Another way to both create web site traffic and to market to a group of peers on the Internet is to join a newsgroup. Take the time to explore the many newsgroups and find the ones that pertain to your field. You'll find [by reading the Newsgroup FAQ] that most of the newsgroups will allow a signature that includes your URL. By participating and making a contribution to pertinent newsgroups you will become recognized by the rest of the participants as a knowledgeable and serious force in your field.

In addition to industry newsgroups, you will also discover other newsgroups which allow posting of overt advertising. Be careful however, not to post an ad or where it is not welcome; a serious breach of etiquette.

"Can't I just post an ad to all the newsgroups?"

NO! Advertising is widely seen as an "off-topic" intrusion into the discussions of many particular newsgroups.

Each newsgroup has a specific set of subjects it is intended to cover, and in order for newsgroups to function as effective discussion forums, it is important that people stay "on-topic". If everyone disregarded the particular topics each newsgroup is intended to cover and simply posted whatever they wanted wherever they want, the entire system would break down.

Due to the decentralized nature of Usenet, there is no one person or body which can enforce the custom of staying on topic. It falls on each user to help preserve the culture of open discussion and free speech that the Usenet has come to embody by not posting off-topic material.

This, of course, includes advertising. Advertising is by far the most pervasive form of off-topic posting, and therefore, gets most of the heat.

You can however, include a SMALL signature file as your sign off that includes your company info, URL, or similar information.

In summary:

• Review or ask your Internet provider about available Newsgroups.

• Read the FAQ of each Newsgroup you participate in.

• Take the time to post on-topic messages to appropriate Newsgroups.

• Post blatant advertising ONLY to those groups that accept it.

• Include your URL in your signoff text.

• Make a relevant contribution to the discussions.

The Author, Gary E. Torello, is President and founder of QGM, an Internet based marketing company that specializes in assisting other businesses get the most out of their involvement on the Internet.

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