Newsgroups Marketing...

[Dale King]

Newsgroups, also known as "Usenet" are similar to online discussion forums, only they've been around a lot longer.

There are literally thousands of newsgroups covering every conceivable topic of interest. To access newsgroups used to require special software called a "newsgroup reader." However, nowadays you can access newsgroups a variety of ways, right over the Internet including through Google Groups at: Google Groups and Usenet at: Newsgroups - Get an account today!.

Newsgroups, like discussion forums offer you the opportunity to be seen as an expert in your field. If you post consistently and provide accurate and reliable advice, you can quickly become a respected member of the newsgroup whom potential prospects turn to for advice.

Here are the keys to successful newsgroups marketing:

1. Find newsgroups that have potential prospects for your product or service. For example, if you are a Small Business Consultant who specializes in showing individuals how to start their own small business, join groups that discuss how to start your own small business or related topics.

2. Join a group and lurk for a little while. Get a feel for the personality and tone of the group before participating.

3. Be an active participant, and answer as many questions as you possibly can. This is CRUCIAL. However, be sure to answer ONLY those questions you actually know the answers to. Don't pretend to know all the answers or dispense bad or inaccurate advice. Otherwise, you will look like an idiot and quickly lose all credibility.

4. Don't blatantly advertise or self-promote. A short sig file is fine. Just answer questions and help as many people as you can, and let your sig file promote your business.

To summarize, find a few newsgroups where potential prospects hang out, actively particpate, give ACCURATE and HELPFUL advice and soon prospects will come to you!

Dale King