Finding the right SEO tools and resources can be challenging. It's like trying to hit a constantly moving target in the dark. One of the ways to make it easier for webmasters is utilizing online forums and groups. Not only do these groups stay up on the latest happenings with SEO but they also are less intimidating to be a part of than in the past.

The first rule in joining any new SEO group or forum is "Go Slow." Whether you are a newbie or an experienced user, take it easy the first week or so. Be cautious not to offend anyone. Why? Because marketing and having a business on the internet is all about relationships. At some unknown time you may cross paths with these people, need JV partners or flat out just need help and advice. Good manners and politeness will get you remembered and helped fast.

After this first hard and fast rule, here's a few more pointers for any SEO group or forum:

1. Always use the "search" option first.

More than likely, your question has been answered. Check the archives and posts first. If you can't find it then, post your question.

2. Never spam your forum.

It's "OK" to have a signature for your site or product but spam posts to your forum about your product or opportunity will not only get you banned it will get you ignored.

3. Stay within topic.

If there is something that you would like to discuss that was inspired by a post on another topic, post a new topic in the appropriate section. Posting off topic, especially after a warning will get you banned.

4. Never ?bump? your thread.

"Bumping" is when you reply to your own post

in hopes of getting a response sooner. The only time that this is acceptable is if your thread has laid dormant for about a week. Bumped threads are very annoying to most forum users. Bumping posts on a regular basis will probably lead to a lack of interest in your posts and will probably contribute to a lack of support in your ventures.

5. Contribute to the community.

Many forums now include ?games? which are occasionally fun. Saty light and funny with them

and you may be surprised at the postive outcome.

There are membership as well as free-to-join groups and forums. Do your research before signing up for money based membership sites. Most are good but if you're going to pay make sure it's a good fit for you prior to putting up any dues. Poke around the posts, see if you find the content valuable and then join.

As for finding SEO groups, any of the search engines will pop up more than enough links by typing in

either "SEO groups" or "SEO forums." Some of the largest free forums and groups can be found with Google at "Google Groups" (groups.google.com) and Yahoo (groups.yahoo.com).

Either of these sources will provide you with a pretty substantial list. Remember, regular search engine listings seem to apply here so generally you will see the best results towards the top of the listing.

There are several forums out there on the web that focus on SEO, and you can learn a lot from all of them, even if some of the discussions are over your head at first. Even ordinary searchers can learn a lot from following these discussions, as they tell you a lot about how search engines work.