Small Business Marketing and Networking

Forums provide a resource for a wealth of information and in many cases an opportunity to promote both your business and your website. Therefore, you will want to make the most of each thread you create and each reply you post. Create threads that will initiate really informative conversations or threads that will aid you in learning more about a particular topic. Threads and replies also can be used to help share your knowledge and ideas with others.

Creating Threads

There are several reasons as to why you are creating a new thread in a forum including the following:

• To ask a question that you have and which you know might be answered by others on the forum
• To gather more information about a particular topic
• To share your expertise or ideas with others (this helps you to establish yourself as an expert in your area)
• To generate a discussion of an area of interest or topic you wish to discuss in detail with others
• To receive feedback on your website, forum, graphic, etc.
• To receive feedback and input on ideas related to your business.

The list above is merely a general overview of the value of creating new threads. It is important to create threads of value and not to create threads simply to increase your post count.

When creating a thread in an attempt to find an answer to a question you might have, take the time to carefully word your question. Make certain the question is clear and concise so that others can help you. If you are posting a thread to learn more about a particular topic, clearly state what topic you would like to discuss. When you have specific questions about a topic for which you would like answers, include those questions in your thread.

Perhaps you have some great ideas that can help others. Maybe some of the things you have learned over the years could be of value to the other members of the forum. Create threads that can help others to learn and help others to improve their skills or business. Think about what you are going to type in your thread before creating the new post. Include as much useful information as possible about the topic on which you are posting. Check for spelling and grammatical errors before submitting your thread.

If you are creating a thread to solicit feedback on a website, forum or blog, be sure to include your URL. Politely ask people to offer suggestions, thoughts, and yes, even constructive criticism. You may also create a thread for feedback and input on an idea you have for your own business. Clearly state your thoughts and ideas and ask for suggestions. Be certain to explain everything clearly and concisely so that others are better able to assist you.

Replies

As an active participant in forums, you also may offer many replies to posts. However, there are some things you should keep in mind when replying to other posts.

• Stay on target. Do not move away from the original topic. Someone has posted in order to discuss a particular question or topic. Create replies that will be helpful to the original posters.
• Do not post your own question or topic within another poster’s threads. If you have something new to discuss, be polite and initiate your own thread.
• When replying to someone’s post for advice or feedback, always be polite. Offer a reply that truly will be helpful to others. Provide constructive criticism whenever necessary, but never harsh criticism.
• Always be respectful of others in your posts and they will be respectful to you.
• Avoid short and choppy replies. Put value in the replies, which you submit. Answer questions, provide advice or offer your own thoughts on a topic. Make each post count!
• Check grammar and spelling before submitting any replies.

Whenever you post on a forum, carefully think through each post. Your posts are an important part of your time in forums. Create posts that are easy to understand and that will be useful to others. Carefully worded posts can be the beginning to some excellent conversations. If you are posting a question or asking for help, be sure to state your question in an obvious manner that is easy to understand. If you read a post where someone is asking for advice and you can offer help, do it. This will help build your credibility and show that you are an expert in your area. Needless to say, it is essential to make each and every post count!