Many marketers have been taught to use forums for marketing purposes, and that’s all well and dandy. Unfortunately, these same marketers seem to be under the impression that forums are a democracy. They are not. So if you’re going to participate in forums and “market” your business, there are a few basic things that you need to know. This article is going to fill you in on those basics.

For starters, participating in a forum is a privilege, not a right. The forum owner can boot your backside out of there at any time for any reason at all. Heck, he doesn’t even need to have a reason. It can be something as minor as him not liking your haircut. If he wants you gone, you’re gone. Forums are privately owned and do not have to conform to any freedom of speech or democratic “laws”. In other words, read the forum rules, mind your manners and you might actually survive long enough to profit from your time there.

Many forums do not allow signatures, or they do not allow signatures with links to affiliate products. Make sure before you place a signature in your profile that you read the rules regarding signatures. More members have been booted out of forums for signature violations than for just about any other reason.

One thing I can almost guarantee you is going to be a no-no in any forum is spamming. I’m referring to making posts that are blatant advertisements for your product or service. I have yet to be a member of any forum that allowed this. So if your intention is to join a forum for the purpose of spamming your links, do yourself a favor and don’t waste your time. Your post will be deleted and YOU shortly after.

If a member of a forum is nasty to you, it doesn’t give you a license to be nasty in return. I know this is hard to do. Believe me, I have fallen into the name calling trap myself. It doesn’t solve anything. For one thing, it will end up getting the thread deleted, and some of these threads are actually very useful and great info is lost. For another, it could end up getting you banned from the forum. It’s just not worth it.

For the most part, participating in a forum is common sense. Contribute relevant info to the conversation, respect others and obey the rules and you should have no problem in making forum marketing an effective part of your marketing arsenal.

To YOUR Success,

Steven Wagenheim

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