How Giving Away Advice Online Grew My Side Hustle
Back in the mid-90s, the internet felt like a collection of digital clubhouses called bulletin boards. They were the original social media, places where you could find people who were into the same niche things you were, whether it was a specific TV show or fixing your own appliances. Fast forward to today, and that same spirit lives on in online forums.
For every interest imaginable, there's a community waiting. And if you run a business or have a , these forums are one of the most underrated tools for growth. They’re places where you can connect with other entrepreneurs, ask for advice, and just generally find your people. Let’s talk about how to use these digital spaces to build real connections that actually grow your business.
Think of It Like a Small Town
I live in a small town where everyone knows everyone. We have the usual annual festivals, school events, and quiz nights at the local pub. In my fictionalized neighborhood, Steve installs windows, Victoria runs a payroll service, and Paul is a freelance coder.
When I run into Steve at a barbecue, he doesn’t ask if my windows are drafty. Victoria doesn’t grill me for payroll leads. We just talk. We catch up on our families, complain about the new housing development, and chat about who’s running the corner store now. But if I ever did need new windows, Steve would be the first person I’d call. If a contact of mine needed payroll help, I’d immediately pass along Victoria’s number.
That’s just how communities work. Online forums are no different. They’re digital villages. People get to know each other, build trust, and form alliances. They have their own inside jokes and unwritten rules. But just like a real town, they're usually welcoming to newcomers who want to become part of the fabric of the community. For anyone , learning to navigate this dynamic is essential.
How to Join the Community
Finding a forum is the easy part—a quick Google search for your industry plus “forum” or exploring relevant LinkedIn and Reddit groups will give you plenty of options. The real work begins once you join.
Most forums have a simple signup process. Once you’re in, take the time to fill out your profile completely. This is your first impression. Add a clear photo—people connect with faces, not avatars. If the forum allows a signature, use it. A good signature, which appears under every post you make, is like a digital business card, offering a link back to your website or portfolio. Setting this up is a foundational step in building a online.
The Right Way to Participate
Now that your profile is set, it’s time to engage. But here’s the most important rule: don’t immediately start selling. Many forums have a section for new members to introduce themselves. Use it. Say hello, explain what you do, but resist the urge to pitch. You wouldn’t walk into a party for the first time and start handing out flyers, so don’t do it here.
Instead, spend some time exploring. See what conversations are happening. Find threads where you can add real value and demonstrate your expertise. It’s often more powerful to reply to existing posts than to start new ones. This approach is perfect for a because it allows you to contribute when you have time without the pressure of creating content from scratch.
One of the biggest truths about online networking is that to sell more, you have to try selling less. Let people get to know you through your contributions. For , your knowledge is your product, so show it off by being genuinely helpful.
Become the Go-To Expert by Giving It Away
It sounds completely backward, but giving away your expertise for free is the single best way to get more business from forums. When you generously share how to do what you do—your best tips, your trade secrets—you’re not losing customers; you’re building trust.
Even if you tell people exactly how to handle their own marketing or design a brand identity, many will realize they’d rather pay an expert to do it right. And who will they turn to? The person who has already proven they know what they're talking about. This strategy helps you establish a strong reputation for your .
Before long, something amazing starts to happen. When another member posts in a “Can You Help?” section looking for services you provide, other people in the community will start recommending you before you even see the post. You’ll have a team of advocates vouching for you. These third-party endorsements are incredibly powerful and are a great way to grow your organically.
Take the Conversation Offline
When you see a direct request for help that fits your skills, resist the urge to post a generic, “I can do that, contact me.” You've been given a clear buying signal. Don't make the prospect do all the work.
Pick up the phone. Or send a thoughtful direct message. Talk to them about their needs and build a real connection. This is how you turn a simple forum post into a client. In an environment where most people hide behind a keyboard, a real conversation makes you stand out. It's a key step in transforming your status.
Ultimately, online forums are a microcosm of real life. They’re about building relationships. Turn those digital connections into real ones by having actual conversations. It’s the fastest way to build trust and the surest way to turn a community into a source of clients for your .
