You should always have a business plan for everything that is done and this applies to forum marketing also. It will be easy to get what you want, but you should have an idea of what that is and how to use forums to get it. When it comes to being successful, many internet marketers go on to better things because they treat business in this manner. First, they learn as much as possible about different marketing strategies. Then they continue to study this information and find the best way to use it to their advantage.
Your first step is to establish a positive reputation for yourself in the forum and as an expert in your niche. Lacking either one will render your results to less than desired. But before you can accomplish those two objectives, you have to be seen. What you want to avoid is spending a lot of time in any forum. 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. Focus on providing quality posts if you're really interested in becoming influential on the forum.
Don't just comment on existing threads. Start your own threads as well. If you're new to forums or marketing in them, you may feel a little shy about starting threads. Just remember what you have to offer and want to share with the forum and begin your own thread. Don't forget to encourage others to ask you any questions they might have about what you've said.
Make a controversial statement if you're serious about inviting comments. 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, whatever else you do.
I've been in forums where a few people were chronic thread-starters. Sometimes, excess can be a negative thing when it comes to starting new threads. It's best to space new threads out to some degree instead of using them all at once.
Don't forget to make posts and comment on other threads too. Human nature will show quite often on forums. That being said, you sometimes need to have your own opinion and stand by it too. Gray areas abound with forum marketing. Having a variety of ways to site here share your knowledge is a good approach in forums.
It's easy to get attached to forums. Whether or not they're getting a lot of marketing done is another story. This is very low value use of your time, even though it's nice socializing with why not try here other people. It's important to spend your time where it will provide the best ROI.