Why Forum Posting is More Important Than You Might Think

39 replies
And I'm not talking about the obvious reasons, such as promoting your business or website via your signature. Or the fact that you are gaining a backlink to your site with each post you make. Sure, building traffic through forum postings is great and important (and admittedly it is why I started posting in forums to begin with), but I believe you need to go into this with a MUCH larger goal in mind.

I'm talking about the bigger picture. The more important factor which is building relationships. When you post with the intent to not only provide valuable information so that others may benefit from your words of wisdom, you may not realize it, but you are in fact building relationships. And building relationships, when it comes to marketing, is the key to longevity and success for your business.

I'm just speaking from personal experience. I met my first business partner through a forum two years ago. He offered such incredible insight into every question that was asked, or discussion that was made. Over time we have built a solid business together and I have yet to meet him in person, but I feel as though I've known him forever.

After having joined the Warrior Forum nearly a year ago, I have made a few other amazing connections - all of which led me to other positive projects and successes. Had I not joined this forum - or better yet - had I not participated in this forum with the intent to provide value in what I write, then I probably wouldn't have captured the attention of some of the new relationships I've recently developed.

Some may say that IM is somewhat of a lonely business to get into, but I see it as the opposite. While I've never met these amazing people in person, it's as though we've all known each other for quite some time. And now it feels as though we've developed a team of great masterminds - providing the opportunity to help each other in some way.

So this is why I believe forum posting is an important part of your IM journey.
#forum #important #posting
  • Profile picture of the author doclind1
    Very good post Elizabeth
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  • Profile picture of the author Prideoflion
    I think that you hit the nail right on the head with your post. Regardless of what business you are in, all business is based on relationships. The way to make big sales and much more importantly, make big money online is to cultivate positive and reciprocal relationships with not only your customers but your business partners as well.

    if your customers are happy and feel that there are opinions are validated and their perspective is genuinely taken into consideration, they will definitely come back to you again to purchase more product. If your business partners feel they play a dramatic and primary role in your business as well as actually contribute to your bottom line in some capacity, they will go out of their way to sell and promote your products for you.

    I think as a businessperson, it's your top concern to 1. Create and sell products of high quality and value 2. Cultivate positive relationships with others.

    Thanks for your insights and I definitely wouldn't mind being a business partner with you in future :p

    Originally Posted by Elizabeth Fee View Post

    And I'm not talking about the obvious reasons, such as promoting your business or website via your signature. Or the fact that you are gaining a backlink to your site with each post you make. Sure, building traffic through forum postings is great and important (and admittedly it is why I started posting in forums to begin with), but I believe you need to go into this with a MUCH larger goal in mind.

    I'm talking about the bigger picture. The more important factor which is building relationships. When you post with the intent to not only provide valuable information so that others may benefit from your words of wisdom, you may not realize it, but you are in fact building relationships. And building relationships, when it comes to marketing, is the key to longevity and success for your business.

    I'm just speaking from personal experience. I met my first business partner through a forum two years ago. He offered such incredible insight into every question that was asked, or discussion that was made. Over time we have built a solid business together and I have yet to meet him in person, but I feel as though I've known him forever.

    After having joined the Warrior Forum nearly a year ago, I have made a few other amazing connections - all of which led me to other positive projects and successes. Had I not joined this forum - or better yet - had I not participated in this forum with the intent to provide value in what I write, then I probably wouldn't have captured the attention of some of the new relationships I've recently developed.

    Some may say that IM is somewhat of a lonely business to get into, but I see it as the opposite. While I've never met these amazing people in person, it's as though we've all known each other for quite some time. And now it feels as though we've developed a team of great masterminds - providing the opportunity to help each other in some way.

    So this is why I believe forum posting is an important part of your IM journey.
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  • Profile picture of the author E. Brian Rose
    I never post on forums and don't know anybody that does.
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    Founder of JVZoo. All around good guy :)

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    • Profile picture of the author Prideoflion
      Brace yourself everyone, humor has been detected. I repeat a humorous comment has been detected please go to your nearest humor shelters and cover your ears :p


      Originally Posted by E. Brian Rose View Post

      I never post on forums and don't know anybody that does.
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    • Profile picture of the author Simmeon
      Originally Posted by E. Brian Rose View Post

      I never post on forums and don't know anybody that does.
      You're so right Brian.
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      • Profile picture of the author Elizabeth Fee
        Originally Posted by Prideoflion View Post

        I think as a businessperson, it's your top concern to 1. Create and sell products of high quality and value 2. Cultivate positive relationships with others.

        Thanks for your insights and I definitely wouldn't mind being a business partner with you in future :p
        Absolutely - if you believe in your product or service then the genuinity (is that a word? LOL) in your pitch should expose itself. And cultivating positive relationships is so very important. I am a strong believer that a team of people can do so much more than a single highly successful individual.

        Originally Posted by SandyDuPlessis View Post

        Elizabeth, you are so right. But, strange though it may sound, there are many people who find it extremely difficult to to accept that they have something of value to share with others.

        I know that it took me a long time to even make my very first post (I think I lurked around for a year or more) I knew it was important to to make posts and share information, but quite frankly I was too shy to do so.
        I know exactly what you mean Sandy! It took me awhile to come out of my shell, but I often tell myself that 1) it's important to do something that scares me at least once a day (even if that means posting something on a forum, lol), and 2) even if the majority may not find value in my post, if I have managed to help at least one person, then I feel it's worth it.
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        Elizabeth Fee
        The Niche Mom - My personal blog to inspire and guide you towards earning an income online.

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        • Profile picture of the author WraithSarko
          Elizabeth your a Damned handsome Woman.
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          SuperExpensiveNUKE...SubmitterEnvyNUKE...SENukeXCRaptastic
          I've spent the last 59 months building 412 MFA sites. Each site averages 8 cents per day...I said average, some make up to 17 cents per day, PASSIVE INCOME! This income allows me to live comfortably and buy ANY flavor Jolly Rancher or Skittles I desire. Don't give in to fear, it CAN be done!
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          • Profile picture of the author Joseph Robinson
            Banned
            Originally Posted by WraithSarko View Post

            Elizabeth your a Damned handsome Woman.
            ^^ How not to build a relationship on a forum :rolleyes:.
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            • Profile picture of the author WraithSarko
              Originally Posted by Joe Robinson View Post

              ^^ How not to build a relationship on a forum :rolleyes:.
              I had to at least try man
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              SuperExpensiveNUKE...SubmitterEnvyNUKE...SENukeXCRaptastic
              I've spent the last 59 months building 412 MFA sites. Each site averages 8 cents per day...I said average, some make up to 17 cents per day, PASSIVE INCOME! This income allows me to live comfortably and buy ANY flavor Jolly Rancher or Skittles I desire. Don't give in to fear, it CAN be done!
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              • Profile picture of the author Joseph Robinson
                Banned
                Originally Posted by WraithSarko View Post

                I had to at least try man
                I forget that it's a numbers game for some, and that an IM forum can double as a dating site :p.
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                • Profile picture of the author cjreynolds
                  Originally Posted by Joe Robinson View Post

                  I forget that it's a numbers game for some, and that an IM forum can double as a dating site :p.
                  Hey, it's even better than cruisin fer chicks at the family reunion! :p
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                  I just added this sig so I can refer to it in my posts...

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                  • Profile picture of the author Joseph Robinson
                    Banned
                    Originally Posted by cjreynolds View Post

                    Hey, it's even better than cruisin fer chicks at the family reunion! :p
                    Dont go hating on Thaddeus T. Hogg now, I hear he and his sist...um wife are very happy together.
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                    • Profile picture of the author cjreynolds
                      Originally Posted by Joe Robinson View Post

                      Dont go hating on Thaddeus T. Hogg now, I hear he and his sist...um wife are very happy together.
                      ...when chromosomes linger, you get an extra finger...
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                      I just added this sig so I can refer to it in my posts...

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  • Profile picture of the author SandyDuPlessis
    Elizabeth, you are so right. But, strange though it may sound, there are many people who find it extremely difficult to to accept that they have something of value to share with others.

    I know that it took me a long time to even make my very first post (I think I lurked around for a year or more) I knew it was important to to make posts and share information, but quite frankly I was too shy to do so.

    Even now that I am a lot more experienced, I find myself wondering why anyone would be interested in what I have to say. Alternatively, I read through a post and see that someone has already made the same or a similar comment to that which I wanted to make, so therefore I keep quiet.

    To make comments purely for business reasons (or to up my post count) is almost anathema to me, though I love to make comments or posts that might help or motivate someone - yet somehow someone else always seems to get there first...

    Oh well...
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    • Profile picture of the author Brian Tayler
      Originally Posted by SandyDuPlessis View Post

      I know that it took me a long time to even make my very first post (I think I lurked around for a year or more) I knew it was important to to make posts and share information, but quite frankly I was too shy to do so.
      Same here. I remember I started lurking 2004'ish. Back when the John Reese's and Frank Kern's posted regularly. It was very intimidating and I stayed away from posting for 2 years almost
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      • Profile picture of the author joefizz
        Originally Posted by Brian Tayler View Post

        Same here. I remember I started lurking 2004'ish. Back when the John Reese's and Frank Kern's posted regularly. It was very intimidating and I stayed away from posting for 2 years almost
        Very articulate post Elizabeth, thanks!

        One point I would like to echo for those 'lurking'... we are not geeks/super-human/untouchables, we are normal just like you...so come on board...the party is right here!

        Llwyddiant!

        Joe
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        • Profile picture of the author smallbiz
          Originally Posted by joefizz View Post


          One point I would like to echo for those 'lurking'... we are not geeks/super-human/untouchables, we are normal just like you...so come on board...the party is right here!
          Oh, alright... I'm not sure you aren't superhuman untouchables though. I'm also not sure I'm normal
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    • Profile picture of the author smallbiz
      Originally Posted by SandyDuPlessis View Post

      Elizabeth, you are so right. But, strange though it may sound, there are many people who find it extremely difficult to to accept that they have something of value to share with others.
      Yes, I think this is what held me back from joining in.
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    • Profile picture of the author lbradshaw
      Originally Posted by SandyDuPlessis View Post

      Elizabeth, you are so right. But, strange though it may sound, there are many people who find it extremely difficult to to accept that they have something of value to share with others.

      I know that it took me a long time to even make my very first post (I think I lurked around for a year or more) I knew it was important to to make posts and share information, but quite frankly I was too shy to do so.

      Even now that I am a lot more experienced, I find myself wondering why anyone would be interested in what I have to say. Alternatively, I read through a post and see that someone has already made the same or a similar comment to that which I wanted to make, so therefore I keep quiet.

      To make comments purely for business reasons (or to up my post count) is almost anathema to me, though I love to make comments or posts that might help or motivate someone - yet somehow someone else always seems to get there first...

      Oh well...
      I felt that way for a very short while then decided to give myself a swift kick in the butt. You know what? I think it's about confidence. You MUST have the confidence that YOU have something of value to provide others!

      Liz
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  • Profile picture of the author BudaBrit
    So true. I joined here aiming to find ways to promote my business and to then promote it via the Warrior For Hire section. However, I've yet to post the latter! Just talking to people, gaining ideas and getting positive feedback is enough to help a business take off on its own. And despite not advertising yet, I've managed to get potential clients through here, and I hope this will increase in the future.

    As Google has said it wants, quality is the way forward. If you can contribute quality information or content to a discussion, then people will want to hire you, and Google will want to promote you. For me, this is the basis of internet marketing nowadays, quality content, be it written, graphical or video.
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  • Profile picture of the author Garymgar
    I think you are so right,Elizabeth.I have been on this forum for a long time and I still have under 100 posts,mostly because up until now I have been mainly lurking in the WSO section.This has done more harm than good,because even though there are some occasional good products located in the WSO section,recently there have been a lot of shady characters as well.This forum is such a tremendous resource to let go waste and just looking at flashy sales pages won't take me to prosperity.Coming here and learning as much as I can from this section as well as the War Room will help not only by reading but interacting with more experienced Warriors.
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  • Profile picture of the author NicheLinks
    I believe that we actually participate in discussions, and get to know more about certain topics. Therefore, forum posting actually helps in earning a learning experience, and you also get an opportunity to showcase your expertise.
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  • Profile picture of the author madchef1962
    I've been a member since 2011 and I've only just started posting. I have bought numerous WSO's and plan to do a review of the best ones after I've got enough information to give a honest review and to prove my income from said WSO's. Building a relationship on these forums help people to better understand you and decide wether they can trust that your an authoratiy in your expertise in what you do or discuss on the forum. This place is a goldmine of information. just my 2c.
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  • Profile picture of the author AnnieHz
    I had been lurking for over a year, maybe close to 2 years. Finally decided to join and start posting. There is much to learn here, but the chance to network with others is just as valuable, imo.
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  • Profile picture of the author mlord10
    No question...I've cultivated several professional relationships on this forum, which have turned into nice opportunities.

    You need to have people backing you up in a traditional offline business, and an online business is the exact same. It really helps to have people that you can talk with to help you overcome certain obstacles you are facing.

    This forum has been very good to me!
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  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    I totally agree about the relationship building. It's also a way to help each other because you never know who you can help simply by browsing and replying to posts where you feel you can make a contribution. You never know how much of an impact some of the things you say may have on other people.
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  • Profile picture of the author owenlee
    Every methods boils down to providing value to the readers...No point having 500 post with " Great post..I have learn something here...Thanks".. haha
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    • Profile picture of the author Des Lau
      Originally Posted by owenlee View Post

      Every methods boils down to providing value to the readers...No point having 500 post with " Great post..I have learn something here...Thanks".. haha
      Great post..I have learn something here...Thanks













      jk :p


      Love threads like these. Feelgood stuff. Just a reminder that the many thousands of us alone in our home offices are actually indeed, all working in one giant office communicating along side and helping one another.

      I've met some wonderful people just from this forum alone and also on alot of other forums I visit...some have become lifelong friends
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      • Profile picture of the author Sandor Verebi
        Originally Posted by Elizabeth Fee View Post

        ... The more important factor which is building relationships. When you post with the intent to not only provide valuable information so that others may benefit from your words of wisdom, you may not realize it, but you are in fact building relationships. And building relationships, when it comes to marketing, is the key to longevity and success for your business...
        Elizabeth, you put it very nicely: Any business is based on the relationship between the partners - either online or offline. It cannot be otherwise, it's a self-evident, perennial principle. As you can see, the world is changing, situations and methods change, but business principles remain the same since thousands of years.

        ...Some may say that IM is somewhat of a lonely business to get into, but I see it as the opposite. While I've never met these amazing people in person, it's as though we've all known each other for quite some time. And now it feels as though we've developed a team of great masterminds - providing the opportunity to help each other in some way...
        I get what you say. But IM - for the most part - is a lonely activity, mainly at the start. Generally it is especially so, if you want to do all of the necessary activities yourself (because you know YOU CAN), or you feel yourself shy in front of others, possibly you don't know how to outsource things, or this internet thing is not tangible, not real to you at all.

        Those can be the reasons, why many people just hesitates before deciding to join a forum. And, yes, it's a big relief to them to experience, what does it mean beeing a member of a helping community.

        Originally Posted by SandyDuPlessis View Post

        ...Even now that I am a lot more experienced, I find myself wondering why anyone would be interested in what I have to say...
        Sandy, please, do not underestimate yourself! You've that particular "have to say", just believe in yourself.

        What I mean? For example, possibly you're approaching an existing subject from different perspective, and that leads to discover something new. Therefore, you can do something better, faster, cheaper by using your idea.

        Another aspect can be that you may have a special skill, knowledge or idea that others overlooked. This is typical when someone is standing too close to something - he isn't able to realize what is in front of him. The saying goes: "He/she can't see the wood for the trees".

        Well, then, cheer up! Take the challenge of contribution and enjoy the potential, power and performance of the WF community.

        Originally Posted by laurencewins View Post

        I totally agree about the relationship building. It's also a way to help each other because you never know who you can help simply by browsing and replying to posts where you feel you can make a contribution. You never know how much of an impact some of the things you say may have on other people.
        Yes Laurence, any small things can result big difference. Motivating each other in though times and listening to the fellow warrior help you to be better human. I think, that beeing open and honest to each other leads to mutual success.

        All in all: without relationships there is no result.

        Many successes,

        Sandor
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  • Profile picture of the author smallbiz
    I've been lurking on these forums for a long time and have only really started posting now. Already I'm seeing how it does build relationships. I'm big on face-to-face networking for my business and it definitely translates into the online world in terms of relationship building and developing trust (though maybe the latter takes longer), but with a wider pool of people you can reach. Of course there is also greater competition.
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  • Profile picture of the author Gsdlady
    Elizabeth,
    I enjoyed your words of "I'm talking about the bigger picture. The more important factor which is building relationships." I like your point of view in this post on posting to the forums can help build marketing relationships.
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  • Profile picture of the author BridgetSielicki
    Great post Elizabeth! I belong to several forums, and I can definitely say that I wouldn't have gotten the help and push I needed to go forward without relationships with other members.

    A forum relationship is also super helpful if you are feeling down or discouraged in your business (this is especially true in the beginning). If you are having difficulty or are lacking motivation, it is so nice to be able to reach out to others who can help.
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  • Profile picture of the author MrJackBauer
    First of all. What a superb OP. Hit the nail right on the head. Im not sure about certain members but at first in my search for IM glory, I found and still do find that starring endlessly into a computer screen for 10+ hours per day can become very lonely. I wont name any names, but I have found that only since my most recent join to this forum that making IM friends is very easy. I have numerous friends from this site on my skype friend list and have contacted a large amount of people via personal email and so on.

    Forums in general are different versions of social networking IMO. Very enjoyable ones to.
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    Nothing wrong with collaborating with other successful people. I'm glad you were able to make alot of connections here on the forum.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rudy Christoph
    Originally Posted by Elizabeth Fee View Post

    I'm talking about the bigger picture. The more important factor which is building relationships. When you post with the intent to not only provide valuable information so that others may benefit from your words of wisdom, you may not realize it, but you are in fact building relationships. And building relationships, when it comes to marketing, is the key to longevity and success for your business.
    You hit the nail on the head a it is The way to build a relation with people and to see their skills before you even work together! Fabulous!.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sum1
    New to the world of forums and I've never met so many people in so short a time who are so friendly. It isn't just the help that is available here (in truck loads) but the fact that people are so willing to help and support each other. I didn't expect that so it's been a pleasant surprise.
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  • Profile picture of the author Tyler Ambrosius
    Great thread. You can often learn more on a forum than you can on a pricey membership site...if you know where to look
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  • Profile picture of the author dalegolden
    I agree with you. It is not only about building backlinks. Forum posting is more like building a relationship. If you go to forum just for building backlinks,members of that forum likely to reject you. If you build a relationship with them, share useful tips, ask for helps, you will get a huge number of targeted audience from that forum.
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  • Profile picture of the author clever7
    It depends on your field. If you are an internet marketer all forums are very nice. However, forums about mental health for example (my field) are totally different.

    These forums are not the type you can use for promotional purposes and you have to spend a lot of time there, follow a case, etc.

    Forums like the Warrior Forum are fantastic, but internet marketing is not my field. So, for me this forum is not as beneficial for getting traffic as if it was about mental health, psychology, etc. These forums are too complicated.







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