The Right Way To Approach Communities With Content and Traffic

Garrett French learned the hard way how to approach forums for content and traffic

One key difference is that I opened a forum thread to DISTRIBUTE content rather than to ask a question and start to GENERATE content. I did ask a question at the end of the thread, but my intention was partly to get a quick shot of traffic which in my rear view mirror now looks like a bad idea.

Communities can sniff out someone just there for the take, you need to contribute in a meaningful way. Rather than what you can get out you need to think how everyone can benefit. Communities want more and better conversation not a link drop. Here are Garretts points:

1. Content must arise from a community need or passion.
2. Content must provide value to the community.
3. Content must incorporate, cite, interview and/or champion key members of the community.
4. Content must incorporate the language of the community.
5. Ask for permission AND forgiveness.

Read his list with commentary over at the post. I disagree with point 3, if it is worthwhile you don’t necessarily have to boost any members egos. The rest seem like good advice.

It’s common sense; do you just barge in and try to take everyone away to your own party or do you introduce yourself and make yourself an asset? Read, Learn, then speak. Make sure what you contribute is worthwhile.