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Do You Know About This (Free) Unsung Marketing Hero?
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So I'm getting ready to head off to Austin, Texas next week for a commercial film shoot for one of my web sites and from there, I'm headed to an Internet Marketing charity event at the world famous Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles, California.
Should be pretty exciting and I plan to have some great pictures for you in the weeks ahead…
No, not those kinds of pictures! Come on now. This is a professional newsletter (and it really is a professional charity event).
Pictures of some of the top experts in the Internet Marketing world and some of the biggest names in the entire marketing industry for that matter. It should make for some interesting master minding and networking.
But most important, I will have some really great marketing information, tips and ideas to share with you in the weeks ahead right here in The Home Business Insider. Stay tuned.
Now, on to this week's topic…
If you're building your home business on a budget or if you're looking for more creative ways to market, I have a real effective 'unsung marketing hero' for you. And it's FREE…
Online forums.
Forums are online communities where individuals can discuss topics ranging from business to fishing to sports. Discussions are conducted by posting notes to the forum. A single discussion is called a 'thread' and most forums have several, even hundreds of threads going at any time.
What an incredible reminder of the influence the internet has had on society. Using forums to connect with your target market is a natural progression.
To locate online forums in your target market just do a search at Google and type in: "your target market forums" and there should be a fair amount of choices.
What is truly remarkable about the use of forums is the personal quality of the discussions. Read some of the posts on forums such as ivillage.com and you'll soon see that the members become more like neighbors (and even friends) than strangers connected only by the keyboard and monitor in front of them.
Where brick and mortar businesses used to prosper based on their involvement in the community, online businesses now have a neighborhood all their own.
Lets check out the ways participating in online forums can help YOUR business?
1. Networking:
The grand daddy of them all...
Online forums are a fantastic place to connect with others who are knowledgeable about your business. You probably cater to the same audience and share a common interest. If your businesses compliment one another you might just find a highly profitable partnership or joint venture.
Even if you don't find a working relationship you may find the referrals or discussions highly beneficial. What a great way to leverage the power of relationships all over the world.
2. Traffic Building:
This is a biggie…
Along with the referrals you may get when you've developed a trusted online presence with other members of the forum, you are also likely to attract targeted visitors to your website.
Here's the best part…
Forums allow you to place a signature tag on your posts. This is where you can write a quick sentence (elevator pitch) about what you do along with your web site link. This is the biggest benefit to participating in forums. You can be sure that some of the members and quite likely some of the 'lurkers' (people who view but don't post) will come check out your site.
That’s FREE traffic by the way ;)
3. Education:
Using the forums wisely can open you up to great education. Whether it is from fellow entrepreneurs in your field or experts and other posters, you are participating in an 'inner circle' type discussion that may open your eyes to new developments and opportunities in your business.
I must warn you though…
The only downside is the highly addictive atmosphere. With members posting from all over the world it can be difficult to keep your viewing time to a minimum. Forum participation is something you may want to schedule each week and set a time limit. I've heard of some 'My Space' like addictions.
On the flip side, other members are hopefully as interested in what you have to say and you may quickly develop a reputation as a reliable source of information. This should be your objective: to position yourself as an expert within your industry.
One more thing…
Be sure to follow forum rules. Never spam or pitch a forum. I see rookie marketers do this all the time. Your aim should be to participate in a conversation, not interrupt it. People get banned from online forums for pitching their product or service.
Don't be a rookie.
Professionals don't need to pitch their product or service. Professionals provide information and education first, to position themselves as experts in their industry. The sales and marketing takes care of itself.
Have fun and watch your business grow!
Your partner on the inside,
Andrew J. Cass
Home Business Development Expert
(212) 969-9930
www.TheHomeBusinessInsider.com
About Andrew J. Cass:
Andrew J. Cass is a Home Business Development Expert, Marketing Consultant and Certified Dan Kennedy No B.S. Business Advisor. He is in the top 1% of income earners in the Direct Marketing and Home Business industry.
Andrew coaches and mentors Home Business Owners and Entrepreneurs from all over North America who want to be their own boss, control their own destiny and earn unlimited income from home.
www.AndrewJCass.com
Copyright 2007 - One LifeStyle Marketing, LLC
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