So you have taken the bold step of creating your first corporate blog, but how do you drive traffic at your new site? There are several ways that you can do this - one of them is to use forums specific to your industry sector to do just that. First, look for forums that are popular with your customers, and then become an active participant in them. Not only will you boost your reputation as an industry expert, you’ll also get some great inbound links pointing back to your site.
To find your customers’ favorite forum hangouts, simply type your top keyword phrases into a search engine, along with the word, "forum." Just be aware that there’s a RIGHT way to promote your business in public forums… and a WRONG way. Derek Gehl, the prolific US based internet marketeer kindly shares his 7 Tips for using Forums to drive traffic to your blog.
1. Lurk before you leap!
Before you start wading into a forum with your opinions and advice, hang out as a silent "lurker" for a while and get to know the "flavor" of posts that are considered acceptable. Every forum is different, so what might be considered humorous in one could be offensive in another. Learn who the "regulars" are, what questions are typically asked, and what responses are given. Then do your best to follow the accepted model.
2.Focus on "relationship selling" — NOT product selling Forum promotions are all about selling YOURSELF as an industry expert, with a wealth of knowledge to share — they’re NOT about selling your actual product!
In a forum, gimmicky sales tactics and hype do NOT work. Unless you want to enrage the other participants, don’t post blatant "buy my product" advertisements. Instead, look for opportunities to respond to questions with the exact information the people asking the questions are looking for. The trick is to sit back, listen, and wait for legitimate opportunities to share your expertise. This will help you gain the community’s respect and develop a solid relationship with your target market.
3.Attach a "sig file" to all your posts
An electronic signature — also referred to as a "sig file" — is a three- to six-line footer that you can attach to the bottom of your forum postings. You absolutely MUST make sure your sig file contains your name and site URL as well as a link to an informative article or newsletter subscription article! For example, your sig file might look something like this:
All the best,
John Smith
==========================================
FREE REPORT: "10 Cheap and Easy Tricks for Increasing The Value of Your Home by $10,000 in Less Than 1 Week"
To claim your free copy, visit: http://www.topvaluerealestate.com
==========================================
Not only does this provide a relevant inbound link pointing to your site for every post you publish on the forum, it also encourages other forum participants to check out your site and see what it has to offer.
4.Score brownie points by doing the footwork for others
If someone asks you a question and you don’t know the answer, admit it — then tell the person you’re going to do some research to find the answer, and will get back to them once you do. It’s a great way to prove you’re willing to "go the extra mile" for your customers. (Just make sure you follow through on your promise!)
5. Encourage visits by announcing site updates
Once you’re a regular forum participant, invite other participants to visit your site whenever you add something interesting or new to it (such as a new article or a holiday edition of your service). Just post a short note about the changes you’ve made then invite them to check out your website themselves.
6. Post informative articles that link to your site
Article posting is one of our favorite forum promotion strategies — and it’s one for the fastest ways to get instant sales from forums. The trick is to write an article that’s full of valuable information your target market is going to be excited to get their hands on. Then, at the end of your article, include a short biography that plugs your product!
Here’s an example…
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Derek Gehl specializes in teaching real people how to start profitable Internet businesses that make $100,000 to $2.5 million (or more!) per year. To get instant access to all the most profitable marketing campaigns, strategies, tools, and resources that he’s used to generate almost $100 million in online sales, visit: www.marketingtips.com.
… If the other forum participants like the information you provide in your article, you can bet they’ll click on the link in your "bio" to see what your site has to offer!
7. Focus on forums that DON’T accept advertising
There are two types of forums: ones that accept advertising and ones that don’t. Stick to posting in forums that DON’T accept advertising, because this is where you’ll get the best response. If you follow these 7 tips, and always remember to be a polite and helpful participant, you’ll find that forums are a great place to generate more leads for your business.… Plus, you’ll have the chance to "hang out" online with people who share your interests — your future customers!
Good post. Really liked these tips!
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