I've just relaunced my forum onto a domain of its own... GamingForumz. It's a gaming website. However, i have looked into some SEO stuff, and began to submit my site to directories and search engines, but it's not bringing me members right now. What i'm looking for, is advice on the best way to monetise this site, and also a good way of promoting it to get members. The previous location of the site was HERE, and i do intend to bring back the loyalty scheme when i can find a decent points system for the version of MyBB i'm using. However, since it takes a while for google to pay out (only had $100 from the first version), i'm considering some other methods of making money from it. My first plan of action is to use the auto mailer in the previous version (still existant), to ensure all old members are aware of the site. Please make some recommendations ^^ Thanks in advance
You need paid posters, or if you don't have the $ make a bunch of fake accounts and talk to yourself. People only join and post in forums with activity.
You sure need more posts/threads to attract more members. Try to give away some free games or games trailers. that may help.
@melogknaj - do people really pay to have posters in forums? I am more amazed at the fake spammyness of the web everyday.
It's common practice for any new forum that you are trying to start. Sadly it's the only way to get activity.
I would work on your design, you can't read the header image and it looks like you want to target UK users, try posting on other UK gaming forums. The simple answer is you need traffic to make money, right now it doesn't look like you have much. It takes time and hard work to create a successful forum.
Just like any other sites, a forum's success is grounded upon the usability of the site. I have been to other gaming sites like PSP, PS2, Mobile Gaming, PS3 and Nintendo forums and in my observation all of them have download section, tutorials and the latest news about a certain gaming device.
I would love to promote your website throught my new project, The Marketingers Project. I am starting this new experiment by offering marketing/promotion/advertising services for under $5/day week or month... you call the shots! I am going to start marketing an author for $2/week... so I'd love to help you out! Check out Marketingers' blog: marketingers.wordpress.com just PM me if you want
Write articles and get them published on other sites and in article directories. Link to your forum in the resource box at the end.
You can setup a reward system that paid member when they recruit more member to your site. You can promote it using link exchange and press release