You should always have a business plan for everything that is done and this applies to forum marketing also. It will be easy to get what you want, but you should have an idea of what that is and how to use forums to get it. Many of the online marketers who become successful do well because they think this way about business. First, they research and get information on different marketing methods. Then they take that knowledge and figure out the best ways to leverage it.
Many many will act the way that they normally act when they are in forums. Most people are going to be either aggressive or shy. So, unless you are a rude person, just be yourself. If you are the shy type, you don't have to start contributing right away. This is something called lurking that most forum members do at the very beginning. You might be too afraid to make a first post. Once you settle into it, then simply start replying in threads and always be courteous and offer value.
Remember that it's always wise to contribute by starting your own threads and conversations. A lot of people who are new feel shy about starting threads. Begin by thinking of information you have that can be valuable to the community and share it. Invite others to contribute and/or ask questions.
Make a controversial statement if you're serious about inviting comments. You may have to walk a fine line when it comes to controversy and it can be a judgment call. No matter what, you should never take your threads off topic or into the realm of the absurd.
Some people tend to be much more prolific when it comes to starting new forum threads. I don't really care about it, but it creates impressions in other people that are not always positive. But, if you have a lot of good topics for threads, then that's great but just spread them out.
Comment on other threads at the same time. Human nature will show quite often on forums. You can't always bend to the will of others though-even in visit a situation like this. You'll have no shortage of gray areas to contemplate as you use forum marketing more and more. The best approach is to additional resources share your knowledge in as many ways as possible.
Even if you belong to ten forums in your niche, you can be an active member in all of them in less than an hour a day, five days a week. This truly is 'high value' marketing. Of course diversifying is the best bet to keep your business insulated from the ups and downs of doing business online.