what if any are the benefits of having a forum ?

[BUSHhtr]

I would like to have a link to a forum on our website. I believe it would offer our customers good info.. what are the benefits of having one for SEO purposes?

 

[ChrisHunt]

Any benefit is entirely dependent on the number and quality of the postings. If you have a lot of people exchanging useful information relevant to your business area, the SEs will pick that up just like any other content. If it sits around unused, they'll ignore it.

To get any SEO benefit, you'll need to make sure that the SEs can actually get into the forum though - it'll be no good, for example, if users have to register before reading any posts.

-- Chris Hunt
Webmaster & Tragedian
Extra Connections Ltd

 

[Foamcow]

Also consider that the potential "spamability" of a forum means that content is going to be taken with a pinch of salt if you see what I mean.

Informative posts on very specific subjects are worthwhile. General chatter, obviously, isn't so useful.

Foamcow Heavy Industries - Web design and ranting
Buy Languedoc wines in the UK

 

[ChrisHirst]

For SEO purposes is not really a good reason for a forum, given the amount of time and effort needed to maintain and promote them.

For customer support though it may well be worth the time and effort with any SE benefit being a useful side effect

Chris.

Indifference will be the downfall of mankind, but who cares?
Woo Hoo! the cobblers kids get new shoes.
People Counting Systems

So long, and thanks for all the fish.