Online Forums - Why Join Them?
Filed under: Internet
The internet is an informative and sociable place and nowhere more so than online forums. However, if you’re busy with your business, why waste time hanging around in forums?
“I’m far too busy to visit forums” you think when you’re spending every free minute building and advertising your website. Well, my advice would be, find the time, you will be amazed how much it benefits your business in the long term.
Here are some reasons why you should visit at least one forum, in no particular order.
1. Building your website. If you’re a beginner at website design and building, you’ll always find someone who’s willing to share their expertise with you. This can save you hours of struggling to find the right html or script for whatever it is that you’re trying to do. In addition, you may be able to have your website reviewed by other members. Not only, will you get a critique of your design, but fresh eyes will pick up on typographical errors, faulty links and other things that you haven’t noticed because you’re just too close to it.
2. Learning advertising tips. At any internet marketing forum, you’ll find discussion threads on the relative merits of safelists, FFAs, search engine optimisation and many more ways of advertising your business. The forum may be specific to a particular program, but most publicity methods will work just as well for any business.
3. Income building information. If you aren’t familiar with optimising the earning potential of your web pages by means of Google Adsense, Amazon and Allposters, to name but three, join a forum. Take particular notice of discussions regarding the Adsense terms of service - they are very stringent and it would be a shame to ruin a good income stream by making a silly mistake.
4. Finding an affiliate program. If you’re interested in a particular program but aren’t sure if it’s for you, someone will always have a view. If the actual business you fancy joining has a forum, check the posts - they will give you an idea of whether the members are happy and what sort of support you can expect to receive. Don’t bother with the sort of forum where everyone gets to advertise their own opportunity.
5. Promoting yourself. I don’t mean that you should advertise your business per se but most forums will allow you to put your details in your signature and you’d be surprised how many people will visit your site from there, particularly once your name becomes familiar in the forum. Do use your own name though. Online “handles” may have their uses but if your business is genuine, make sure people know who owns it.
6. Helping others. You may think that you know very little about online business, but somebody out there knows even less. Share what you do know, it will be appreciated and you will become recognised as a person who knows what they’re talking about and who can be trusted. This may well gain you visitors and a downline in your recommended programs.
7. Making friends. Yes, I know you’re busy, but there’s always time for a bit of networking. Meeting different people and socialising with them will make you a more rounded person yourself. Sharing needs and problems can be therapeutic and can also lead to finding solutions.
8. Keeping up to date on the news. Forums are great places to find out the latest news from Paypal or Google or the goings on in the traffic exchanges. If you utilise any of these, you need to know what’s happening day to day.
You will find a link to the forum I recommend on my website. If you want to post, you will need to join the program, but if you just want to read and learn, this is the place.
Liz helps newcomers to the world of internet marketing with tools, tips and training from her Liz-e-Biz.com website.
Tags: Forums, home business, internet business
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