Personal forum advice

I know that a lot of members here have played around with forum software and either used to or still run some sort of forum.

What would be some valuable advice you guys could give to someone who would currently be looking to start a forum? I'm not talking about the kind of advice that a simple google search can deliver though, I'm talking about some hands on stuff, what you've learned yourself or from experience with this sort of software.

Mine would be: Content before plugins; if your site has tons of features but very LQ content, this can drive away potential members.

you have to find a way to advertise your forum or do some giveaway! share some HQ resources .. that's how to atrackt people to join your site, give'em a reason to stay on that site .. the hardest thing is the beggining.

I'm out of the forum business right now but all I can tell you is that the most important thing is first impressions. Have custom things, don't use other people's themes, be professional and have everything on point. Please do not advertise your website to the public before it looks good otherwise people won't click your thread for the 2nd time as they wouldn't know it's updated and also they'd gather you're unprofessional by how you first advertised it and won't give you a second chance.

That's just a very basic one. To market a forum properly, you need strategies and timing is very important. I won't share this because they work tremendously and I don't want everyone to know this. I might sell it though.

You should definetly use IPB unless you are a dev, then you should go with MyBB.

You should also remember to invest in a forum otherwise the chances are very minimal in succeeding.

I'm starting my own forum up and I'm not gonna lie, I've been active in the theme section here, but i've learned more on how to actually make my own theme based on seeing all these other themes than I would have watching youtube videos. I'm starting to combine different things from different themes I like an its working out pretty well.

07-10-2017, 12:22 AM

v4hl Wrote: you have to find a way to advertise your forum or do some giveaway! share some HQ resources .. that's how to atrackt people to join your site, give'em a reason to stay on that site .. the hardest thing is the beggining.

Hmm but the resource sharing doesn't work on like a pet forum or something x) Yeah hardest part is makin' em stay it's like writing a resume to be hired like just "pls ;-;"

07-10-2017, 12:59 AM

Monopoly Wrote: You should definetly use IPB unless you are a dev, then you should go with MyBB.

What about if I use MyBB and I'm not a dev?

07-10-2017, 01:00 AM

Guardian Wrote: You should also remember to invest in a forum otherwise the chances are very minimal in succeeding.

Ya mean like donating to the guys who made the software ya using?

I think the most important factor is to be realistic. Do your math before you start anything. Don't overspent your time / mone / etc. Keep in mind that majority of users will come back from mobiles, so give them a proper way to handle your site. Cross browser compatibility is important aswell.

And then the other staff, like content, SEO, etc.