Targeted traffic and high converting sales leads are all over the internet – no matter what you sell. Whatever you’re selling in one place, someone is talking about in another. So why not get in on the conversation?

Join online forums where people are talking about what you sell. They’re easy to find and almost all of them are completely free to join. Find the discussions and categories related to what you sell and make relevant posts. Answer questions, offer free advice and make suggestions. Just be sure to include a link to your site in the post and in your signature, which will show up under your name each time you post something.

Here’s an example of how to find a relevant forum and why they’re absolute gold mines:

I google “scuba equipment forum” and go to the first organic result. It takes me to Scubaboard.com, an online forum where people talk all about scuba diving and scuba diving equipment.

I go to a post where a user asks “What is the best regulator to buy for diving upside down?” See the post here.

Now, if you own an eCommerce site specializing in diving equipment – what will you tell him/her?

I think you get the point – the rest is self explanatory!

In summary, remember:

If someone wants to know where to buy a widget, show them.
If someone wants advice on a widget, give it to them.
If someone wants to know the specifications of a widget, tell them.

This technique does take time and it’s success is in direct relation to the amount of time you spend in the forums and how many questions you answer. If you’re persistent, this forum sales technique will pay for itself in the form of increased sales, a good customer service reputation and satisfied customers in general.

Now start posting and get more sales!