By David

Advertising in forums

Aug 25, 2006 Marketing, Uncategorized

Most forum owners will not allow blatant advertisements on their site. However - with that in mind - there are a few ways to use forums to connect with your target audience, while keeping you from the blacklist.

Step 1, Finding the right forums

This is not just the first step; it’s the most crucial step. If you pick the wrong forum, you’re just wasting your time and effort. When searching for the appropriate forum, keep in mind your target audience. If you’re selling website design services, search Google for “html help form” or “css help forum”. It shouldn’t take you long to find the forms that fit your needs.

Step 2, Find the rules

Most forum owners have established rules that govern their site. You can find these rules in one of two places. The first place to look is in forum agreement, (above the check box you have to click before signing up.) or within the forum it’s self.

Some forums will have a spot for ads; others will not allow any advertising at all. But don’t worry I’ll show you how to get around this.

Make sure you know the rules toughly before you make your first post. Sometimes your first offence can have you banned for life.

Step 3, Your Signature

Within your profile on the forum you will find a place for your signature. Most users will use this spot for a joke, quote or even their contact info. But we are going to use it for something better. Here is your chance to add a subtle ad, one that will not get you banned. Take your time craft it cleverly! Remember you can always change it latter and with most forums’ software all your post will change with it.

Here is a good example:

For a good read
davidspan.com

Keep it short and very simple. Most users will not take the time to read it, but will absorb it without thinking. The more post you make the more likely they will be to remember it.

Also make sure it’s clickable, the user will be more willing to click than type.

Step 4, Help out

Know here’s how you’ll get your foot in the door. Find a user with a question you can answer, and help them. You’ll be amazed at all the help you can give. Your new friend will remember you as a friend that helped them with a difficult problem. The more you help, the more you advertise!

Plus you’ll be hanging out with people that you have something in common with. So not only are you working, you’re having fun doing it.

One Last Word

On many forums you’ll find a special place for advertising. These threads are helpful, but not very effective. Here’s why; only three types of users will see your ad here, those that are placing ads their self and those that are thinking of placing there ad. The first two users will look at your ads as a template for their own. The third user will be shoppers but, these shoppers will move on quickly thinking you haven’t invested in this ad so you have no money for advertising.

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