These are online discussion groups on the about a particular topic or subject matter. It is similar to a Usenet discussion, but uses the Web browser for access. A major advantage of Web-based forums is that they can include all the extras you expect from your regular Web pages, incorporating images, videos and downloads.

Although they can be entirely anonymous, forums often require registration of an e-mail address, username and password. Messages may be displayed in chronological order of posting or in question-answer order (a user posts a question, and all related answers are displayed under the question).

Using a forum as a online marketing platform is particularly suitable for businesses in the service sector, as it gives the ability to engage interactively with prospective customers, via a discussion board on which questions can be posted and answered. This has the effect of generating quality traffic, which is being directed to the parent site.

For more on how a forum can be an effective online marketing tool for your business, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it with your questions and contact details (please include your web address).