3 Rules for Posting Your Business Links

Part and parcel of online marketing is getting your business links “out there.” But just as with anything, there is a right way and a wrong way.

In my earlier post Blog Comment Etiquette, I discuss the proper way of participating on Blogs and posting comments. Remember, online is all about participation; proper participation.

For forums and groups, being too commercial is the kiss of death and do the opposite of what you would like — being favorably perceived, having folks who don’t know you want to contact you and exposing your site to those who would have never thought to look for you.

To enjoy these positive benefits there are 3 simple rules:

1. Review any Terms of Service or policies that are available that cover the rules of posting commercial links.  If you do not want to read the rules or abide by the policies, move on.
2. Participate in the current conversation by adding valuable, unique and interesting commentary.  If you are not saying anything new or àpropos — don’t post.
3. Only post your business link within the post itself when it applies directly and specifically to the conversation at hand.

This is where your signature file comes in.  Signature files are neatly appended to the end of every post as a way of soft selling your enterprise.  Don’t be a hog and have more than two links in your signature file (rules of each forum, Blog or group may differ in this regard).

If you don’t want to actively take part in the conversation, it’s best you don’t take part at all.  If the only reason to being there is to get your link in place, you most likely will have nothing of value to offer and that will be clear to the other participants.  Mission failed.

Some More Info for You:

1. Be Leery of Links Even in Business E-mails
2. 5 Rules for Forwarding E-mails