Newsgroups are a popular online forum where Internet users share common interests. They gather to exchange ideas. There are thousands of newsgroups with millions of people reading and posting every day.

The USENET launched in 1979. This is a vast system of so called "newsgroups" arranged in a strict hierarchical order similar to a library filing system. Individual newsgroups are devoted to worldwide discussion on a given topic anything from bears to depression to auctions is likely to have at least one newsgroup, often many more than one.

The Usenet is much like a public form of mail-in which messages are posted, not to individuals, but to the group at large and thus to anyone in the world who cares to read them. Newsgroup providers are equipped with a news reader which the majority of ISP providers don't offer, however you'll need to know the name of your ISP's NNTP news server and use either Internet Explorer or Netscape browser if you decide to participate.

Newsgroup providers are always vying for longer retention, completion and faster download rates for its users. They use a sophisticated Web browser interface and have virtual gateways to enhance user friendly experiences among all the members.

Newsgroup Providers:

http://www.newsfeeds.com 
http://www.usenet.com 
http://www.newsgroups.com 
http://www.binaries.net 
http://www.nuthinbutnews.com 

Promoting Your Business

Promoting your online endeavor with newsgroups will not make you an overnight success. This type of marketing takes a serious commitment to the long term success of your business. This is because newsgroup promotions are about selling yourself as a industry expert with a wealth of knowledge to share. 

NOTICE - Fancy sales tactics and hype DO NOT WORK! If you post blatant ads about your products, you will get slammed for it. These online communities are about sharing information and not being sold something.

This means to search for opportunities and respond to questions with the exact information that the person posting is looking for. If you respond with facts you'll gain respect of the community. The key is to monitor the posts and wait for the right opportunity to share your expertise.

The same goes for bulletin boards, you'll want to be professional in your approach and most importantly, be consistent and build relationships within the community. Also, when you do mention your product or service, do it casually and offer a solution by referring them to your web site for more information. The other members will take you seriously and won't be offended because you have established your credibility, created a relationship, and proven that your expertise is valid. You have positioned yourself as the solution to their problem without the hype.

You'll want to monitor each group closely, because one group might consider you humorous and another offensive. Read what the veterans are saying on typical questions and the responses given in each post. The newsgroup that DO NOT accept advertising is the ones that will yield the best response.

Newsgroups can be a powerful tool when used properly. These communities allow you to build relationships with potential targeted customers if you provide them with valuable information. People see newsgroups as a forum for exchanging ideas rather than reading advertisements. Once you've gained people's trust by showing them that you know what you're talking about and that you have their interest at heart, they'll be far more receptive to any offer you present them with.

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