Using Forums For List Building
There really are hundreds of different ways to get traffic to your website. However, what may work for one may not work for another. One example of an effective way of building a list would be to familiarize yourself with forums in your niche subject. A forum is an online discussion group where people gather to discuss a certain topic.
If you have difficulty finding forums simply Google 'forum and your particular subject' (i.e. 'forums weight loss' or 'forum writing tips' etc.). Just enter the topic of your niche and you will find all the forums you could possibly want on that subject. Some forums will of course be better than others, but spending some time searching will allow you to discover the best forum(s) for you.
Once you have decided on some forums get involved. Read posts, ask questions and see who posts good content. Learn as much as you can about your niche. Spend a few days learning your way around these forums. You will eventually discover you are among a safe and supportive network of like-minded individuals.
If you are not sure of something – ask on your favorite forum. You should aim to become actively involved with forums for two reasons.
ONE: To learn as much as you can. And
TWO: To cultivate relationships with other forum members.
Take a look at other member's websites. You can even approach other members directly when you see a website you like? Very quickly you will build relationships with others in the same niche as you if you spend just a few short weeks building relationships with as many people as you can by commenting on their site, asking questions, finding out how they started, etc. This process will allow you to build a solid network of people you have met online – in the same niche as you – within a few short weeks.
Now that you have a few relationships that you have cultivated in your niche, send them something for free. For instance, using the knowledge that you already have in your niche you could put together a few short pages of useful information. Inside your report put a number of links to your website. You should also mention that people are free to do whatever they want with the report – pass it on, give it away, even sell it if they wish.
In addition, post a thread on the various forums – telling of your FREE report. On the front page of your report include something like 'For more free information and more tips and tricks, sign up for free to www.yourwebsite.com. Then watch as your list begins to grow as people subscribe.
