Google only updates the link count every X times a year, and even then, it's not entirely accurate. All part of Google not wanting you to see exactly what is under the hood of their ranking algorithm.
However, definitely go to www.google.com/webmasters and use theri Webmaster Tools to the fullest - they give lots more details and more accurate statistics there regarding sites that link to you.
That's right if the forums allow external links. If the pages where your link gets placement hold content similar to your industry, the links should always help not only in search engine rankings but also establishing your brand. Forums or blogs are the places where people can find useful information now since they hold different views of different people.
Last edited by cscgal; May 25th, 2007 at 8:55 am. Reason: Fake signature snipped
I think posting in forums definitly brings traffic to your site. especially if you are able to help someone out by answering a question or posting a helpful article.
I have had many people contact me through forum posting with various inqueries about the different sites that I work on.
Forums postings seem to get the word out on a our websites and brings quality traffic to them.
As far as backlinks go, I dont know how true that always is. This forum provides backlinks but many dont.
Also I think if you post in a forum for the purpose of backlinks, may end up getting you banned, so be helpful and follow the rules in any forum you join.
I wouldn't advise anybody to put their email in their signature file. Definitely add your url(s) to your signature file. Don't forget that your contributions (and accompanying sig files) stay on a forum for as long as the forum exists and so are a constant potential source for traffic.
As for MySpace, I agree with Csgal's doubts as to its efficacy as a source for quality leads unless, of course, you have a site that can serve a largely youth-entertainment market, if you know what I mean.
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