1 (edited by cuteseal 2004-06-30 11:20)

Topic: Tips on Increasing Forum Activity?

Hi all,

Need help!  Starting a new site can be hard.  Especially for a "newbie" like me.

I've "officially" launched my site yesterday (well it's been milling around for about a month), and to try to entice people to participate in the forums, I've put out some prizes and giveaways.

However, about 36 hours have passed, and about 4 or 5 new people have joined, and only 1 (new) really active poster.

I wonder if anyone has any tips or suggestions on increasing forum participation and activity?  Any ideas on what else can I do?  I know there must be alot of people here who can share experiences...

Thanks in advance,
Jules

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http://www.shuttertalk.com

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Re: Tips on Increasing Forum Activity?

I think content is the most important factor. If a site has good content, people will automatically become interested and start taking part in the discussions. I see that you've posted a review of a digital camera. Send an e-mail to other sites in the same area of interest and tell them about your review. Maybe they will post a news bit about it. That way you not only get more traffic, but also start to build up connections with other people in the "industry".

"Programming is like sex: one mistake and you have to support it for the rest of your life."

3 (edited by cuteseal 2004-06-30 12:17)

Re: Tips on Increasing Forum Activity?

Thanks Rickard, very valuable advice... gotta work on that content smile

Any other tips, girls and guys?

Digital photography news, reviews, discussions and more!
http://www.shuttertalk.com

The online bible for all
http://www.publicbible.com

4

Re: Tips on Increasing Forum Activity?

I noted that you are linking to other peoples sites in your resources section. Are they linking back to you? If not, approach them and ask for a link back. People do look at resources sections in websites, it saves them the bother of having to google. In fact have a very comprehensive resources section is a good way to become popular, you effectively become a gateway.

Re: Tips on Increasing Forum Activity?

Hm... I know one or two do have links back... but I'll chase the rest.  Thanks Paul smile

Digital photography news, reviews, discussions and more!
http://www.shuttertalk.com

The online bible for all
http://www.publicbible.com

6

Re: Tips on Increasing Forum Activity?

Try and make sure that the first couple of news items on the front page are something contentious i.e. something that the community you are trying to reach can't resist commenting on. That way you get them into the forum by the back door.

Overall though, Rickard is quite right. The real trick is to concentrate on getting people visiting the site. The forum should then grow naturally.

7 (edited by cuteseal 2004-07-01 03:08)

Re: Tips on Increasing Forum Activity?

Paul wrote:

The forum should then grow naturally.

I want it now!!! Haha, just kidding... big_smile

I guess patience is a virtue.

Any other tips?

I notice that some sites are nothing but a forum (i.e. have no news, articles, reviews, etc. - just a forum on a specific topic.).  How do those grow then?

Digital photography news, reviews, discussions and more!
http://www.shuttertalk.com

The online bible for all
http://www.publicbible.com

Re: Tips on Increasing Forum Activity?

cuteseal wrote:

I notice that some sites are nothing but a forum (i.e. have no news, articles, reviews, etc. - just a forum on a specific topic.).  How do those grow then?

They usually don't :)

"Programming is like sex: one mistake and you have to support it for the rest of your life."

9

Re: Tips on Increasing Forum Activity?

From what I've seen, the only solo forums that grow are
1. Where it was created for a pre-existing membership e.g. a school, club, local community or just a group of friends
2. Where the subject matter is relatively specialised and there are very few sources of information.
3. They are old so came into existence before forums got so popular
4. They are providing links to "alternative" software suppliers

Re: Tips on Increasing Forum Activity?

Well...one tip I have is to dvertise all over the place. Join forums, post a few times, and have your site url in your signature. Try to make the site attractive and seem active. Get a core group of members that will always help you get more posts (most likely friends). Just wait, and don't give up. Be a nice person and just advertise!

Re: Tips on Increasing Forum Activity?

Cool... been doing that... thanks fusionx2 big_smile

Digital photography news, reviews, discussions and more!
http://www.shuttertalk.com

The online bible for all
http://www.publicbible.com