Forum Posting

Are you ready to learn a 'little known' but effective tactic that your competitors are not using, to generate more sales? 

Fitness and Bodybuilding Forums!  These are fantastic places for savvy marketers looking to generate free traffic.

I know this works because this is how I started my business.  The majority of my business came from getting lots of targeted hits every single day as a result of posting on forums. 

How to Use Forum Signatures:

Many forums allow you to include a personal message as part of your signature.  This shows up every time you make a post.  What many affiliate marketers fail to do is use this signature to its full potential. 

Here are some rules to follow to maximize your profits by posting on forums:

1.  DO NOT SPAM OR BLATANTLY ADVERTISE!!!

This is the quickest way to receiving a bad reputation if not booted out of the forum. Simply make SOFT recommendations and passively suggest where you learned your knowledge or mention the online program you tried with great results.

2.  Spy On Some Forums Before Posting

It is a good idea to get a 'feel' for the members, quality of posts, maturity level, and interest of board so you don't waste your time. 

3.  Use The 80/20 Rule

Instead of posting on a dozen different forums, use three or four of the most popular ones.  Your goal is to maximize high traffic forums so that you get lots of people reading your posts.
Here is a list of the most popular and biggest Bodybuilding forums:

•Bodybuilding.com
•BodybuildingForYou.com
•IronMagazine.com
•ABCBodybuilding.com
•LeeHayward.com
•DiscussBodybuilding.com
•Bodybuilding.net
•PrecisionNutrition.com
•BBForums.com
•MuscleandStrength.com


4.  Focus On Newer Forums

These are usually the most profitable forums because no one is an expert yet and everyone is seeking answers.  Many newbies post on smaller and newer forums because they are less intimidating.
Here is a list of some of the newest Bodybuilding and Fitness forums:

•Forums.NiceMuscle.com
•MuscleTalk.co.uk
•WannaBeBigForums.com
•Forums.MensHealth.com/eve
•Schwarzenegger.ca/forum
•Bodybuilding.net
•MaxFitMag.net
•OxygenMag.net
•Forums.jpfitness.com
•Boards.AskMen.com
•Training.Fitness.com
•WorldFitness.com
•GetBig.com
•T-Nation.com

5. Offer Unique And Original Content

Your goal is to create curiosity, impress your knowledge and want them begging for more.  That will lead to a click on your signature file. 

6. Always Read The Forum Rules Before Posting

There are many forums that do not allow advertising therefore you will not be able to use a 'signature' file cloaked in your affiliate link.
If you are in doubt, contact the forum moderator through the private message board to ask permission or approval of your signature file prior to posting. Do not burn any bridges and do not get kicked out of any forums!

7.  Always Introduce Your Self In The Members Introduction Section.

I usually compliment the site, state your goals and interests for being in the forum and acknowledge your members presence prior to posting.

I say something like this, “Hi fellow (forum name). I really like the look and feel of this site and look forward to fostering the growth of this site and offering my unique content and learning from yours.”

8.  Post On High Viewed Posts And React Quickly To New Posts

Most posters are notified after a new post has been added.  This means if 200 people are 'viewing' a particular topic, there a chance that your post will get read by 200 people. 

Helping newbie questions is also a great way to 'take control' and guide the post.  You will always have a stronger impact finding topics that does not have a lot of conversation yet.

9.  Test Test Test

It will require some trial and error to determine which forums you are the most comfortable in and how many hours a week will be required to generate your goal number of sales.

10.  Try To Always Use HTML Links

This will allow people to click straight through to my site.  Typically the coding for your signature would be as follows:

[URL=http://XXXX.nononsense.hop.clickbank.net]My 29 Week Muscle Building Program[/URL]

[URL=http://XXXX.nononsense.hop.clickbank.net]Get A Free Report – Avoid The Top 20 Ways To Screw Up In The Gym[/URL]

XXXXX = your affiliate ID

You can always play around with your signature file for the best results. 

If you really want to spice up your signature file then use BBCode.  This is a special implementation of HTML that you can use in your positing to highlight and underline words.  It would work like this:

[size=18][color=red][b]My Brand New Muscle Building Program [/b][/color][/size]

Will give you

My Brand New Muscle Building Program