Go through your past customer questions. You may have answered them each individually, but did you answer those same questions for your future prospects? If not, add those answers to your ad copy. If you do not want to clutter up your ad you could set up a separate FAQ section that's linked to it.

Now there will always be questions that arise you weren't prepared for. You should provide quick and easy ways for them to get in contact with you by phone, fax, e-mail, instant messaging, etc. Offer 24 hour customer service. If that's not possible, tell them you will answer all questions ASAP or within a reasonable or quick time frame.

In future keep track of all questions that arise and update your ad copy or FAQ regularly. It can be difference between your sale or your competitions sale.

It isn't just buyers you will put off. The most successful people online harness power of joint ventures - doing a deal with another marketer to sell your product for a commission. If you become known as a spammer, joint ventures will be a closed avenue for you. Nobody will touch you.

But don't despair. There is a solution. It is to take a softly, softly approach.

First, read every post on your target boards. Look out for recurring themes as they will often guide you to areas you can research. Many an info product has been born from questions raised on forums.

Next, whenever there is a question or comment that you can add to - do so. Answer questions generously and without trying to push any product or service.

If board allows it (and it is vital to check 'rules'), put a very short link to your site in your signature line. But on no account mention it in your message.

For example, I might sign myself off like this:

Martin Avis www.BizE-zine.com - Free Business Insights Every Friday

Every once in a while ask a relevant question. And always graciously thank anyone who answers you, even if you don't agree with them. That way you are not just being polite, but you are also doubling your postings. Never, ever enter into an argument over someone's reply to you - however rude they may seem.

Over time, you will become a known member of board. People will appreciate your input and you will become an accepted member.

When that time comes, you can begin to occasionally mention your service or product in posts, providing relevancy is absolutely clear. But only those.

This way, boards will become an excellent marketing medium for you.

Any other way and you will get nowhere.

If this all sounds in any way cynical, I guess it is. But it is based on real, hard reality of Internet etiquette: 'People do business with people they like'. Add 'trust' to that and you see whole picture.