If you make a product good enough, even though you live in the depths of the forest the public will make a path to your door, says the philosopher. But if you want the public in sufficient numbers, you would better construct a highway." - William Randolph Hearst One way many enterprising business owners are finding to construct that highway is through the use of an online forum. If you have clients who can create a buzz about your product there is likely to be more interest as other guests find your forum. Some entrepreneurs have discovered that getting a forum started may be difficult work. In order for there to be dialogue among a growing list of members someone has to start the conversation. Paid Postings There are a variety of freelance services on the web that provide writers willing to place informed posts on your forum as a means of priming the pump. This may not be a solution for every forum, but if you'd like to give your forum a good kick-start you may want to allocate some funds for the purpose of a series of start-up posts that allow guests to perceive your forum as one with activity and one worth participating in. Customers buy for their reasons, not yours." - Orvel Ray Wilson Let the Experts Convene Everyone is an expert on something. It is possible some of your customers can provide expert assistance to others that use your forum. Many forum boards ultimately find themselves directed by members who simply have a knowledge of your product or service and how best to utilize and pass along that information. This can be valuable because you gain an expert voice at no cost to you while visitors gain insight from someone who has had experience in the use of your product. Many of these same individuals may be interested in assuming a moderators position for the forum. They will likely do this without pay and will work to keep it on track if for no other reason than they have discovered an online community they want to see continue. Trends, like horses, are easier to ride in the direction they are going." - John Naisbitt The trend in online marketing is likely to change over time given the rapid advances in technology, however the use of forum boards and other marketing tools that are proving themselves should be something you consider and implement whenever possible.
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