How to Do Forum Marketing in my Niche??

9 replies
My new website that is due to open very soon is for a specific type of product within the baby market. Once the website is ready I really want to get on with some forum marketing. The problem is that I don't have children, and all baby/parenting forums are for help and advice for people who have children. My website is an ecommerce shop so pretending to have children is something I cannot do (I know that this is something affiliate marketers can get away with).

Are there any good forums that any of you know of which is multi topic? At least with a multi topic forum I can post anywhere and have the link in my signature, and I could get away with posting in the family sections.
#forum #marketing #niche
  • Profile picture of the author Mrmuscle90
    Personally if i had an eccommerce site then i wouldnt do forum marketing to promote it, i dont think it would get you much traffic.
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    • Profile picture of the author Kerri88
      Originally Posted by Mrmuscle90 View Post

      Personally if i had an eccommerce site then i wouldnt do forum marketing to promote it, i dont think it would get you much traffic.
      Thanks for your opinion on this. I would love to hear other peoples opinions on this also.
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      • Profile picture of the author Tim_Hawksworth
        You don't have to have kids to offer advice
        about kids.

        We don't have kids but when the neighbors' kids are making
        too much noise, we often offer advice

        But seriously - since you have gone to the trouble of setting up your site
        and if you think the forum is a good place for buyers, then post
        your comments and tips.


        .
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        • Profile picture of the author GarryMSayer
          Initially, with forum marketing, I'd look to promote you as a person, not your brand.

          Like Tim suggested in the previous post, offer advice and be friendly.

          There's nothing worst than a "know-it-all" entering a forum and indiscriminately sharing their opinions. I'm not suggesting you'll be like that but gently, gently is the best way to start with forum marketing.

          Heck, consider not having a sig file. Wait a month, be nice, build relationships offer advice every now and then BOOM... mention your site. Once you're known on the forum you could even start a new thread soft-promoting your site.

          My business model involves a lot of niche forum marketing. Being accessible and in touch with your customers is a win-win.

          Garry.
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          • Profile picture of the author Kerri88
            Thank you for the advice and suggestions

            The only thing I worry about now is the forum rules. If I was to mention my website or add the link to my signature after a month of posting, there may be a chance of getting kicked off the forum for advertising (after doing a whole month of posting).

            Do you all check the forums rules first, and if it states no advertising chat, do you just not bother with that particular forum?
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            • Profile picture of the author Harry Spencer
              You should always check the rules with the forum first but I doubt any are going to completely ban you and the signature is design for you self promotion.

              If you're looking for some good forums check out The largest Message Boards and Forums on the web!
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            • Profile picture of the author A P Geofrey
              Originally Posted by Kerri88 View Post

              Thank you for the advice and suggestions

              The only thing I worry about now is the forum rules. If I was to mention my website or add the link to my signature after a month of posting, there may be a chance of getting kicked off the forum for advertising (after doing a whole month of posting).

              Do you all check the forums rules first, and if it states no advertising chat, do you just not bother with that particular forum?
              Forum marketing is very tricky. At times you can work your ass off in a particular forum and for no reason at all you get kick out. So I think one of the best ways is to build a good relationship with the various administrators, send them private messages from time to time. Even ask their permission before you post a link, even if the rules permit you to do so and contribute genuinely to the forum and you will be find.

              If you do that, except the administrator is a douche, I think you will be fine.
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  • Profile picture of the author RichardBravo
    .
    I personally don't like the term "forum marketing."
    In my experience, quality forums are best used as part of your overall strategic marketing plan by building your reputation, credibility and online persona.

    I know you have things like WSOs etc, which are there specifically for selling.
    But when it comes to the actual content areas of a forum you really want to focus on developing your position in the community.

    Look at it like this ...
    If you go to a neighborhood bbq, how will you act there? (in real life)
    You should treat forums the same way. Your signature is there like a business card.
    But you really want to concentrate on providing value to the conversation, engaging in the community, networking and helping people.

    There's an old saying that goes:
    "People do not care how much you know, until they know how much you care."
    Focus on cultivating a mantra for your forum activity based on that principle.

    Hope that helps.
    ~RB
    .
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  • Profile picture of the author poweraff
    Hi,

    i would suggest you hire some peoples to advertise for you in the biggest forums on the web, they will be dedicated to make helpful posts to the member and use the signature to advertise for you, it can be done by rent a signature from an active member already

    Thanks
    Signature

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