I recently started a forum and I want to get it going a little. So I thought I would run a competition. I was thinking either a post count or referal contest. Basically I am wondering if anyone else has any suggestions as to what the competition could be, and how much is a reasonable ammount give away as a prize? Thanks in advance for all suggestions.
Post counts are probably the simplest option. However, it's kind of hard to monitor the quality of the posts. If you're just starting a forum, that may not be a concern, though. If this is your Webmaster Bulletin Board, free eBooks and free advertising are definitely a great reward. Once they reach a certain post count, you could e-mail them the ebook.
I like the sound of ebooks, but I am not too sure about the advertising idea. It sounds great but I am worried that people just wont be attracted to signup and post for advertising on a new forum. Thanks for the suggestions, I will be adding rep now. Guys I am still open to more ideas.
That not a bad idea as it would mean the prize fund could go further, meaning I could offer decent runner up prizes too. Rep added
Offering something useful that might be needed or used by internet marketers might be helpful. Perhaps giving away software, books, or even $100.00 AdWord award.
Great ideas. How do you feel about physical products vs digital products? Are physical products easier to convert to action, or is the convenience of digital products overwhelming in comparison?
Target the niche. For example, if it is a gaming forum, have a contest giving away games, etc. Target people from other gaming forums (don't spam). Make your forum better, and people will begin shifting.
Thanks for the extra ideas guys, and I really like the adwords voucher idea. I think I will have a think about it over the next month and probably launch something for the beginning of next month. I'll be sure to come back and say what I decided on
Hi there I would reccomend giving away a gift, Try and get someone to sponsor the competition and for them to sponsor it they have to give a gift to the winner like a ipod or something. Then you will get loads of posts! They only problme with compeititions is that once its over no-body posts and you get left ith a dead forum so try running it for amonth or so. If you need anymore help feel free to ask
Post count is definitely the way to go for receiving the gifts. Either post count, or how many referrals they bring to the forum (though they could just make a ton of fake accounts). I think that a free e-book would be a good idea, and as the forum grows the advertising idea isn't a bad one.
Thanks guys Do you really think that people would be tempted to post for just an ebook? I may be wrong, but I though cash incentives would be needed.