How to Enter a Forum
- 0 Comments
That sounds ridiculous doesn’t it? Why would I have to learn how to enter a forum? I just sign up and post right?
It would seem on the surface to be that straightforward, but I see a lot of people have a real hard time. The trend of bad first timers to my favorite forums goes in waves. This being the holiday season, people have more time off and start hitting the forums. So I thought now is the time to remind people of the best way to get started on a forum.
Over time forums create a very tight neighborhood. Everyone learns the rules and looks out for each other.
That’s the first thing a new member of a forum should do, “Read the Rules“. Different forums approach how you display links differently or even what you can discuss.
The other thing is don’t come in gang busters! Don’t try to substantiate yourself and get to eager about showing everyone your vast level of knowledge with regards to the forum topics, etc.
Get to know the community first. Hang out for a while and introduce yourself respectfully. Normally there is a separate topic area set aside just for intros. And then start browsing the various threads.
Get to know the other forum members and remember a lot of these people have known each other for some time. They may even be doing business behind the scenes.
Once you have a feel for it, start assisting others in any manner that you can. If someone is asking a question that you know a lot about then provide it.
Learn… Read… Learn… Read some more… Ask questions… Then let it rock if you want to.
The bottom line is very few people can go crazy right off the bat. There is an exception here or there, but usually the community wants to see you contribute for a while before you get bold. They need to get to know you first.
Definitely, don’t present a sales pitch in your first post to any forum. Doing this will be seen as SPAM by the majority of regular visitors to the forum. You will getting flaming posts, anger the community, and alienate yourself with-in the community for the foreseeable future.
Participating as a member on any online forum is just like building a new relationship. Take it easy at first until you get to know each other.
Forums are powerful tools for online business success. Don’t abuse that power and ruin your reputation in your businesses marketplace.
Like this blog post? Buy me a coffee or send me a tip!
