What are some ways to get REAL members and quality posts?

[armoguy94]

I always struggle on getting members of online communities. The subject of the forum always has to be very unique to catch people's eyes.

I do not think people would join a forum unless it is very active. If a forum has no activity and is new then it is always very hard to promote.

The forum would also need to have a very good, eye-catching design. A forum with a pre-made design that is widely used is a turn-off, I think.

Forums that always cought my attention were webmaster forums and forums that have an opportunity to make money in.

I also find it to be a turn-off when an administrator uses bad grammar in their posts. As administrator I think the least you can do is use good grammar, and if you're not from an english-speaking area, then I think you should try your best because many don't.

Does anyone have anything to add on to this? Any advice? This post was mainly just saying what turns people off, not what turns people on.

[Chromepro]

I always struggle on getting members of online communities. The subject of the forum always has to be very unique to catch people's eyes.

I do not think people would join a forum unless it is very active. If a forum has no activity and is new then it is always very hard to promote.

The forum would also need to have a very good, eye-catching design. A forum with a pre-made design that is widely used is a turn-off, I think.

Forums that always cought my attention were webmaster forums and forums that have an opportunity to make money in.

I also find it to be a turn-off when an administrator uses bad grammar in their posts. As administrator I think the least you can do is use good grammar, and if you're not from an english-speaking area, then I think you should try your best because many don't.

Does anyone have anything to add on to this? Any advice? This post was mainly just saying what turns people off, not what turns people on.

Yes, usually when you make a forum and try to promote it, you would start with your friends and advertise on other forums and offer incentives to people if they remain active. For me when I join a forum it has to be visually appealing not too much or too little contrast and a nice color theme that incorporates a theme to the site. Also Ads are a huge thing for me, I hate seeing ads in a forum. It gives me the reaction that the admin just wants money, so thats a big turnoff. I think thats it on this topic

[web_hunk]

In my opinion, a good way of starting the promotion of your forum is by sending emails or Instant messages to people that you know and ask them to register at your new forum. If you have a new or a different feature or design on your forum, it will surely grab the attention of your visitors. You can also encourage your members to refer their friends to your forum.

Running some kind of a contest or providing an incentive to your forum members is also a great idea to keep the members active. :)

[harakiri]

Managing a forum is not a one man job. It is a team effort. The team should ensure quality posts and good interaction among the forum members. There must be unique contents that would entice new members to join. Rewarding active members could also work by giving them special privileges to the forum . Monetary rewards could also be an option.

[sulehri]

You can visit other similar forums and try to offer something new, which lacks in other forums. Exploit their shortcomings and attract members to your forum. You should always have a couple of very good moderators who ensure round-the clock moderation of your site