There's a site WebProxyTalk.com that I would like to seo for keywords 'proxy' and 'web proxy'. Besides the title tag stuff etc which I know, how different is it in SEOing a forum and a normal website? Currently the forum is running on MyBB Board and in time to come we might convert it to vB. I have heard of forum SEO plugins but do those really work? Also let's place off-page optimization aside, I am looking mainly into on-page optimization. Looking to hear your comments and views. All is greatly appreciated!
The biggest issue is multiple versions of the one page like printthread, showpost etc. You need to block these and also ensure each page has unique titles and descriptions.
I do heard before about the plugin that you have mentioned. You can always try seeding in keywords by editing those threads that are no longer active. Not to totally change the contents but change words for example from funds to money if you are targeting the word money.
I use SMF forum software and installed the "pretty urls" and "nofollow links" plugins. These helped me achieve PR2 on main site, with some pages PR3
Hmm yeah I am looking more into manual SEO as I don't quite believe the seo plugins for other boards are good except vBSEO. Anyone know how to SEO manually for a MyBB Board?
The auto SEO was pretty good for me. It changed page titles, url structure, links etc all automatically, saved loads of time. Manual is good, but why waste time if someone else has coded something you want to do? Especially if you don't know how to do it.
you can optimize seo forum through on-page and off-page . on off-page you can participate in forums and do a link building strategy.
I am using SMF and it has a add on called "SEO4SMF" I think so, you can search on its official website for "SEO". This is quite good add on and very easy to install once you install the forum.
I would switch to vB ASAP and perhaps invest in vBSEO. It creates keyword rich URLs and actually pings google when there is a new/thread post.