Any idea's how to make a successful forum? As in getting member, keeping them active. Any idea for a coding support forum?
Find other forums like the one you want to set to see what topics are buzzing like the link building forum or google forum within this forum. Then build links to the forum in relevant places using the usual things that people use to build links as for getting people active I would get as many people as you know to start using the forum also partner with another forum owner with not the same but a similar forum who be like a mentor And this isn't a one post question that will get you all the answers, building a forum takes a good team and effort also ask your first users if they would like to be moderators that way they can pioneer the forum with you.
No matter what keep adding new threads. Be informative don't just post crap. Make sure you eliminate spam as quickly as you can. Be kind to your members answer questions they may have. Build Links Promote on other similar forums. Start a PPC campaign Buy Advertising from coding blogs Most importantly be unique.
Have you heard of the 90 9 1 theory of forum or social community participation? It says the 90% lurk; 9% participate occasionally; 1% participate a lot The challenge is to move the number in the 90 to the 9 and from the 9 to the 1 See this series of articles for some practical steps.: 90 9 1
People tend to forget that one should have the right "mind set" also. When things seem dreary, keep on trucking.