Free forum software where I can put ad banners?

This is my very first posting here on the forum. I´m planning on starting a forum and the final goal is to generate revenue through advertirsers on the forum (side banners, top and bottom banners, etc). For what I´ve been reading VB bulletin is the best forum software out there and probably also the best for my intentions but -for the time being- it is a bit out of my reach, budgetwise. So, my questions are: Is there any free forum software that lets me have advertirsers and can -eventually- have all of its content transpassed to a VB forum? and: How can I generate revenue from a forum? Thanks for the help in advance!

 

Go with Mybb there are 2 plugins you can get that allow ads

http://mods.mybb.com/view/index-ads

http://mods.mybb.com/view/my-advertisements

 

Thanks, DJbouti2! I´m looking into Mybb right now and it seems like a good option. I guess my next question is: Will it be possible to move all the content of the forum from Mybb to VB if I needed to do so?

 

There are scripts that will move the forum from MyBB to VB, i had mine moved. I cant remember what its called but its readily available.

But the smart move would be to start off on the platform that you wish to have because moving the forum isnt always an open and shut thing, themes differ, changes need to be made and many things pop up.

If you start off on the foundation that you want, build it the right way and have a clear picture of what you wish to achieve, it will be far better than changing later

 

nice post. very informative
thanks a lot.

 

MyBB or SMF are the best, either would be good for you.

 

Thanks for the advice, everyone! Snooks, I completely agree with you about starting in the platform that will the definitive one but, as I said, it has to do with a budget decision at this point, so I think I´m going to give it a go with MyBB.Since I´m at it, another question: The url I intend to use for the forum is on a Linux webhost. I know my way around Internet and forums and all but, I know nothing about programming. Is there any issues I will have do deal with having a Linux host or is it the same as having a Windows one? What is the difference between them? Again, thanks!

 

If you have a general knowlege in HTML, you can done this easily just editing the template files in phpBB.

 

Hosting on linux is just Cpanel hosting, so no you won't need any programming knowledge.

 

So, I´ve looked around and finally settled for PhpBB free forum software. I´ve spent quite a few hours in how-to forums but eventually finished my site:www.rememberthatmovie.netIt´s a movies forum. The purpose of it is that you describe a scene or the characters or whatever you remember of a movie you don´t remember the name of and the forum users will tell you the name of the movie. Of course, for the time being, I´m answering most of the questions myself but I´m hoping to get enough users to get the thing going. So far I´ve posted links in movie videos in youtube and a few related forums. What else do you suggest, promotion wise? Any input will be greatly appreciated!

 

Took a look at it. Few Words of Advice:

1. Most people don't think PHPBB is the best free forum software.
2. Maybe cut down on the number of boards.
3. Get a review for the forum ASAP so you know what to work on.

 

I personally prefer MyBB over any forum software. Not because it's free, but because it has hundreds of add-ons and themes and is a very secure platform. In my experience PHPBB has too many vulnerabilities.

But best of luck with your forum, be sure to keep us up to date with your experience

 

Thanks for the replies!Sambling: I chose PHPBB because I saw a few forums I really liked that where built on that plataform. I agree, it has a lot of boards but they are necessary. Also, what do you mean by getting a review for the forum?JMDomains: Thanks!

 

If Phpbb suits you than that's fine It is still a good forum platform. By a review I mean going into the reviews section here and asking members what they think. You may also want to get a review from an admin or promotion forum. Two places I can recommend are anotheradminforum.com and my own site forumhoopla.com (I don't actually do the reviews, they're done by a very experienced forum owner- the owner of anotheradminforum and other bigger sites). A review would really clarify both the positive things about the forum and the things you could work on to improve it.

Hope that helps

 

If you are planning to set up a business, then you should invest in advertising . If your forum will be popular , you will earn more money So at the beginning you need a marketing strategy and complete advertising management solution