wii-underdogs.com - 200 visits, 0 signups - problem?

I didn't think I needed a site review of www.wii-underdogs.com, but I am wrong apparently. I ran some MySpace bulletins last month, got a few hundred visitors and a few dozen new members. Seemed fine. But during the Nintendo conferences (Sept 13-15), I've run Google ads -- 200 visitors came to the site, but not a single person became a member.

What is my site doing wrong?

http://www.wii-underdogs.com/

-Tony

 

Hi Tony,

Two things instantly stuck me. As soon as the website appears all you see is the Google Adsense at the very top. I would move this elsewhere. The second thing is where you have got "You should register (it's free) or login. Here is why you should register." it could do with making a little bolder as it does not stand out. You need your browsers to be presented clearly with the words 'register' and 'free'.

 

Hi Tony,

I also have a Wii forum and I have found running contests does wonders for getting people to sign up.

I also give free tshirts to members once they reach a certain post count (got this idea from Lee Dodd).

-tpn87

 

I would move the adsense into two smaller units, one in the header with the logo and one on the left or right. I think that would be better integrated and free up some valuable space at the top.

When I looked for the register link I didn't even see it for a while! I just pass up that gray bar thinking it is a horizontal rule. Definitely needs some more contrast for the text

 

Move the top leaderboard to the bottom. And just make the register button stand out such as making it a different color or a border.

 

You need to make your forum a center of discussion in a specific matter that will cause readers to get passionate about the subject. This passion will lead to new members. You need to enhance the exposure of your forum as a forum and not simply an element of your site. Good luck! (forums are a bitch, arn't they?)


(ohif you guys are interesed, shameless plug here: wii-topsites.com)

 

It took me a while to find where to register. If you want members make that the focus. I would move the AdSense and then make that space your capture area for people to sign up for the forum. Make sure they feel like they will benefit from signing up.

I'm not a gamer...I think the last video game I played was Pitfall. Anyway, people are confused and want answers, make them feel like they will have their needs met you will have an explosion of members.

My 2 cents...

Heidi

 

i checked your site at different browsers using browsercam.com and found error on this one:

as you can see it is not aligned properly ... it is somehow distorted.

 

I had a problem with my site too. BUT people dont want to join a forum that has no members! Its a stupid cycle i know! BUT true.

Once you have a few members you'll do fine as the site looks ok

 

Advertise your forums a bit more on your site. Have a banner linking to the forum or register page in the header or something, it helps.
Also yeah, move the google elsewhere, the moment I saw the site my attention derived from it.

 

The largest factor is Sign Up is almost hidden!!!!!

 

Just wanted to come back in to say thank you all soooooooooo much for the advice. I am terribly grateful, and will spend the coming weeks doing some revisions to fix exactly the issues you've outlined. Thank you again. Thank you a lot.

-Tony

 

Contests is a very good way to get members

Also if you want extra advertising

these people can posts good reviews and ads on forums quality posts no spam www.adminpalace.com