You should always have a business plan for everything that is done and this applies to forum marketing also. You can reach many of your goals, but you need to know what they are and what forums can give you. Successful marketers get that way by using this train of thought. First, they research and get information on different marketing methods. Then they take that knowledge and figure out the best ways to leverage it.
Remember with forum marketing you want to be considered an expert in your niche and enjoy good forum reputation. If you want to enjoy the best possible results this is a necessity for you. Of course, no one is going to recognize you if you aren't able to be seen first. What you want to avoid is spending a lot of time in any forum. After all, there are other things you need to do to market your business too.
It will also annoy regular members if you come on strong and make a ton of posts in a matter of hours. Find out which hours see the greatest amount of activity and make your forum posts when the largest number of people are generally present. Make sure the posts you do provide are quality posts rather than simply confirming what others are saying or going repeating points already made.
Remember that it's always wise to contribute by visit starting your own threads and conversations. Starting your own threads may be a little difficult at first due to shyness. Begin by thinking of information you have that can be valuable to the community and share it. Don't forget to encourage others to ask you any questions they might have about what you've said.
If you really want to invite commentary, try saying something that's a little controversial. You may have to walk a fine line when it comes to controversy and it can be a judgment call. Don't go outside the niche when you start threads, whatever else you do.
If you have never joined a forum on the internet, then make sure you understand the difference between business related actions and non-business related types. If you can't sell anything on the forum, then it's obviously pointless to actually join them. First, it's a good idea to find as much information about forums for marketing purposes as you can. Of course, there are some other things you should consider. There is no rocket science involved, but there are very specific and unique guidelines to follow. For marketing is something that can be beneficial for your business, and there are so many things to consider when it comes to finding success. Like any other marketing method out there, by doing your due diligence, you will have better success once you start to use it for marketing.
I've seen very many people become addicted to hanging out in forums. Don't get so caught up in building relationships on these forums that you forget why you're doing it. Always remember that your time has value and choose wisely where you spend it. Your want the best possible return on investment for your time, after all.