Monday, November 10, 2008

How to Market Your Home Business in Forums

Forum marketing is a valuable way to get your work from home business noticed by your target market, and to build relationships with others. A forum is basically a discussion board where you can connect with people who share your interests.

When you join a forum, you can create a signature line and add it to each post you make. If you make interesting and informative posts, people will click on the link in your signature and visit your website to learn more about you.

Some forums have a section where you can post ads for your business. Most of the time though, members won’t read your ad unless you're active on the other parts of the board. You need to show the other members that you are there to help them, not just to attract new customers or clients.

When you're looking for a forum to join, you can ask your online friends where they like to go, or do a Google search for the specific type of forum you are looking for. If you're joining a forum to market your business, you'll want to find one where your target market spends their time.

For example, if you have an eco-friendly home business, you should look for a forum that caters to people who are concerned for the environment. If you sell candles, look for people who are interested in decorating their homes. If you're a web designer for small businesses, search for forums where small business owners spend their time.

You don't need to join a lot of forums to be a good forum marketer. It's more important that you are active in the forums you join on a regular basis. Be selective and choose forums that will be a good investment of your time.

One of my favorite forums is the one at Moms United in Business, http://www.momsunitedinbusiness.com. At MUIB, we support each other both as mothers and as business professionals. We discuss things like business issues, blogging, parenting, and relationships.

I would love for you to join me there! You will make some new friends, and you might even find some new clients.

1 comment:

Stephanie said...

What a smart woman! Thanks for sharing your knowledge! I enjoy reading your blog.

Hope you're doing well!
~Stephanie