Hi everyone. I've got a question about posting links in forums (not this one). I recently joined a business forum and used it to say hello to a few people, build up a few contacts and links etc. Anyway the rule on this forum, as with many, is that you have a certain number of posts before being able to add links. I had the right number of posts and then came across a question I could answer as it was about the industry I work in (photocopiers) and so answered the question and dropped 1 or two links back to our website, which I thought would be fine... Obviously it wasn't as now ALL my posts have been deleted. Has anyone got any tips on how build back links using forums (when it doesn't allow links in your signature). I thought that if it didn't look like it was blatant advertising/spamming it would be aright. Also is it really worth the trouble? Any suggestions would be much appreciated, Elena
Look at what other people are doing to leave links. In many forums, it should be fine if it is relevant. But forum owners get frustrated with people that have few posts and just want to leave their links. Once you get established as a regular, they probably will be more understanding. If not, maybe its time to find a new forum where people can help each other freely.
Forum links are valuable, I know my links from dp has helped me to improve my rankings in the serp. Every forum has their own set of rules maybe you inadvertently violated the rules that's why your posts were deleted. I would suggest that you thoroughly read the rules of the forum before you add any backlinks.
I had the same problem with forums until I started reading the forum rules before start posting or even registering in a selected forum
link in signature means backlink,free traffic,free promotion.I have seen a site that have pr 2 with back link only from forum.
Yes, it's worthwhile both as a backlink and to get relevant traffic. Always post in relevant forums for the maximum benefit. The biggest drawback to this is the time involved in manually posting. Of course it can be automated using something like xrumer but that is hardly as useful, most relevant forums will delete the post and ban your account if posted using xrumer or a similar tool. A cost effective way is to engage the services of a (human) forum poster to post on related forums(preferably ones that allow dofollow text links in signatures). Some queries that you can search for in google to find related forums & threads (replace key word with whatever you want to build links about): vbulletin key word phpbb key word inurl:showthread.php key word inurl:viewtopic key word These lists of forum scripts will be useful in coming up with more search strings: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Internet_forum_software_(ASP) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Internet_forum_software_(PHP)
Before registering, you should read all the rules and agreements to the forum, this would help you know the different things you must follow to avoid deleting of posts and worst to make you ban.
And further, don't follow lists of forums that allow signatures every ass and his /her dog will be in front of you! -- be subtle
It can't hurt your SEO efforts to include a backlink, and might draw some interested visitors. Spamming though, is a no-no, so you should be more careful and discrete with your methods.
As long you create quality posts and do not "spam" the forums. It should help your search rankings and not casue any problems with the forum owners.
Sounds like you posted links in your actual post. I think most people here are suggesting you use the signature link to promote your site. Make sure you read the forums FAq when you sign up.
I never care about the back links from forum. but that's for sure it's very important when you are having new website and want to get indexed in major se's quickly.
Thanks for the great advice! I think I must have been a little eager in posting a link, I thought it would've been allowed as I was answering a direct question but looking at my posts again, I realise it could've looked like spamming or just blatant advertising, which is against the forums rules... I now understand that some forums aren't as allowing as others when posting links, but I've learnt my lesson, think it'll probably be better if I just just leave it to my signature to add a link, and try just to be a useful member, hopefully they'll like me again!
It all depends on the forum editor. Some times the form editor does not like links and he does not follow the forum rules. I seen this on cnet.com forum.
if you want to spam your links i suggest you sign up with "new" forums, those moderaters are more likely to leave your links at place since their allready happy with you joining in the community
I had the exact same problem. I've joined several forums and have contributed useful information. However, there was one forum that didn't allow links in posts. In responding to a question I referred a member to an article that would help them and got banned as a result. Apparently it was a no-no. I was a little upset because I did not intend to break the rules nor spam the person. I thought I was helping them out. Since then I tend to lurk around forums for a while before I decide to join or comment.
Just find better forums that have less stricter rules, and are more understanding. Forum links are valuble...