Forums are a great but basic way of learning from other people while also being able to pass on your own knowledge at the same time while also gaining back links and traffic in one hit, quite a easy way of promotion is it not?

The most common way of getting traffic is by using the signature options that most forums offer this day and age, but are you using this function to your full potential?

I often see members on lots of forums who simply have a signature with text links like “Get free Money” or “Check my Site” but do you think that anyone really does click a link lame anchor text? OK you might get the odd person but would you really want just the odd visitor when you could have hundreds? Think about it, keep it interesting and make them wonder what your site is about!

Avatars are a great way of free self-promotion as the saying goes “A picture says a 1000 words! – I find the simpler the better, don’t give to much away and remember it’s a advert and not a award winning oil painting, the most important part of using a avatar is to put your domain onto the avatar, unless your Nike or Microsoft nobody is going to know what your logo is!

Now for you bloggers out there, you may have noticed that a lot of forums using the vBulletin software allow you to insert your blog feed so every time you post to your blog the feed will be placed by your username on the forum, its important once again make your post titles interesting so people will have the urge to click to visit your blog or website. I have found many fantastic blogs as I have noticed the rss feed and paid a visit and even bookmarked plenty so take advantage of that option if you have it.

Another method I don’t really like but its there for the taking is to use your location for putting a link into, I’m not sure how successful this is to be honest as its not a link just text.

Now you have set up your blog feed, your avatar looks fantastic and your signature and short but stabby and interesting for your potential client, all you simply have to do now is keep your posts interesting and always be correct in what you way. The best way for promotion in a forum is to simply start threads more than you reply so you get more coverage but keep your threads better than anyone elses as once you get respect you will notice your traffic starting to creep up day by day.

So time for you guys to give some input.

How did you find this blog? Have you had much success in forum promotion?

I enjoy your feedback and comments so please please please do comment