What about a PS?

[getbetterhealth]

I joined this advertising forum and the owner sends out very interesting and helpful emails. The first set was a series on how to market in forums without appearing to do so. IE, not thinly disguised ads, but real questions and/or answers, like, "Should I sell these marketing tools as a package or would it be better to sell them separately" or something more complicated. Of course he wouldn't link directly to them in the post, but he said that almost nobody looks at signatures anymore (is that true? I do sometimes) and that a PS personalized to the post, below your name, would be better. For example, in the marketing tools illustration, the PS could read, "If you're interested in viewing the marketing tools I mentioned, you can click here" or something like that.

So, moderators, what about it? Is this legit, or would it be against the forum rules? I think it's a neat idea, but before I get that far, I want to make sure it's okay. For instance, I would like to run ad headlines that I have written myself (since I'm so new at this) by experienced marketers and get ideas on which are the best or how to reword them. Then, if it weren't against forum policy, I would write a PS that said something like, "If you want to view the splash pages that would go with the ads, click here". This would be nice, especially since the page I want to include with a particular headline wouldn't necessarily be the same one as in my sig.

Thank you!

Lisa

[pericles]

Hmmh... I don't agree with the theory here. People still do look at other people's signatures. Though you shouldn't expect a flood of people to visit your site just by posting to forums alone.

Also, many many forums are strictly against posting advertising links of any kind in the posts. I believe StartXChange is one of them.

[ameastre]

Forum links are a very good method of advertising IF you use some sense. The key is picking communities that you can actively participate in and as your reputation increases with fellow members, they become more likely to click on your links and see what you're offering. Every post you make becomes another link to your website that someone may click on. Just make sure the signature comes across as a genuine recommendation instead of blatant "I want commissions" or similar.

In terms on in-post linking, I sometimes do say (pm me for ref link) when I mention a program, but I carefully review the terms of the forum before actually posting a reference. As pericles stated, many forums forbid in-post links. However many do provide exceptions for relative links (pertinent to the discussion) and/or non-commission links.

Do consider though that these are two different points. A static signature will fair better than a dynamic (don't you have faith in what you're promoting?) But a link relevant to a discussion will definitely get clicked on.

Hopefully that's not confusing. :)

[dehawkinz]

OK,

as the moderator I can give broad guidance on what I am likely to permit :)
If I feel the link is relevant, eg if you are talking about how to design a splash page, and you include a link to a page with more details, or an example splash page, I would permit this - the link is to enhance the explanation ie.
If I feel the link is to sell or promote something, eg if you are talking about how to design a splash page, and you include a link to a page for a splash page building program, I am likely to see this as advertising and edit the link/post - the link is to sell something ie.

so, in the example you are talking about, I would have to see how exactly you did it, but I am quite happy for people to submit informative posts to the forum. :)

DeHawkinz

[palladan]

Why not just have an advertising section People can make the decision on their own to enter or not,aren't we grownups? That way it make's the monitors job very easy...monitor...sounds like nursery school.

What a monitor considers advertising...may not be advertising? Who make's that calll?

[palladan]

OK,

as the moderator I can give broad guidance on what I am likely to permit :)
If I feel the link is relevant, eg if you are talking about how to design a splash page, and you include a link to a page with more details, or an example splash page, I would permit this - the link is to enhance the explanation ie.
If I feel the link is to sell or promote something, eg if you are talking about how to design a splash page, and you include a link to a page for a splash page building program, I am likely to see this as advertising and edit the link/post - the link is to sell something ie.

so, in the example you are talking about, I would have to see how exactly you did it, but I am quite happy for people to submit informative posts to the forum. :)

DeHawkinz


Aren't you kinda advertising by using the example your using?
You are running ads all over about your services in making splash pages and then answer a person using "splash pages as an example", however you are GOD to make the determiniation as to what is advertising?

HELLO!

[getbetterhealth]

Actually, I think that on ANY forum, what DeHawkinz does would be considered acceptable--and not just because he's a moderator. He doesn't know it yet (though he's about to) but I saw his link in his sig, went to it, bookmarked it, and very well may use his service in the future. I wouldn't know the first thing about making a splash page (except that it should have a way to get people to sign up or buy--and I don't know how to put that in either!), and now that I have his page and figure that his price is reasonable, when I have a budget I just might use it. And he didn't JUST say to get your own splash page. He mentioned making your own T-shirt and a bumper sticker--neither of which service he offers. So his post was very helpful and he didn't even mention his signature (which is in every post).

Hello back.

Lisa

[nsant46]

I think "If you're interested in viewing the marketing tools I mentioned, you can click here" may be allowed. But I can't understand why: we yet have our SXC's TE for this!:)
How many sites do you want advertise here Lisa?
Use TEtoolBox, instead advertise in this forum, it will be better!
Take care
Noemi

[getbetterhealth]

To answer your question, Noemi,

It's not that I'm going to do this all the time. For instance, I am planning in the near future to write a post about how blogging can be a means of free advertising, based on my own experience. Per forum rules, I wouldn't give the link to the blog directly, but it might be nice for people to see what it's about, hence a PS. I am not selling anything on it, but I do have referral links on it for those who want to click. It's not a blog I would include in my signature, either. It's very specific, meeting a need, and it generates a great deal of traffic without me doing anything at all. It is a powerful example of using blogging. I just wanted to make sure I wouldn't get banned from the forum for something like this (I think, based on DeHawkinz post, I think I wouldn't be).

Also, I really suck at writing ads. I'm hoping I can get some help here, and anyone editing an ad would like to see what it is being written for, though that could be done by PM if necessary.

Thanks, everyone, for the advice.

Lisa

[xxclixxx]

I would be against the whole PS thing. You can add a few links to your signature, that is sufficient for this forum. I think your signature is visible enough with it being blue as it is, I know I noticed it.

The premise is this forum is to help people use the exchange. The exchange is where the ads belong in this particular community. And this community is great, so if you are helpful people do look at your signature. I know I've read many members signatures ;-)