SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. Many tools and service providers will promise high Search Engine placement if you pay for them. Educate yourself on your options and your ROI before investing in any tool or service.

Mailing lists, newsgroups, and forums are online places where people meet, exchange information, disccus topics and disseminate knowledge.

These communities can be an effective way to get the word out about your product or service or just build business relationships that can help support you in growing your business.

• Online Newsgroups have a broad reach — over 10 million internet users read newsgroups
• Reach prospective customers
• Communicate with existing customers
• Conduct market research
• Can help build your image as an expert
• Increase traffic to your website
• Get feedback on marketing materials or product ideas
• Get answers to your questions

RESOURCES
Tile.net Reference Guide: http://www.tile.net
Interbulletin: http://news.interbulletin.com/
Newzbot: http://www.newzbot.com/

• Posting Do’s and Don’ts:
  • Abide by the posting rules of the group.
  • Be brief in your messages.
  • Stay focused on the topic.
  • Use a short (4-6 line) signature file that includes who you are, what you do, and how people can reach you or read more.
  • Post questions that enable you to describe what you do.
  • Only mention your business when you find an appropriate opportunity.
  • Make your subjects short and catchy with the most important words first.
  • Answer questions from others that you’re qualified to address.
  • Review and edit your message before posting.
  • Slip in off-hand curiosity peakers (like mentioning that you’re being featured in the paper, a magazine, or tv show).
  • Be constructive — no sarcasm or put downs.
  • Remember, the Internet is 24/7. Check your messages often. People don’t want to wait for a response and you are more likely to be able to take advantage of a "right place and the right time" opportunity.
  • If you think a message is only appropriate for an individual, then deliver it in a private response, not as a post to the group.
  • Don’t expect results from vague Questions or Answers
  • Don’t post messages that are too long.
  • Don’t use all CAPS — this is considered yelling even if its not intentional.
  • Don’t irritate participants with advertising stunts.
  • Never Cross-post or bomb several communities with the same message. This is considered the same as mass mailing or spam.
  • Don’t expect instant results. Newsgroups are relationship builders- they are a long term strategy.
  • Don’t mention fees or prices unless you are asked.
  • Don’t directly ask for any orders, just let them know how others can get more information.
  • Don’t post commercials or ads where they are not welcome.
  • Avoid including the entire message to which you are replying- edit it down to the relevant points.
  • Don’t include your email address in your signature — spam bots just will harvest it. Include your URL instead.

With or without a web site, an email newsletter is a great way to keep in touch with prospects and improve on your web presence. Most email newsletters are often in a personal voice and are filled with customer-centered content. They also build credibility and trust. Generally, good etiquette requires an "Opt-In" policy for a newsletter—that is, no one is added to the mailing list unless they explicitly request it. An "Opt-Out" option should also be available for subscribers who find your services or information are not a good fit for them.

• Keeps you in touch with past customers
• Reminds prospects and clients that you exist and have the ability to solve problems for them
• Let’s you advertise products/services you offer
• Builds your image as an expert
• Adds professionalism to a web site
• Implies longevity
• Builds a database of targeted customers
• Gets repeat visits to your site: Lets you tell subscribers about new updates to the site.
• Boosts repeat business
• Gives you the ability to show clients everything you can really do for them
• Builds a loyal base of "fans" who are ready to refer people to you or buy from you
• Builds brand image
• Saves you hundreds or thousands of dollars in design, printing and postage by producing your newsletter online instead of printing it or sending postcard reminders, etc.

1. Think about your purpose or goal: is it to inform people of changes to your site or sell them a product? Maybe you just want to make them think or laugh.

2. Know your audience. If you are using the newsletter to promote your products or services, what other information can you add to keep your readers interested?

3. Decide on your main topic—write it down.