For every niche, there are a wide range of discussion forums online discussing it. Then, if they have good traffic and allow it, you can implement a universal forum marketing strategy that can transform your business within a year. That may sound like a very long time, and if so then maybe you believe all the sales letters. But if you want to get maximum value from your efforts, it will require some time and patience on your part. When it's your business on the line, you'll have to decide how to proceed.
Many many will act the way that they normally act when they are in forums. Others will range from outgoing to shy. So, unless you are a rude person, just be yourself. If you are shy, it is okay to just watch things before you start contributing. Many people like to do this, which is known as lurking. You might be too afraid to make a first post. Just post in other threads and add something to the conversation. Forums that are new to you should always be explored, and there are things to search for upon your arrival. Before you decide to join, there are some things to consider. These things will matter since online marketing is what you are there for. It is typical for online marketers to be shunned at many forums these days. So the owner will not allow any kind of marketing to take place. Just go to the forum rules and they will tell you what you can and cannot do. By simply looking at the absence of signatures in forum posts, you will be able to discern if online marketing is possible. Regardless of the type of forum, direct advertising is usually not allowed. To prevent people from overrunning their forum with ads read review (like a giant cyber billboard), this is typically why it is not allowed.
Just present yourself in a casual manner. If you frequent the forums a lot, you will come into many people. Some will naturally seem like condescending people. You will always run into someone who wants to be confrontational. A majority of member will ignore these people, which will make them drop out of sight. This is how things are going to be in social media and forums. So you have to assess yourself and what you consider to be your priority. You will have to make a few tweaks if you want to succeed with forum marketing.
The sense of community forums provide can be addictive. Try to keep your thoughts focused on why you're there. This is very low value use of your time, even though it's nice socializing with other people. That's what you have to do if you want to make the most of your time.