What online forums, if any are you contributing to? Have you even considered joining forums that align within your ‘niche’?
Most people tend to think that online forums are a waste of time — wrong answer! Quite contrary to popular belief, forums have a unique way of getting traffic to your site that otherwise you’d never get.
More importantly, it’s not a waste of time, it’s what you do on online forums that make a difference. If you’re there to just get the word out about your business, always only talking about yourself, and spamming – then yes, it’s a waste of time and won’t work for you at all.
However, the key to pulling in targeted traffic is:
Contributing positive answers, providing effective resources and becoming a member of the community, not just when you need them but when they need you!
It Never Fails!
One of the very first things I did when I got online over 10 years ago, was attempt to participate on every call that pertained to my niche – my area of interest per se. Now every time I visit an online community, someone always says to me “I know you, I know your name! I read your newsletter, I remember you from yadda, yadda.”
Forming Trusting Relationships
Wouldn’t you agree that we feel more comfortable listening to and buying our products and services with someone we’ve heard about quite a bit and or seen an advertisement over and over to the point we feel like we know them?
It’s not always about how much you have — like the bling – bling that attracts people, sometimes it’s all about you – your story and your why that attracts people to you.
Sincerely helping others with positive constructive criticism and providing compelling content and/or resources, establishes trust.
I also hang out on facebook and twitter. I’ve met so many awesome people there and… it’s never a waste of time for me.
My absolute most favorite place to hang out is at Lynn Terry’s Self Starter’s Weekly Forum. I’m an Elite Member, which means I get to privately brainstorm with other elite members and when I have something I can contribute to the conversation, I do . There is SO much information there and so many people who geniunely share resources, tips and step by step how to information. Truly, it’s the place to be 
If you’re not already hanging out with me, I invite you to join me and my internet buddies here. You’ll be glad you did!
Want to tell me about your favorite hang out? I’d love to know just comment below.
Until next time…
I’m keeping it real,
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I wholeheartedly affirm your praise of Lynn Terry and Self-Starters Weekly forum. As an Elite Member, I benefited not only from Lynn’s generous and sage advice, I have experienced the wisdom, support and sharing of other group members.
You, of course, Regina are one of those I especially appreciate and thank you for your feedback on my Banana Sky DVD.
I agree Regina! I love forum marketing, and of course, as a fellow Elite member on Lynn Terry’s forum – completely agree that it’s one of the best.
.-= Traci Knoppe´s last blog ..How to Post Your Twitter Tweets on Your Facebook Fan Page =-.
Thanks for this empowering post Regina. I’m not familiar with Lynn,however, with a reference coming from two credible sources (yours and Traci’s) I will definitely check her out.
Robin aka Empowerment Diva
.-= Robin´s last blog ..Women’s Empowerment tips: It’s your life What are you going to do about it? =-.
Regina,
You’ve helped me get clear on a reason for participating in forums. I will now begin to be more active in forums.
Love this post! Great information
.-= Inez Bracy´s last blog ..Has Your Comfort Zone Become Your Prison? =-.
Twitter: integratedwoman
August 26, 2009 at 7:26 pm
I joined self-starters some time ago and never really went back. OK ok I need to step it up and get my butt over there.
This is a great post Regina. Another reminder of what I need to be doing more of
.-= LaTara Ham-Ying´s last blog ..Organize Your Spirit =-.
Regina,
I totally agree – both that participating in the discussions taking place online in our markets is never a waste of time and about Self Starter’s Weekly Forum. The brainstorming and the feedback available in the Elite forum is absolutely amazing! And we get to meet neat people who “get” what we’re doing and why….like you
Great post!
…Shannon
.-= Shannon´s last blog ..Encouraging Kids to Write with Blogs =-.
I like being around people who ‘keep it real’ and the SSWT forum is that place. It surely is the real deal! Thank you for your comments, see you at the forum
Wow – lotsa love here! You guys rock
Robin, I look forward to getting to know you. Please feel free to stop by anytime and make yourself at home. As you can tell it’s a super friendly group… and incredibly resourceful!
I’d just like to add that after 6+ years of running the SSWT Forum, I have gotten SO much out of it myself. The community is incredible, and the success stories and joint ventures that have come out of our group are proof of the quality of members. Thanks to all of you that help make SSWT what it is!