Online Forums, Web 2.0, Online Communities
Internet Forums
Web 2.0 does not refer to a breakthough in Internet based technology, but refers to the changing way that people use the Web. Web 2.0 focusses on networking, collaboration and sharing between users. The YouTube Web site owned by Google is an example of one of the most commercially successful Web 2.0 Web sites. Content is uploaded, assessed and reviewed by an online community.
Other Web 2.0 type behaviour revolves around wikis, blogs and social networking, the latter often done through online forums.
What Is An Internet Forum?
An Internet or online forum is a Web based application which enables online discussion and the publishing (or posting) of user generated content. Internet forums are also referred to as Web forums, message boards, discussion boards, discussion groups, discussion forums and bulletin boards.
Use of Forums in Search Marketing Strategies
If you are knowledgeable about a particular field or industry, search online until you find an active forum discussing topics about which you can actively and meaningfully engage. The most useful forums for you as a search marketeer are the ones that allow the author of a post to include a signature, which includes a link back to a Web site, a Web page or blog etc. By publishing posts with links pointing your way, you can increase your link popularity. However, there are a few things you should look out for:
- Being selective - By choosing one or two forums to contribute to regularly, you avoid spreading yourself too thinly
- Contribute usefully - Adding random, ill-thought comments just to get back-links to your site will mark you out as a spammer in no time, so contribute well-written pieces that establish you as an 'expert in your field'
- Relevance - Write relevant posts, going off-topic is not going to help your 'link relevancy'.
If you would like to suggest a Web site for inclusion on this page, please contact Rocket Rank. We endeavour to keep the content of our Web site as up-to-date as possible in order to help Webmasters find the most useful Internet resources for promoting Web sites online.
