First, let me answer the question “What is a Forum”?

A forum is a tool used to communicate and collaborate with others. Different types of forums include discussions, chat rooms, and messaging windows. Forum users interact with each other by exchanging tips and discussing topics related to a websites theme.

Forums save information posted on any given topic for others to see at any time…creating a discussion environment. Anything that gets posted can be read over and over again.

By participating in a forum discussion, you are reaching people from all over the world. Participants join together, get to know each other, build relationships, and create a community. When you contribute to a forum, and offer solutions to someone elses questions or problems, it allows you to gain credibility with other visitors. You are letting everyone know that you are an expert on the topic you are discussing…which in turn will make them more likely to buy from you (when the time comes)!

So, then, “What is a Blog”?

A blog is a collection of articles, ideas, news, facts or opinions that are posted on a site. They are usually fairly structured, and organized by category. Most are updated often, and controlled by the owner of the blog. “Blog” is actually a term coined from “Web log”.

The purpose of a blog is to communicate with others and provide content. You direct the content, but let your readers guide you. By providing compelling, well written content, and posting updated material often, you are positioning yourself as an expert on your chosen topic.
Readers of your blog can comment, but not in a discussion format as in a forum.

In summary, with both forums and blogs, you are able to post a comment and reply to other comments. You can leave comments that may or may not be moderated, and therefore may have to identify yourself – usually with a name and email address.

Let’s look at the differences between a forum and a blog side by side:

FORUMS

Main Purpose: Create a discussion on any topic by allowing comments on posts

Forums are created to promote discussion between many participants

Control of Content: Group control – decentralized…In most cases, all members have the ability to create new topics. Discussions can change direction, reflecting the group as a whole.

Unfocused – numerous contributors…creates user-generated topics.Forums will create a wider variety of content, and pull traffic on topics or phrases you may not have thought of.

Intent: Group participation and collaboration.Saves group input and facilitates group decision making.

Message length: Numerous short messages

Log in /Registration usually required.

Shows who’s online at a given time

BLOGS

Main Purpose: Content of the posting is the main intent, not the commenting

Blogs are mainly created for single user input

Control of Content: Individual – centralized…New topics are presented by the owner of the blog.

Focused – since blogs are written by a single author (or a small group of authors).Comments are generally directed to the primary author, not other readers.

Intent: Personal accounts, news, and opinions. Trusted individuals provide their accounts of information.

Message length: Mostly longer messages

Log in /Registration not required

Doesn’t show who’s online

Hopefully this comparison will clear up the distinctions between forums and blogs for you. Both are effective tools of communication, so use both to increase your presence on the internet, and promote your expertise.

To Your Success!

Lynn McArthur

Business Growth Specialist

Choosing how to monetize your blog is a huge decision! There are many different options and it can be difficult to judge which type your readers will respond to most. Take a look at these different options, and make your choice with your readers and the market overall in mind.

Option 1: Adsense

Adsense is probably the easiest way to monetize — and the most difficult! It’s easy because it’s just a simple code that Google gives you (they even automatically match up the ads for you!). You make money as soon as someone clicks on your ads, whether they actually go on to make a purchase or not. Adsense can also be incredibly difficult. You usually get paid a few cents per click and it can take a lot of traffic for it to add up to something that is even remotely worth your while.

Adsense might be a good thing to test, especially as you’re getting your feet wet with blogging. If you’re in the right market and find the right ad positions and colors, it can certainly turn into a nice hands-off income for you.

Option 2: Affiliate Products

Selling products as an affiliate is a great way to make money. For one thing, you get to earn money from the products without having to fulfill them yourself or deal with customer service issues. Nothing is better than that! The returns are usually higher than with Adsense, provided you’re able to find an offer that converts well with the people who visit your website.

You will have to decide if you want to promote digital or physical products. This decision will likely come down to what kind of niche you’re in and how your site visitors will respond.

Option 3: Creating Your Own Products

After you get a loyal following of readers it’s easier than ever to create and sell your own information product! You’ll have to fulfill the orders and deal with customer service issues, but the tradeoff is that you get to keep all the money! You are also the one who knows your readers best, so you’re likely to come up with an offer that converts extremely well since it’s exactly what they want.

You can write an ebook, create a membership site, deliver a paid e-course, create a video series, or record audio. If you want to make the package even better you can combine a few different approaches to add massive value. The options are endless when it comes to monetizing with your own products. Some of your blog readers might eventually want to become an affiliate of yours as well!

As you look at these different options you might start to feel overwhelmed. That’s perfectly normal! It’s hard to know what the best path is when you’re just starting out with a new niche. A good way to get a feel for the best way to do things is to see what other blogs and sites in your niche are doing. You’re not trying to copy them, you’re simply taking note of what works and using it yourself.