Use Signature Lines in Online Forums to Get Referrals

Using online forums is an easy and free way to get more referrals for your affiliate program or product. Search for the proper message board that suits your product or program. If you are an affiliate promoting fishing equipment find forums that talk about fishing. Once you join the forum make sure you read the boards rules before you post. Some forums do not allow advertising of any kind including in signature lines. Some boards include a separate advertising section just for that purpose so you can always put an ad there.

You'll want to have a signature line that is interesting that compels the reader to click on it. Asking a question is a good way to do this. Think of something interesting but try not to make it too long. Keep your signature lines to a minimum. Don't try to promote all your sites in one signature line, 10 links is too much. I'd go for two or three maximum. If you give people too many choices they get turned off.

If you are new to the forum the first thing you should to do is introduce yourself. There is usually a welcome section in most forums. In your introduction you can also mention what you do or what type of business you have. Get involved in the discussion just don't go there for the purpose of spamming your links just to promote. Don't post your links in the post itself. Let your signature line speak for itself.

Become an active poster to help build rapport and credibility. Don't try to sell your program or product unless someone asks specifically about a service or product then you can tell them about what you have to offer. Become a regular poster, ask and answer questions and give advice. One of my favorite sections is the welcome/introduction section. Go there often and welcome the "newbies." Just say hi and answer any question they may have or respond to a comment they make. Make them feel welcome. They might be looking for just the kind of help you can offer. I would go as far as to say you can even send them a PM (private message) if they mention they are interested in learning about XYZ. That's happened to me. I don't do it and I generally don't like someone doing it to me but that's up to you.

Join as many boards as you have time to be an active participant in. Even if you haven't posted a message or visited a board in months it's still possible to get referrals if someone new joins and is searching the board for information. They just might find an old post from you with your signature and they just join. Don't overlook message boards as a free way to get more referrals.