may be able to help you.
- Join areas where people are involved with the same interests that you have in websites you have developed.
I have an online newsletter (http://www.emailpromotions.net)
that is aimed at people working on the internet. I offer free software
that I have found online as well as marketing tips, traffic tips and
computer tips. I also have a website that focuses on Resort Spas
Worldwide (http://www.spasoftheworld.com). I participate in a great number of forums and newsgroups and it is a tremendous help in building my online businesses
1. Look for message boards that get a lot of traffic. The more
traffic on the board the better your chances of getting more traffic to
your site and making good connections with others. If the forums
contain spam, avoid them like the plague. They are a waste of your
time.
2. Let people know who you are. Use your real name and if
possible post a picture of your self. Don't be afraid to also use the
logo from your site if you have one. You need people to trust you in
order to build an online experience with them. You will be surprised at
how well known you will become by using this simple method. Not only
will people get to know and trust you but they will refer others to
you. Word of mouth/email is a very powerful tool for you to use.
3. Success in getting your post read is your first priority.
Subject lines MUST catch a persons eye in order for them to open it.
Stick to topics that are hot or create your own hot topic. That way
your message is right at the top. People like to look at hot topics and
busy threads.
5) When posting or responding to a topic, use keywords that
people using the search engines would use to find that topic. Put those
right in the subject line since the search engines do index many
popular discussion boards.
4. Keep in mind that message boards are also websites and
search engines pick up keywords. Make sure you use a lot of good
keywords in the body of your message and also in the subject line if
possible.
5. As well as keywords, offer a link to someone that is free
that people can use. An ebook, a free software program etc. The link
alone will bring people back to the topic time and time again, bringing
more and more traffic.
6. Signature files...you should already be using a signature
file with your emails but make sure to use them every time you post.
Make sure it explains your site and your product. This will also count
as sites that link to your website and thereby increase you popularity
and rankings. Make sure you do it tastefully or you will see your
message tossed very quickly.
7. Make sure you are contributing something of value when you
participate in these communities. Once you start to become a valuable
contributor others will be more trusting of you and will feel safe
making purchases from your site.
8. Forum etiquette. Make sure you follow the rules to a "T" or
you will develop a reputation for being combative. So many people
attack others and if you must respond to someone attacking you, take it
to private messages. Attacking others or attacking in defense will
drive business away from your site faster than you can blink an eye.
Before you post any message, read it carefully and make sure it does
not sound combative. Always read your posts before hitting the submit
button.
9. Posting on a regular basis will give you more traffic than
you dreamed of. Set aside ½ hour a day to monitor boards and to post on
some. It should pay off very nicely in the end.
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