Message Board and Forum Advertising

1. Choose an appropriate site. I know this really goes without saying but there are still some that are so enthusiastic about getting their message to masses, they post on inappropriate sites. For example, it would be highly unlikely that you'll find many interested individuals to purchase your yoga wear on a motorcycle website. Instead you may want to try exercise sites, women's sites, parenting sites (mothers do want to get back into shape after having a child), health and wellness sites....I think you're getting idea. Think of who will be using your product, service or website and go where they are.
2. Choose proper board. Always read instructions and make sure you're posting only where it's permitted. A lot of boards state "no advertising" in their general forum and you must respect their rules. However, most boards have a place to post your ads. Also, if you are marketing a website, look for boards that will critique it for you. That's an excellent way to drive traffic to your site.
3. Create a profile. Viewers are less likely to take you seriously is you didn't take time to complete a proper profile. List your likes and dislikes, where you're from and any other personal information you're willing to share. Remember, people want to deal with people - not with "salespeople". You are no different than they are, so show them that. I'm far more likely to follow someone's link if I can personally relate to them.
4. Use a signature with a URL link and a tag line. If you use a signature, you can post anywhere and you're advertising without even doing it (if you know what I mean). For example, I love gardening and I know there may be some gardeners that would be interested in IFHB but it's really not place to advertise my site. In that case, I post away about all details of gardening that I love, offering advice along way with my standard signature line attached:

Sincerely, Dawn Roberts http://www.ideas-for-home-businesses.com/ Helping you secure your financial future - from home!

5. Do not spam board members! While 7 exposures rule is true (generally, a person must be exposed to something seven times before they will purchase it), it does not mean you should post seven times in a row. Spamming is crass, irritating, rude and illegal. It shows a level of immaturity and I, for one, would never waste my time following up with a spammer. Look at this scenario and tell me which child you would choose to pay to mow your lawn (a) a polite child who rings your doorbell, introduces himself, tells you he's available to mow your lawn and leaves you with his name and phone number or (b) a child riding his bicycle up and down in front of your house, screaming "I'll cut your lawn for five bucks". First impressions do matter.
6. Relate - don't sell. Avoid hype at all costs! Be yourself. Let's say you're marketing a software program that will save time and money for accountants.
   
   

Make Your Online Party A Success

Online parties are quickly becoming better alternative to traditional "In Home Party". Online parties can be more accommodating for company rep and hostess for various reasons. There's no driving to another persons home, getting snacks ready, loading and unloading all your products, cleaning your house and best of all no dressing up!

So many times I've heard questions, "How do I have and online party?" "What do you do at an online party?" or ever popular "What kind of games do I play?" Hopefully this article will answer some of burning questions out there. The following are just a few ideas of things that can happen. Things may have to be altered depending on where party is and rules that may be applied there. For example some places may require you to have a hostess and some places don't require this allowing reps to do parties themselves. So, please take in all considerations and apply changes as needed.

First decide if you will be finding a hostess or doing party yourself. If you decide that you do want a hostess then let everyone you know that you are now in business for yourself and what you do. Be sure to let them now that you have parties online and are always looking for hostesses. Friends and family are often your best start. Another idea is to find a rep from another company and set up to exchange parties. You agree to be a hostess for them and in return they hostess a party for you. Some email groups and discussion forums allow you to request hostesses. Please be sure to follow all rules and regulations for these boards and don't spam. If all else fails and you can't find another hostess, mystery hostess parties are always a great option. Mystery hostess parties can put a unique twist on entire party itself piquing interest of your guests. Basically, idea behind this is that there is no "official hostess" until end of party. Once party is over, take names of all guests and randomly pick one guest to be "Mystery Hostess" and they receive hostess rewards.

What are hostess rewards? Hostess rewards are used to entice people to be a hostess. First thing you should give them is a free gift. This is just a small token of thanks for having party to begin with. Always be sure to announce at party what free gift and other rewards are. This may help with getting other guests interested in becoming a hostess at a later party. Other ideas for hostess rewards can include a gift certificate, percentage of sales in free products and free products for a certain amount of sales made. Gift certificates make excellent rewards because hostess can choose what they want.

Games are always important and bring a lot of fun to your online parties. How many games to play generally depends on amount of time allotted for your party. I personally recommend two games. The games played don't always have to be about your products or business. If you do opt for a game that is just for fun and not for business I recommend that you play one that is and one that isn't. The ideas for games can be endless and sometimes just needs a little imagination. It is a little more difficult to play some of traditional games online but with a little thought put into it can be just as fun. I've researched, attended other parties, and have asked for suggested games. I've put together a list of games that can be used at http://www.mommyshelperonline.com/online-party-games.html

Next thing to think about would be invitations and announcing your online party. There a few things that you want to make sure you include on your invites. Make sure you have business that you are having party for and a brief description of products that you carry. You may also consider listing games, prizes, and specials if any. Make sure you list date, time and a clickable link to party room. Keeping in mind that guests may be coming from all over country you may consider making a list of different time zones. This helps void off any confusion right from beginning. "Leaving party open" for maybe an additional day might be a good idea for those guests that cannot make it to party but, would like to "cash in" on party specials. If you go for this option, make note in your invitations for alternative ordering information. For example, you may want them to email you their order. Invitations should be sent out a few days prior to party and maybe send out reminders an hour or so before start of party. You can create invitations for free at Evite.com