Forums and Newsgroups
What are they?
Forums and Newsgroups are world wide bulletin systems organized by the Usenet news system. They are comprised of groups of individuals on an on-line service chatting via their computer keyboards about a particular topic in real time. Forums and Newgroups, like mailing lists, can be about any topic you can think of. Many have their own online newsletters and social events which take place right on-line.
How to access them:
You can search for any particular topic that you want. The newsgroup search engine will give you articles to look at that have been posted by members on your searched topic. You can then choose to communicate directly with that article's author via e-mail or post a public comment. Here are a couple of public access news servers that can give you a better idea.
As a Marketing Tool:
Newsgroups and Forums are a unique way to market goods and services. Currently there are over 35,000 different newsgroups on the Internet. There are two different ways to use the newsgroups and forums. Both of these are very effective. You can post simple advertisements or make contacts indirectly.
Simple Advertisements
This is the most common method for marketing on the Internet. Essentially, this entails writing an advertisement and posting it on a newsgroup. However, it is not that easy. First, most newsgroups don't care too much for unsolicited advertisements. You may get e-mailed bombed or worse if you do this in some newsgroups. Generally, 'netiquette' dictates that you only post messages related to that particular newsgroup. However, there are some newsgroups that welcome advertisements. If in doubt, read several posts of a newsgroup to get the feel of it. Just because you see several advertisements does not always mean it is okay.
Making Contacts
Another way to increase your presence in newsgroups is less direct. It entails looking through the newsgroups and responding to existing discussion threads. There are several techniques you can use to make contacts, but essentially they are divided into two categories: Signature Ads and Prospect Seeking.
Signature Advertisements: Here you respond to off topic threads with relevant information. At the bottom of your post, include a little blurb about your business.
Prospect Seeking: This entails searching the newsgroups for people who would be interested in your product or service.
These are powerful techniques if applied properly. TriCom Technologies will employ these techniques to promote awareness of you company. For pricing please see Marketing Packages.
