Joining existing forums can be a great way to build your social media audience. Depending on your business and what type of forum you go to you can show people your website and get advice, while giving advice. In my case I have targeted a few local business forums. I post quick tips and links to guides. My URL is in my signature so every post is an advert. It is important to remember not to use forums as just business tools. I have tried to explain throughout this blog that to get you have to give.
Take painting and decorating for example. A lot of people try to DIY jobs and need help. They will search the internet and often post questions in forums. If you respond to those questions and show your expertise then someone in your area may well see this and decide to employ your services.
I have found that for general business advice (like I give but also assists me) these two websites which I joined yesterday have been gems.
UK Business Forums
They are great for general business advice and can help most business types. The next step is identifying forums relevant to you. When you have done this post where you can help, or need something but don’t post for the sake of posting. Spam benefits nobody.