Starting Content

[Xyphien]

We all want the members of a community to start posting all the content, making topics, posting on topics, etc. However, if you do not have much content on your website/forum already no members will want to participate in it. In order to get your forum to start out good you will have to take the time and initiative to make a lot of topics and content to convince members to join and start a discussion. You have to show them you know about the topic you own, and bring in some discussion rich topics.

In my experience, one should not open up his/her forum until he/she has at least 5 conversation starting topics in each section, with at least 10 posts in each section. That means one reply per section. This shows that your forum is new, but it isn't completely bare, there is still some content and discussion worth possibly joining up for, or at least browsing.

On top of this member will not be willing to join up and post on a forum that doesn't seem to be active much, have much activity, or posts frequently. I for one hate it when I post on a forum and don't get many replies on it, etc. An example would be this:http://forumpromotion.net/forum/viewtopi...2&t=137348 I was requested by a staff member to make a post to help out members, so I took almost 3 hours of my very limited time to go and make as much of an iin deptharticle as I could to help out the members/community. 3 hours of hard work paid off in 2 replies and not even 80 views. I was going to be active on the forum, however, after seeing my time wasted on that post I decided to join Devsters and help post on here to get this site up and running. This goes to show that lack of activity can actually draw people away from your forum, and give your members/traffic to another competition.



There are countless ways to get your forums active: You can post some conversation starting topics on your forum, topics that will bring out discussion and allow members to share their thoughts and ideas. This means you have to have a lot of them to keep the conversation flowing. This also suggests that members are willing to join and participate in a new forum, with this route you won't have many conversations to discuss, and members will feel discouraged. One out of every 20 members will probably be willing to help out a new forum (I happen to be one of them). Another way to get some starting posts is ontop of you posting topics and discussions buy some post packages on other forums. 80% of the time these packages are free, you get these by posting on the forums, and being active. So it's a slight trade, you give something in return to get their posting staff to post on your forums. This will bring you good, high quality posts, topics, and more. As well as an active looking member on your forum. Creating a post 4 post thread where you and another member agree to post on eachothers forums. "I'll post on your forum 5 topics and 10 posts if you do the same" you can do this with as many people as you're willing to do, and get different active looking members as well. Keep in mind, you should ALWAYS be making new content, at least 1-5 topics daily to keep your forum up to date, as well as post in every topic that you haven't already participated in yet. This way your forum will look active, and keep people interested.

This is one of the biggest things to a forums downfall is lack of discussions going on the forum. Do not be that administrator that expects your members to post without you having to put in the time and effort into doing the same. Administrators are Leaders, and leaders should lead by example. Members do not want to join a dead, or inactive looking forum, so always make sure it at least looks like you have new posts. If you have a section that doesn't have a new post in two days, make a new topic or post in it. This way it will at least look like there is activity. Perception is reality to some, and in that you should make them perceive that your forum is active.

As always, if you liked my post and if it was helpful please rate it, as well as comment below