Many business owners have taken to posting on forums to market their products, services, or web site. Although online forums are a great way to spread word about a business, the act of posting on forums can backfire if it isn’t done correctly. There have been many business owners who have had to learn this lesson about forums the hard way. You can save yourself the grief they have experienced by following the seven golden rules of posting on forums.

#1 Post to Forums Regularly

Posting on forums regularly is a good idea. Members of the forums you frequent will take you and your web site more seriously if you are an active member of the community.

#2 Only Post to Forums When You Have Something to Say

Although posting on forums on a regular basis is a good idea, you don’t want to look like a spammer. In other words, you shouldn’t post on forums unless you have something valuable to add to the conversation.

#3 Refrain from Posting on Forums When You Are Angry

There are some people out there who take great pleasure in infuriating other people on web site forums. These people are sometimes known as forum trolls, web site trolls, or Internet trolls. They love to spread discord and start fights by posting on forums. Although it can be tempting to respond to a web site troll in the heat of the moment, you should avoid posting to forums when you’re angry. It’s too easy say something that you will regret later.

#4 Mention Your Web Site in Relevant Posts

Although it is ok to post about your web site or your products when posting on forums, you should make sure you do so in relevant posts. If your web site, products, or services have nothing to do with the topic at hand, don’t bring them up.

#5 Promote Your Web Site in Forums That Allow Signatures

If you’re shy or if you are having difficulty mentioning your website when posting on forums, you can always include a link to your web site in your forum signature. Most forums allow users to have signatures at the bottom of posts. Some will even allow you to include a logo, photo, or description of your business.

#6 Try Not To Sound Like a Marketer When Posting to Forums

Posting on forums is a great way to market your web site, products, or services. At the same time, you don’t want to make it too obvious to everyone else on the forums. If you sound like a marketer instead of a real person, people will feel an automatic aversion to you.

#7 Remember That Posting on Forums Is a Privilege

Posting on forums is a privilege that is granted by the web site that hosts the forums. If you disobey the rules that have been established by the web site for posting on forums, it is highly likely that you will be kicked off the forums and not allowed back.