Posting in forums looks really simple – you just sign up and post right away. Well, true, it’s easy…but still I see a lot of internet marketer make mistakes all the time.

Forums create a really tight online community over time. Eventually, everyone will learn the rules and would also look out for each other. That’s why it’s a good place to look for like-minded people and build a relationship that will last for a very long time.

Forum Marketing Do’s and Don’ts:

1. First things first – RULES! Read and fully understand it. Different forums have different set of rules and policies regarding how you should display your links and even what you should talk about. Thread carefully!
2. Don’t crash your way in – don’t just come in there and start posting like a mad man. Avoid trying to prove yourself and getting excited on showing everyone in the forum that you know a lot from the start. Time will come…build relationship first!
3. Don’t include a sales pitch in your first few posts – unless you want to get flamed by others. This will cause others to get angry with you and see you only as a spammer who only wants to make money.
4. Blend in and get to know the community – post in the introduction thread, introduce yourself politely to the community, and get to know them! Hang out at introduction threads and also greet other newcomers.
5. Get to know other posters – especially those who are in the forums for quite a while now. A lot of these people know each other for a while and may even be doing joint ventures from time to time. Know one of them and the others will follow – which means new windows of opportunity waiting for you!
6. Start helping others out – provide help as much as you can. This will not only improve your credibility, it will also increase your forum signature’s click through rate. If you know the answer and have any knowledge to contribute, provide it! Help people!

The bottom line – don’t look at forums as just another way of making money. The community wants to see you help others and contribute your ideas before you can get your message to them. Get them know you.

It’s just like any relationship. Go easy at first, get to know each other smoothly, and build profitable relationships for the long run.

Forum marketing is a powerful internet marketing tool. Just don’t abuse that power and most importantly, don’t ruin your image and reputation.

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