When you register or join an Internet marketing forum, you
will be asked to choose a username. This username is used
to identify you when you make a post on the forum.
If you haven't registered on a particular forum yet, my
advice is to use your 'real name' as your username.
It's common practise for most people to use a weird 'made
up' username on forums, but I think that's a mistake. Every
time you make a new post on a forum, it's an opportunity
to build up your name recognition amongst your target market.
Whether you have your own website now or in the future,
people are more likely to buy your products, or those that
you recommend if they already know you.
Think about it...are you more likely to buy something from
a complete stranger, or someone you already know?
It's obvious isn't it?
You may have made a thousand posts on an Internet marketing
forum, and be considered as someone who really knows their
stuff and is worth learning from. However, all that trust
and respect you've built up could mean nothing away from
the forum, if people don't know your real name.
I see so many forum posters contributing some great information,
but I haven't a clue who they really are. They are really
losing out on a prime 'name branding' opportunity.
When someone visits your website for the first time, they
are much more likely to buy your product, or click on your
affiliate links, if they recognize your name. That's why
it's important not to waste your forum posts, by hiding or
forgetting to include your name with every post.
All Forum Signature Ads Are Not Created Equal
When you make a post on most marketing forums, you have
the option of including an ad in your signature. If you have
your own product, this provides you with an opportunity to
promote it with every post you make. If you don't have your
own website yet, you can use this space to promote an affiliate
program you recommend.
Again, this is where making your real name visible to people
is going to really help you.
Consider this...
You see two forum posts with the exact same signature ad,
'word-for-word'. Which ad are you more likely to click on?
1. The anonymous person with the obscure username.
2. The person using their 'real name' to identify themselves,
and who seems willing to put their name behind what they
are recommending.
If you already use a nickname on forums, you might want
to consider signing off your post with your real name at
the bottom.
Also, don't make the mistake of assuming that because you've
made a number of posts, everyone on the forum knows you.
There are thousands of new people coming onto the Internet
every day. They won't know who you are or what you are about.
For those people, building up your name recognition with
them, will often start with the last post you've just made.
So make it a good one, and make sure they know who you are,
by making your name visible to them.
Jason Lewis is the author of the highly acclaimed 'Business
Brainwaves' Newsletter. Uncovering new business ideas and
marketing strategies. Subscribe today, while it's still free!
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