Use Discussion Groups Effectively

One of many tactics to promote yourself and/or market your writing is to participate in discussion groups. These are variously called forums, boards and lists. They evolved from the first Internet groups, listserves and BBS (bulletin board systems). Guerilla marketer Jay Conrad Levinson
says, "Discussion group participation is the most effective way to locate and develop a relationship with your online customers."

Find groups appropriate to your writing specialty. Look for ones that attract the readers you want to reach: horror, biography, fantasy, education, romance, etc. Plug your topic and "groups" into any search engine, or better, visit the directories for the biggies, Google Groups and Yahoo Groups. You may have to register first.

Once you're in some groups, DO NOTHING for several visits. Observe the topics, interplay, and others' signatures. Your signature will be your opportunity to advertise your book, services or other product. Never use the body of a message to advertise! This activity is an investment requiring time and willingness to "give away" some of your expertise. Start responding to topics with thoughtful offerings. If you don't have an answer to a question or something pertinent to say, keep quiet, at least until the others get to know you and recognize your name/photo/avatar. Hit and run tactics don't work in discussion groups, neither does barging in with mouth blazing or an authoritative attitude. Humor always helps.