Topical Forums

Getting topically matched to the correct topic is very important for your web site. Topical forums can assist in getting your site matched correctly. But how do you find these topical forums, what do you do once you find one and what if you can't find one?

Finding a Topical Forum

Two paths come to mind when I begin to search for topical information. The first, though not the best, is to visit the Open Directory Project at http://www.dmoz.org and perform searches for your topics. Performing a search for "forum" results in an interesting list from which you can begin to find forums to participate in.

You can use Google to perform searches and find other forums which have yet to be listed in the Open Directory Project. Google's list will probably be more extensive because Google will have more pages from the same forum than the Open Directory Project. Remember directories list the top page without concern for the internal pages.

These two sites aren't the only sites you can use to find forums. Some forums list partner forums. These partner forums are typically in the same topic range.

At any rate, you can't find them if you don't search for them. So ... get out there and search for them.

Participating in Topical Forums

Participating in topical forums is very much like participating in a networking group. The only difference is that not everyone will want your products. The advantage is all the links you generate through your participation can help your site in the search engine wars.

Imagine participating in a forum about harmonicas and having all your links help you with your search engine positioning ... or even a site about aromatherapy and all your links helping you with your link popularity.

Almost any topic you can think of has a forum somewhere on the web. It's just a matter of finding it and then participating.

Be an active member of as many forums as possible. Remember, other people will see your links and may become customers. If people don't become your customers don't get offended ... you may not have gained their trust yet.

But the one thing that won't help you is simply watching others talk. You need to jump in with both feet and just have fun.

Creating a Topical Forum

Your products or interests may be in one of those few areas a forum hasn't been developed for yet. Or you may even find that you want to create your own forum. Although forums are fun they are businesses as well. They can help you gain recognition for your business and services or they can simply provide an avenue for people to discuss topics. The business aspect is managing and promoting the forum. Without good promotion and management the forum either won't start or will die.

Keep your visitors coming back by keeping harassing members out. With any forum you're going to have reasons to ban people or at least warn them of inappropriate behavior. The forum is like a giant community pool and those that don't play by the rules simply need correction or kicked out.

However, you do want to let people express their opinions as much as possible. It is your forum and your rules, but respect your subscribers and they will participate.

Conclusion

Whether you have created your own or found a forum, participation is the key to success. Through participating in forums you gain recognition of your business and knowledge. This recognition can bring customers to your business. Additionally, the search engines will find your posts and add one more vote for your site.

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