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How to Promote Your Web Site in Newsgroups
Home > Promote
> Marketing > Usenet by
Michael Wong
Newsgroups are in fact
discussion forums. There's usually more chat and junk in them than actual news.
You can read messages posted and post your own. These messages will be read by
thousands of people worldwide. The best thing about newsgroups is that they are
targeted, with each addressing its own specific topic. If you can't find a newsgroup
that targets your prospects, you can create one that does.
Often the
messages you will find are questions wanting to be answered. If you can answer
the questions or direct the person to useful information, you create good will
for your business. Your reputation as a knowledgeable and helpful business can
only generate business for you. This doesn't mean you should post advertisements
and press releases in newsgroups. In fact don't do it at all, otherwise
you will be flamed (hate mail in your mail box)!
So which newsgroup should
you use? Find a newsgroup that is targeted at your market. If you sell shoes,
then find a newsgroup devoted to fashion or feet problems. If your market is local,
then look for a newsgroup that is devoted to your local area. If you want to announce
your website, then look for "*.announce" newsgroups, as they accept announcements
of new websites.
When you find a newsgroup that seems to suit your market,
read some of the messages posted and the faq (frequently asked
questions) list to find out what is acceptable and what isn't. Get a feel
for the topics discussed and the people discussing them.
Once you are
sure that the newsgroup you have chosen fits your targeted market, you can try
to answer some of the questions posted. You must follow the newsgroup's rules.
If you post one message that annoys everyone, something called cancelbot software
can delete your messages and block you from ever posting to them again. You don't
get a second chance! You are also likely to get mail bombed with hate mail. You
have been warned!
Here are some rules and guidelines for posting
on newsgroups: - Don't post advertisements or press
releases, unless the newsgroup states it accepts advertisements and announcements.
- Don't
spam (Posting messages unrelated to the topic discussed).
- Learn the rules.
Read some messages posted and the FAQ list.
- Stick to the actual subject
of the newsgroup.
- When you respond to messages, don't repeat the whole
message.
- Keep your message short. Keep your lines under 80 characters.
Most special control characters will not work for most readers. Shorter messages
download faster, so get chosen and read more often.
- Be clear and concise,
use a descriptive subject field. Help people decide whether they're interested
in the message without having to download it. A mysterious title will annoy more
people than it draws.
- Some newsgroups are moderated. In these groups,
you cannot post directly, either by convention or because the software prevents
it. To post to these newsgroups, send your emails to the moderator.
- Always
attach your signature file to the end of your messages. Keep it short, 2/3 lines
is usually acceptable. This is like leaving your business as it were.
- Don't
post the same message more than once in the same newsgroup.
- Don't post
messages in capital letters. CAPITAL LETTERS IS SHOUTING AND PEOPLE HATE IT WHEN
YOU SHOUT!
- Don't post messages that only say, "I agree" or "thank you".
Send these to the person direct.
- Don't post copyrighted material, especially
mine!
With more than 15,000 newsgroups on the Internet, finding the right
newsgroup can be a challenge. Search the list of newsgroups at Deja.com.
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