How to turn a forum into a social media hub

Most marketers know the power of an online forum. Forums can answer consumer questions, share tips and tricks and give the consumer a greater loyalty to the brand. But, can a simple forum be easily tweaked to form a social media outlet that will appeal to even more users?

by Kristina Knight

According to a recent report from Marketing Sherpa, yes. Researchers found that with a few new tool additions, simple community forums can be changed into social outlets. Here are a few ideas.

First, add profiles. Consumers what to know who they are talking to so give them the opportunity to create a forum profile. These profiles can be set up so that other members can see recent activity, posted pictures or even blog posts and will help consumers feel more at home.

Second, allow photo sharing. They say a picture is worth a thousand words; this was never more true than in an advertising venue. Allow community members to post and share photos. Pictures can include unique uses for a product, a project finished with your product or some other use and are invaluable to other consumers.

Third, better your content. Don't just include a two paragraph note that a new product has been launched. Add value to the content by using pictures, write about topics related to your product, unique uses and ask consumers to add their opinion to these articles. This will create an on-going conversation which appeals to consumers to return day after day to check in.

Fourth, allow blogging. Whether the blogs are written by a few select forum members (influencers) or by marketing team members, share opinions through blogs.

Fifth, don't count out the forum. The area began as a forum where consumer questions could be answered. Continue that because forums are as important to today's online consumer as they were ten years ago. Consumers have questions and the simplest way to have them answered is to post to an online forum.