Using forums in viral marketing

Recently, forum marketing has been described as a type of free and organic viral marketing. But because many marketers go to forums solely with the goal of marketing products or services, their actions and attitudes inadvertently have the exact opposite effect.

Forums are not marketplaces but when used as such, marketers' actions become abusive and will only incur the wrath of fellow members and marketers, not to mention moderators who can ban them from the site with the click of their mouse.

In order for this type of marketing to be effective, it requires a certain degree of commitment, responsibility and respect. The first condition is personal interest in the main topic of the forum. This means not only visiting regularly, but also developing a good relationship with both other members and moderators, as well as an active interest in helping others. Of course, it also means adhering to all existing rules. By doing this, one can gain a good reputation, and since working with a trusted colleague is human nature, the business will naturally develop from this.

This type of marketing has already suffered some abuse, and for this reason, many forums have recently developed strict rules designed to protect their members from abusive or overly aggressive marketing tactics. One forum only grants .sig files after a member has made one hundred valid posts and another forum blocks ads in .sig files altogether.

Marketers must respect that the purpose of the forum is to be a platform for exchanging ideas on a particular topic. There is no advertising for products and services. By focusing on the topic and posting questions and answers, the marketer's reputation will grow and this naturally creates sales potential.