Increasing forum activity

[dWhite]

So I've got this PR5 webmaster forum, and need some tips/advice on how to increase activity on it.

It's at the point the search engine crawlers are on the forum more than members.

Used to be a highly active forum back a few years ago, but has recently slowed down.

We've attempted to try a posting content offering free paid hosting as the prize for the winner, but noone participated in the contest.

[WeDost.Com]

I have also the same question. I have also started best forum contest at my forum website but no members are taking interest. Any Suggestions? Thank you.

[manik]

you have to do consistent marketing for over a period of one year at least to get a forum on its feet.

contests would help only if you have significant number of active users.

[vilyanurchandra]

Giving away free host doesn't works until you do a huge advertising and publishing of your site as there are so many sites this days.

I suggest you to run some forum contest.
And i think making a forum popular takes times!
Do your best ; keep on doing and wait fro results for at least 1-2 years.

[manik]

One thing many forum owners dont get is contests also need marketing. If not enough people know about the contest we run it won't simply work.

Another thing is we have to love what we do. If we run just for the money not loving what we do, money wont be seen; neither would success.

[Craig Zimbrowski]

As forum owner, you should post informative content on it, and then advertise to attract more people to it.
Also, if your forum has Rss, send the rss to directories.

[numberone]

1) You are in an incredibly competitive niche. Look here as to how many webmaster/SEO forums you are competing against:

 http://www.theforumfinder.org/comput...et/web-design/

2) I am a fan of the 90 9 1 theory of forum and social community participation. 90% lurk; 9% post occasionally and 1% post often - the challenge is to move people from the 90 to the 9 and then from the 9 to the 1. See these series of articles on this and some practical strategies:

 http://www.forumdr.com/tag/90-9-1/

[braincool]

I would suggest you to publish some interesting posts in it and try to explain complex topics in simple and lucid language so that your member may get the rang of it. You should initiate a competition or program of that kind which will stimulate your members to participate and thereby you will notice a visible increase in the ranking of your website.

[Craig Zimbrowski]

Time and persistence is the key, you can also be an active member on several forums..and post your signature on all your posts.

[shonmaster]

Start introducing new topics for discussion .send mails to the inactive users reminding them about your forum.

[Jenie0109]

Joining forums is a great way to promote your service and to network. If you become an active member in forums you can use your reputation to promote your website. Many forums receive large amounts of traffic and people pay attention to well respected members with high post counts.

[bugzy]

Make a contest that involves money. Many for sure will participate on that. Right now people on the web are more interested in making $$$ in a very simple way.

[~kev~]

I have a pc and console gaming forum that has been up and running for almost 18 months. The only time it gets any real post is when I have a forum posting contest.

It seems that not even the search engines like the site. I can post an article, and its not indexed by google for 24 hours later. While on one of my other forums, I can post an article and its indexed within minutes.

[Craig Zimbrowski]

Otherwise hire some forum posters to populate it while you promote it and have real visitors on it.
A ppc advertising can be a good idea.

[alexjoan]

Join forums, forums are a great way to achieve links to your website. In most forums you are allowed to have a signature and in your signature you can put a link to your website. But another important note to look on is making sure the forum is somewhat related to your website. You will still get credit if it's not, but if it's related to your website than you will be accomplishing two tasks at once.
You will be advertising for your website (bringing in targeted traffic) You will also be building your websites presence.
Your websites presence is very important to your survival. The more people see, or hear about your website the more credibility you will have and this increases your chances of having these visitors come back and possibly become leads.