It's always a smart idea to have a plan of action for everything you do in business including forum marketing. You will not have any problems with reaching your goals, but you should know what they are and how forums can help you. Many of the online marketers who become successful do well because they think this way about business. First, they research and get information on different marketing methods. Then they take that knowledge and figure out the best ways to leverage it.
Your first step is to establish a positive reputation for yourself in the forum and as an expert in your niche. If you want to enjoy the best possible results this is a necessity for you. The first challenge, however, is being seen. However, you really don't want to spend all your time on forums. This, after all, is only one part of a much larger marketing strategy.
You won't make the connections you're hoping to make, however, if you walk right in and start posting here, there, and everywhere. Find out which hours see the greatest amount of activity and make your forum posts when the largest number of people are generally present. A small number of thoughtful, well-stated posts will do much more in this busy timeframe than a hundred small posts made just to get your name out there.
Don't forget to start a few threads of your own as well. If you're new to forums or marketing other in them, you may feel a little shy about starting threads. Just think of a good topic or something worthwhile to share and make a thread. Encourage readers to ask any questions they have too.
If you're looking to fill the pages, consider saying something that's going to bring controversy. Of course this method carries some risk. You don't want to come across as someone who is either reckless or judgmental. Don't go outside the niche when you start threads, click whatever else you do.
Just provide value in a relaxed way that people can relate to. When you go to the forums, you will form relationships with many people. There are those that will always try to belittle you. There will be members to like to complain. A lot of people will not acknowledge these people, which will make them go away in time. These are the unwritten rules of social and forum etiquette and they're very real. So, decide what is the most important to you. If you want it to work, then you must do the required essentials that will get you by.
So, understand that social marketing and forum marketing are somewhat alike. And it's no surprise that forum marketing is a form of social marketing. They are both tied into relationship marketing, which you should learn about.