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[M233]Map Of Online Communities

by George Hubka, Geo

Looking for somewhere online to meet new people, discuss hobbies, plan events, or just have fun chatting? Online forums have been around for some time on the internet and often free and easy to setup. Forums are basically online discussion web sites where people share information and chat grouped around a set of topics. One example might be a local photography club. You could setup topics around types of cameras, locations for shooting, local events and meetings, printing tips, etc. Often there are administrators and moderators that help to keep the discussion orderly and on topic.

Some items to consider when starting an online forum include…

Cost – Often you can find them for free. There will probably be some advertising on the site, but don't most sites now a days?

Features – Does the forum support avatars, private messages, user levels, themes, etc.

Security – Is it possible to create forums that only register users can post in? Helps to avoid those spammers.

I cannot stress the last one enough. You should be completely able to control who is in your forums. One bad apple spoils the bunch. On that same note, it is common for a forums to have moderators. These are people that help enforce the rules in the forum. Make sure your choose your help wisely. When it comes to administrators, there should only ever be one. Administrators have the keys to the city and can set your forum ablaze.

Finally to make a forum a success you need to attract people to it to join. Obviously if it is for a church or some other established group, this is relatively easy. Tell your friends, family, club members. If you are starting from scratch, do the same. Tell people, show people, invite people. Check to see if your forum site is listed in search engines like google. Once you get past that initial setup and recruitment your will soon be on your way to having a forum that you and your friends can enjoy.

Of course, certain products and services are more fit for building an online community than others. If you are selling a very straightforward, no-brainer product like printing paper you will have a hard time creating a dynamic community.

However, if your product is something that addresses unknowns and fears, concerns a rapidly changing area (e.g. search engine optimization) or involves a topic that people are passionate about, an online community could do a lot for your bottom line.

Let us explain the 5 major benefits.

1. Real Discussions

Online communities offer your prospective customers the ability to discuss their fears and inhibitions related to buying your product with real people that have had similar fears. Your current customers can reassure your prospects and in that way urge them to buy your product. An active discussion constitutes great word-of-mouth buzz which is a powerful viral marketing tool to spread the reach of your site. Online communities provide additional avenues for your name to reach customers who may not normally have known about the site.

2. Enhance Your Website

An online community will make your site feel alive and dynamic. If your product is currently discussed by a lot of people, you must be a 'hot topic' right now. Wouldn't you want to be able to join the discussion?

3. Create Relationships

Online communities are also great tools to create an ongoing relationship with your customers without having to do any work. By having your customer discuss with each other, they will be reminded of your website and products and will know where to go when they're ready for more!

4. Cut Down Cost of Customer Support

It can save you a lot of time in your customer service.

Let customers answer one another's questions. Instead of typing endless emails, you will only have to moderate.

5. Gather Testimonials

Online communities are an easy way to gather glowing testimonials from your customers.

If you find an enthusiastic posting, you can contact the customer and ask permission to use the text on your site or in your promotions. But these are only the benefits on your side of the fence.

Think about all the benefits for your customers! Because a community is anonymous, customers can openly share their concerns and thoughts without having to worry about judgement being passed.

A community satisfies the internal need to be listened to and share experiences with others. It creates a place where they can connect to like-minded people and feel connected. Because an online community creates this win-win opportunity it is a very effective tool to use.

Summary

Online communities are powerful tools to boost sales and free up your time from customer support. Because an online community creates a place to discuss your product as well as post and answer questions, both you and your customers can benefit greatly.

Use the great viral marketing that an online community can create to your advantage, and to that of your subscribers!

Article Source : Pg. 370

About Author

Both George Hubka & Bjorn Brands are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

George Hubka has sinced written about articles on various topics from Computers and The Internet, Social Issues and Computers and The Internet. . George Hubka's top article generates over 1000 views. to your Favourites.

Bjorn Brands has sinced written about articles on various topics from Computers and The Internet, Internet Marketing and Search Engine Marketing. Bjorn Brands is a successfull enterprenuer who transitioned from having his own building company to a great online business. Check out his site and see for yourself how his FREE course can help you do the same at. Bjorn Brands's top article generates over 49500 views. to your Favourites.