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Weight Loss Forums are tough

by Flareman
44 replies
I've been trying to look for some weight loss forums to help out and at the same time promote my upcoming fat loss product. But seems like most of the fat loss forums out there either ban, advertising or any kind of promotional links on the signatures or they don't allow signatures at all.

Any kind of post with a link is taken off and interpreted as spam...

I'm genuinely looking to help people. But I would like advice on how to improve on my product as well. I'm even hoping to give out some of my products to them also. But how can I do it without coming across as "advertising"?
#forums #loss #tough #weight
  • Profile picture of the author MardelInno
    join the forum, no links, no signatures, no advertising.

    build your reputation, offer advice, then in 3 months, start spreading the word about your product.

    if you do it any other way, its advertising
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  • Profile picture of the author Shazia Mirza
    Yes you are right, very right.

    I have given up forum advertising for my weight loss niche blogs. But one thing that still works very will is blog commenting.
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    • Profile picture of the author tfos4941
      sounds to me like you should consider creating your own forum
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      • Profile picture of the author bgmacaw
        Originally Posted by tfos4941 View Post

        sounds to me like you should consider creating your own forum
        If you want control, this is what you do. Otherwise, you've got to play by the house rules and, since weight loss is so heavily spammed, those rules are going to be very, very, tough.
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        • Profile picture of the author genietoast
          Have you considered guest posting on weight loss blogs?

          Go into Google and type: weight loss + "guest post" OR "guest blog".

          Then see what the requirements are for guest posting. Submit a post with some really great tips. Then have a link in your bio leading to your site.

          That way you can attract the exact targeted audience you're looking for.
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  • Profile picture of the author MardelInno
    Just as addition, why dont you try to buy advertising on them?

    see or they have adsense on and target them, or contact them directly
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  • Profile picture of the author seobro
    I can tell you that I had a forum in the weight loss arena. Yeah, arena is the word I use. There was so much spam. Not just see alice, but rorex reprica. I wanted spammers to chock on their own spam.

    Please try to see how the other side feels, before you emit an opinion. Finally, it was shut down by the web hosting company due to excessive bandwidth use. They told me they were spending thousands of dollars on my site and I do not think they were lying to me.

    The meeting was face to face with several managers. They showed me their bill and how much they had to pay. People were using bots to post spam. Then I would autodelete it using my algorithm that crushed threads full of links and deleted their sign on.

    OK so, many spammers went on to posting pics. The pics were mostly porn. It was a daily struggle to survive. Having my account shut down was a blessing for me. I had only 50,000 members, but a ton of traffic - mostly from bots posting spam.
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  • Profile picture of the author 100Bandz
    I would make my own forum to be honest.. Someone said build your rep for 3 months, but that can be spent building your own forum. Make it private so people will join.. Get there email that way (like opt ins).. Even if they don't post on your forum you can still make a list.. Promote it on yahoo answers
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  • Profile picture of the author Mike Hill
    The majority of those weight loss forums are using Adsense on their site so go find those areas and then create Adwords ads for those specific websites. You can also contact the owner of the forum and see if you can purchase banner advertising on the forum or a 60/40 split for a one time email blast to his form members.

    When you present it the right way you may get the forum owner to agree to something like this considering they may not have thought about or know how to monetize their website.
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    • Profile picture of the author howinfo
      I have also seen some forums in various niches that do not allow any links or signatures at all and I think it is bit over the top. As I do run forum myself I can understand that you need to protect yourself form spam so it would make sense to disable those functions for new members and once a member has reached a certain level then they can have signatures on their profile. But if those forums are doing well whit all those strict restriction then good luck to them.
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      • Profile picture of the author rileyb
        I would not try to sway opionions on weight loss forums. It really would take months to develop a reputation. If you really have tried the product yourself and you really believe in it, then I might comment on forums and make friends.

        Otherwise, create a landing page, write articles based on other's experiences Good AND bad and create a non biased review site and write articles.

        That is probably the only way that I would believe you as a customer.
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    • Profile picture of the author ExpertSEOServices
      Originally Posted by Mike Hill View Post

      The majority of those weight loss forums are using Adsense on their site so go find those areas and then create Adwords ads for those specific websites. You can also contact the owner of the forum and see if you can purchase banner advertising on the forum or a 60/40 split for a one time email blast to his form members.

      When you present it the right way you may get the forum owner to agree to something like this considering they may not have thought about or know how to monetize their website.
      This is a great idea!
      Or I would invest in some advertising and contact the owner of the forum to see how much it would be.
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      • Profile picture of the author PvPGuy
        Originally Posted by Fraggler View Post

        Look for weight loss sub-forums rather than forums dedicated to Weight Loss in general. Recipe sites for example often have sections on weight loss and diet, as do forums for mums... teens, diabetics etc. Target the demographic...
        This was the hidden gem in this thread.
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  • Profile picture of the author Alfredo Carrion
    And if any of the advice they have given doesn't work, then no longer focus on forum marketing and start to focus on article marketing, guest posting, ezine solo ads (or adswaps), etc.

    Remember that if you give a nice commission, there will be a lot of affiliates willing to promote your fat loss product for you, including affiliates that already manage to get a lot of traffic.
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  • Profile picture of the author paulie888
    Instead of direct linking and getting accused of being overly promotional, have you thought about linking to a squeeze page where you give away valuable content, and not just another typical "quick and dirty" report?
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  • Profile picture of the author Fraggler
    Look for weight loss sub-forums rather than forums dedicated to Weight Loss in general. Recipe sites for example often have sections on weight loss and diet, as do forums for mums, body builders, teens, diabetics etc. Target the demographic.

    If you provide genuine help people will notice your signature. Use the stricter forums as a way to network with other experts. Get them to promote your products through their blogs and sites.
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  • Profile picture of the author icoachu
    You have to put in the time. Don't engage in "hit it and quit it" forum "marketing." It doesn't work that way. You need to establish credibility first. It will take time and effort.
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  • Profile picture of the author Adie
    Owners of weight loss forums knows that this niches is in high demand so people would eventually flood to their forum and will try to advertise by all means. That's why they are tough. There are other ways to market your weightloss products. Try high-traffic blogs instead of forums.
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    Moderator's Note: You're only allowed to put your own products or sites in your signature.

    Signature edited.
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  • Profile picture of the author GetShorty
    I think what most weight loss forums owners want is people asking and answering weight loss questions without the need for a link.

    If you consider that the vast majority of people don't own websites and are actually looking for help to lose some weight, why would you want self-promoters joining your forum?

    If I had a successful weight loss forum the last thing I would want is people leaving to go some other guys website, it's hard but that’s the reality.
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  • Profile picture of the author J Bold
    Ok this thread was started in January, but anyway.

    I would invite people to think outside the box. Think about leverage. Instead of going through all that posting on niche forums, how about approaching the forum owner to send your product offer to all members? Ask them to do a review of your product and of course give them an affiliate link.

    Approach enough forum owners in the right way and you should find at least one who will do this for you. I've been on forums where I received messages like this.

    Of course, it may help for you to make a few posts on the forum so you can show the forum owner you are a valuable member, sure. Up to you on how you want to approach it to give you the best chance.
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  • Profile picture of the author seanjackson
    Ask any person who's lost weight the healthy way, and you will always hear about how healthy homecooked meals were a big reason behind it. Use less oil, low salt, fresh produce, and you'll start seeing results in no time.
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  • Profile picture of the author maximus242
    I think what you can do is post regular advice on the forums and use your credibility to post links to your website blog on posts related to whatever a person asked.

    For example if someone asks, whats the best foods to eat for weightloss? You could give some tips, then direct them to your article which has more tips.
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  • Profile picture of the author TimGray
    Many forums dont like any advertising. i think your best bet maybe to join the forums to help you but look for other methods to advertise your product.
    As Mardelinno said you could try the reputation approach on the forum, get established first.
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  • Profile picture of the author seotothecore
    You have to give to get with these things. Find the right time to plug your brand, and take advantage of these situations. I know it seems like a lot of work to do this, but it's the only sustainable way to run a forum campaign in that niche.
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  • Profile picture of the author taskemann
    Originally Posted by Flareman View Post

    I've been trying to look for some weight loss forums to help out and at the same time promote my upcoming fat loss product. But seems like most of the fat loss forums out there either ban, advertising or any kind of promotional links on the signatures or they don't allow signatures at all.

    Any kind of post with a link is taken off and interpreted as spam...

    I'm genuinely looking to help people. But I would like advice on how to improve on my product as well. I'm even hoping to give out some of my products to them also. But how can I do it without coming across as "advertising"?
    Contact the owner or the webmaster of the forum about advertising (if you can buy an ad space on the forum). I've done this many times and advertised products. Both my own products and as an affiliate. The traffic you will get is very targeted if the product you promote is very targeted against the forum's audience.
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    • Profile picture of the author discrat
      Build a Blog with some really quality,quality content in it. You need to know this stuff forward and backward and have incredible passion for it and really get a huge rush out of helping people reach their goals !

      Do some guest posting with other weight loss blogs, do a few articles here and there. And do not be scared to try to make connections to some really big folks in this industry. Ask if you could write about them in a positive light on their Site. And maybe they will be kind to give a link back to you. Let them bring it up not you .

      Its all about building your brand and letting the word out that you are an Authority in this Niche.......... and no just some huckster trying to sell the new flavor of the month weight loss pills !

      Robert Andrew
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  • Profile picture of the author SamuelCarter
    Hey, its about building trust with people. In these forums, offer good key sound advice, advice which is valuable and people can use. Then you can look deeper into micro niches etc, what area the problems people need a solution to, have you considered doing a questionnaire etc.

    Over a reasonable amount of time offer your followers a solution to their problem. The key will be they trust you, Your product should befull of real value as you canthen have a good re occuring sales.

    have a look at the terms/conditions of the forum and if you feel that you are withing the restrictions, contact the moderators and ask them for approval or futher advice.
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  • Profile picture of the author WinstonTian
    Here's an out-of-the-box way to think this through.

    What other ways can a person get onto your website without
    a link?

    There's one way... By searching for your website's name.

    The propensity for anyone to fire up a google search after
    reading about a recommendation in a signature is going to
    qualify him/her as a converting prospect...

    Well, it does work --- at least you don't get 0 visitors.

    Out of the box... think big.

    Winston Tian
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    Cheers,
    Winston
    The Beginner's Doctor

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  • Profile picture of the author Pole
    Yeah - If that's the case, go out there are build your image and reputation.

    ... This way, people will naturally come to your products!
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  • Profile picture of the author DubDubDubDot
    Originally Posted by Flareman View Post

    I'm genuinely looking to help people.
    Then help them without mentioning your product.

    "I'm genuinely looking to help starving children in Africa, but once I get there I'm going to pitch them on buying pieces of candy."

    Why not just call a spade a spade? You want to post content to a forum in exchange for tolerance of your self promotion. Some forums go along with that, other's view this kind of posting as not worth the loss of ad revenues.

    As others have said, explore paid advertising. If this scares you, what does that say about the confidence in your product? Just keep improving it until you are comfortable putting it out there via paid advertising. That way you don't have to mess with the very time consuming forum posting.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sarevok
    Are they prohibiting any signature links at all? Or were you too.. "over the top" in your marketing approach?
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  • Profile picture of the author WEBGEEK
    I appreciate your intention.i suggest you to start a new blog and publish your articles in it and then share.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mark Kent
    Like someone mentioned managing forum can be very difficult
    and time consuming. You should seek other forms of promotions.
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  • Profile picture of the author Make Money Ninja
    You picked the most competitive niche in the world, or one of the big 3.

    Your kinda stuck tbh. I would look for other methods of traffic generation if you keep getting banned etc.

    Videos, Podcasts, SEO, PPC, guest posting, blog commenting.

    I know you want to help people, but it is what it is...
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  • Profile picture of the author Denise Harland
    If you are just promoting your affiliate products by referencing the link in signature, or advertise in the forums, then you are in the wrong track!!

    People will not just buy because they see a link, or eye catching advertisement. People buy because they put trust on you. What you have to do is giving value the members as much as possible. What will work indeed is building list.

    Instead of spending much money to do any advertisement, you can spend your time to build the trust, relationship, and finally your list.

    Don't just use traditional method that will keep you loosing your money, effort, and so forth.
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  • Profile picture of the author bloggerd
    yea they are clamping down alot and alot not even having sigs on. but i usual wait a week after joining before adding a sig, just bob in an out commenting etc
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  • Profile picture of the author MA Robinson
    If you are planning to launch your own weight loss product, why not make your own forum so you can have the traffic directly for yourself. I know this will take time to develop but in the long run, all the benefits will be yours to reap.
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  • Profile picture of the author The Herm
    Why use a forum at all? It really sounds like a lot of trouble if you ask me.

    Maybe think outside the box as to how you could reach these people. How about joining FaceBook groups for people trying to lose weight, live a healthy lifestyle or workout and start posting there?

    If you provide valuable, share-able content, you WILL drive traffic to your site.

    Or how about Pinterest? Someone mentioned healthy recipes as one of the main ways people lose weight... Pinterest is a great place to post things like that where you could actually make the meal yourself (assuming you practice what you preach) snap a photo and create a board for healthy meals for weight loss. I bet that would get a ton of traffic.

    It just seems that the weight loss niche is so saturated that forum owners have wised up, not to mention that the members are pretty on to it too. Not saying you're spamming, but it only takes a few to screw it up for everyone else.
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  • Profile picture of the author aduttonater
    I hear what your saying bro, and I hope you can review this.

    When you first start out you think you know it all. Yea marketing is all about promotion yitta yatta. No it's no. It's about providing a need for someone. If you have the solution they most likely will buy from you. I remember I used to get banned from forums, get mad shit talked to me, and yotta yota. I changed my marketing plan. Nobody likes to be sold, not even myself. I know who I buy from personally. So those are the type of people that I will probably buy from again. Imitation is key in the IM bizness.

    Not giving you the answers, but pretty much right out there. If you read posts, then you will learn, if you just post, then you will burn - AD
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    • Profile picture of the author Hamida Harland
      I'm a member of a few weight loss forums but I interact on them for fun rather than marketing purposes.

      The people on these forums are way too used to seeing marketers trying to infiltrate their way in, and no matter how subtle (or helpful) they are, they're nearly always spotted and ousted pretty quickly.

      Even though I'm in the weight loss niche myself I've never really bothered trying forum marketing as it seems pretty difficult. Instead I use forums to learn about the niche and what they really want.
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  • Profile picture of the author missmystery
    You have to join forums for the right reasons - to contribute to the conversation. Keep doing this.

    ASK an admin before you put any links anywhere what is and isn't allowed - clear boundaries. If all else fails put a link to your personal blog with another link to your money site.
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  • Profile picture of the author jclindayag
    The health and fitness category is one of the most competitive and hardest niches to rank high. Check the competition level of your keywords. If you already done that, see if you can keep up with the competition.

    Most people advise others to step back in that niche. But if you are really determined, there is nothing wrong with. Linking to forums is not the only way to advertise our product. You could venture in social media marketing like Twitter and Facebook and work your way out there.

    If you have the budget, you could invest in Google Adwords or pay per clicks.
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  • Profile picture of the author NinjaTech
    Weight loss is hard niche if your for real and want to help build a brand with social start by posting tips and syndicating them on twitter wordpress facebook fan page and foursquare tumblr even put some pin on pinterest.
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  • Profile picture of the author WarrenPeterson
    I'll jump in here. I've been using forums to earn a nice living for about six years, mini-plug: my WSO is all about this. (To be clear, my earnings are not in the weight loss niche.) I earn from forums where I don't even have a post count over like 10. Counting on sig links is not the way to use forums, nor is paid banner advertising on forums. Forums have to be used for building relationships and learning. You use the forum to learn about your target market, and learn about what your product should contain. Forums are gold mines, but you cannot spam and cannot count on signature clicks, that will get you only frustration.

    Use the to really learn and understand your target market, and to build real relationships.
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