This has become one of the more frustrating websites I've promoted. I've started this site in late November, Forum Politics and the forum with emphasis getting traffic through SEO. I've managed to get ranked #1 for ''politics forum'' in Yahoo, and managed to skip the whole sandbox issue with Google and rank well for a number of terms there. The bottom line is, I've largely achieved the seo results I was aiming for, which leads to the problem. The site continues to dissappoint in the number of new sign-ups and posters. Is this largely because it's ugly, uninteresting, confusing, too many ads, etc... or might this just be a lack of patience and it sorta being political ''offseason''. Suggestions and/or comments are welcomed. Thanks.
The content looks good, but the layout is a bit out of control. I'd definitely clean up the layout and modify your phpbb template more. There is no political offseason, as you mentioned . . . maybe try creating more sub-categories. Break your categories down a bit more. It seems like the site is on its way. Be patient! Good luck.
This has probably something to do with the fact that politics is not a pleasant subject of discussions. It is a very depressing and polarizing issue, especially in the US. Unless I want to have an ulcer, I don't think that I will join any politics forum. By the way, you should probably remove the "War on Terrorism" section. You can not find a word or an action that has existed since we humans have been in this earth.
Perhaps you should consider hiring some paid poster first to make it appear that there's good amount of activity in your forum. If a real member signs up and finds him self alone or just with 3 other members, chances are they're going to leave. --Joe