How to build my forum

[PiMPaRSeBiSh]

I have recently opened up discussion forum which relate to web hosting and other it related fields. I have added a free banner management system coded 100% by myself and installed some other mods to the forum. I would like some advise as to what I can do to get my visitors registered. I know how to advertise, but nobody seems to be registering and using the forums. Am I doing something wrong? http://www.webhostdebate.com/

[alrock]

Try joining a webring. I have a True Crime Forum and when I first opened it two years ago this is what brought me my first several members. Webring.com will allow you to search for the appopriate category and then you can pick and choose which rings to join.

After that, Google indexed the site and it was listed in the top 10 for several search terms and that took care of the rest.

[PiMPaRSeBiSh]

Thanks for the site. It seems usefull.

[pulsetoday]

I have recently opened up discussion forum which relate to web hosting and other it related fields. I have added a free banner management system coded 100% by myself and installed some other mods to the forum. I would like some advise as to what I can do to get my visitors registered. I know how to advertise, but nobody seems to be registering and using the forums. Am I doing something wrong? http://www.webhostdebate.com/

Well, forums are pretty notorious to kick off and hosting disucussion is a pretty saturated market. :bigeyes:

The catch 22 with forums is that you will get more members when you have members making quality posts in there. And, how do you get the initial members?

Well, you have to give an impression of activity in there. Join Post exchanges (like those at theadminzone.com) and get a few friends (bribe them or threaten them... whatever works ;) ) to post there!

Second, get a custom skin. The default ones suck! They are just soo common. Get an identity!

You may want to take a look at this article for some tips on improving the registration rate and activity of your forums - www.moderninsider.com/article54.html

[PiMPaRSeBiSh]

Thanks for that article and tip.

[TPH]

I'm trying to develop my forum and review based site also. I just kicked off a forum posting and a review posting contest. This is the first time that I'm trying to develop traffic to a forum centric site, so I'm not sure what to expect.

If you want to see what I'm starting with and maybe get some ideas, here's the link to my contest info and rules:
http://voipoutpost.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=24

---
Fred
http://twinpineshosting.com
http://voipoutpost.com

[fcolor]

there are large unused space at the top of the forum. Remove it. It is useless. I'll register and I' try to benefit for the discussions.

I suggest you to make some link partnership that might bring users and also to spend a few bucks on advertising.

Best Regards
D.

[exasko]

A hosting forum.. there are a million of em' so unless you really plan to come with something new you will be better off trying to pick a new topic for a forum.

[PiMPaRSeBiSh]

there are large unused space at the top of the forum. Remove it. It is useless. I'll register and I' try to benefit for the discussions.

I suggest you to make some link partnership that might bring users and also to spend a few bucks on advertising.

Best Regards
D.
I have no idea what large unused space you're referring to.

[iTec Internet]

Well, forums are pretty notorious to kick off and hosting disucussion is a pretty saturated market. :bigeyes:

The catch 22 with forums is that you will get more members when you have members making quality posts in there. And, how do you get the initial members?

Well, you have to give an impression of activity in there. Join Post exchanges (like those at theadminzone.com) and get a few friends (bribe them or threaten them... whatever works ;) ) to post there!

Second, get a custom skin. The default ones suck! They are just soo common. Get an identity!

You may want to take a look at this article for some tips on improving the registration rate and activity of your forums - www.moderninsider.com/article54.html


Thanks for the link. The article sure does address many of the everyday concerns of a Forum Admin such has people who don't complete their registration etc.