The fact is that posting on forums for free is one of the fastest ways you can either:
(a) attract visitors to your blog,
(b) advertise affiliate programs or
(c) promote your own products.
Let me say straight away that you have to comply with various etiquette and rules of individual forums. Nevertheless regular posting on forums can produce rewards for money makers. This is, for instance, one of the ways I make money with some of the dating and introduction programs, such as the FriendFinderGroup, where I am an affiliate.
Now I'm not going to advise you on what forums you should use. This is dependent on the theme of your blog or any affiliate programs you may be promoting.
What I can do, however, is to give you a couple of sources for finding forums for your particular niche or product. Try these two forum directories:
Board 123
Both of the above have categorised lists of forums. Big Boards have something like 1900+ listings and with Board 123 you can also start your own forum for free if you wish.
Though forums can produce referrals and business there is still work to be done plus you must, as I have already indicated, follow the rules.
For example, it's not a good idea to sign up to a forum and immediately start a thread containing your affiliate link. This could get you kicked off or put the backs up of established members.
Once you have decided on the forums, relative to your blog or products, you have to go about gaining a good reputation. This will take at least a couple of weeks of regular input: commenting on threads, starting your own and so on.
After this groundwork it is then time to think about promotion. This is mainly done through your forum signature where you can usually enter links to your blog, affiliate programs etc. The more attractive you can make your signature, the more it will get noticed.
Look out for forums with good traffic themselves - and also read the rules. Some, for instance, will not allow links in signatures or may only allow them after members have completed a certain number of posts. Others may not let you put live links in threads. Make sure you join forums that don't have too many restrictions.
As with all businesses there is always 'work' to be done. Put in the time, with good standard posts, and worthwhile results can be obtained. This really is a way to make money from nothing.
Good luck,
Mike.
Further reading:
Money Making Test - FriendFinderGroup
Making Money With Personal Ads
myLot, Money & Referrals
Money From Signing Up New Affiliates
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