Promoting Forums (Free & Paid Methods)!

Discussion in 'General Marketing' started by Luke Beale, Jan 2, 2009.

  1. #1
    Hello,

    I am currently advertising an RPG / Anime type forum.
    It has been online for a few months and got a few active members.
    Currently changing the theme (current theme is a beta).
    We have a few mods that make it more fun for users.
    We advertise it on RPG type forums in sigs but no one is joining.

    Are there any good PPC networks, site ads or any other good free / paid methods of advertising this type of forum?

    Any ideas for improvements of the forum itself?

    URL: http://www.nyxonline.com

    Thanks :D
     
    Luke Beale, Jan 2, 2009 IP
  2. bigp

    bigp Peon

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    #2
    Post on other anime forums and make sure you've got a signature with a link back to your site. I'd also visit anime blogs and get involved. Leave relevant comments and you'll start to see visitors. These are free and easy ways to build exposure for yourself and your site.

    Good luck.
     
    bigp, Jan 2, 2009 IP
  3. wrekoniz3

    wrekoniz3 Well-Known Member

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    #3
    Don't advertise so much on RPG forums, cause people will figure they are already on an RPG forum. Instead, advetise in areas where people want to try something new, not more of the same.
     
    wrekoniz3, Jan 2, 2009 IP
  4. Chancey

    Chancey Well-Known Member

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    #4
    Adowrds is the best when it comes to ppc.
     
    Chancey, Jan 2, 2009 IP
  5. akdiver

    akdiver Well-Known Member

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    #5
    Definately change the theme as it looks very childish like a 13 year old did it (although that may work in your favor if that is your demographic :))

    Reduce the number of your subforums and keep on topic at least at the beginning. Nothing makes you want to join more than a thriving forum and 1-2 post per subforum is not as attractive as 10-20 post per sub-forum. For example general discussion doesnt need 4 sub-sections in my opinion.

    Offering some sort of contest can help build activity in the short term as well. In your sig on other related forums "Win xxxx on this anime forum" is more clickable then "anime forum" if you know what I mean.

    Adding a blog is a simple cost and time effective way of getting more attention and traffic. You can even blog aout the hottest topics within your forum.

    Best of Luck
     
    akdiver, Jan 3, 2009 IP
  6. wrekoniz3

    wrekoniz3 Well-Known Member

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    #6
     
    wrekoniz3, Jan 3, 2009 IP
  7. asholar

    asholar Peon

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    #7
    PPC is best way to promote your forum. but to get some long time visitors you want to get some good backlinks.
     
    asholar, Jan 4, 2009 IP
  8. wrekoniz3

    wrekoniz3 Well-Known Member

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    #8
    You could also ask some people you know to update thier forum signatures with a link to your site. Ask them to help you promote your site along with you.
     
    wrekoniz3, Jan 4, 2009 IP
  9. marki8

    marki8 Well-Known Member

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    #9
    yes.. PPC or banner at blog will help you... i mean banner must be put at same niche with your forum..
     
    marki8, Jan 4, 2009 IP
  10. wrekoniz3

    wrekoniz3 Well-Known Member

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    #10
    Yes, exactly. you need banners or other ads that match your site as well as your niche. This way people looking for your site specifically will have more to browse of what they're looking for.
     
    wrekoniz3, Jan 4, 2009 IP
  11. ForgottenCreature

    ForgottenCreature Notable Member

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    #11
    PPC and signature links work the best. Have you tried to affiliate with similar forums in your niche? Like having a link echange with the other forums - having them post about your site in their news etc.
     
    ForgottenCreature, Jan 4, 2009 IP
  12. Dreads

    Dreads Well-Known Member

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    #12
    Get Backlinks,

    - People will come directly from the links
    - Increase in SERP
    - You earn PR, which you can sell for an income
     
    Dreads, Jan 4, 2009 IP
  13. comidatalk.com

    comidatalk.com Peon

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    #13
    The more posts you have the more likely you are to have someone 'stumble' upon your website and then tell their friends about it. I recommend hiring a pay-to-post company that will post on your forums for you; do this for a few weeks and spend a few bucks and see where that takes you. Not only will it increase your web presence but it will also encourage your current users to post more as it sparks conversations galore.
     
    comidatalk.com, Jan 4, 2009 IP
  14. Proximity

    Proximity Banned

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    #14
    You can try to buy banner space on sites that are similar to yours or just go for PPC
     
    Proximity, Jan 4, 2009 IP
  15. Luke Beale

    Luke Beale Peon

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    #15
    Thanks for the information :D

    I made that theme :eek: but its a beta ;)
     
    Luke Beale, Jan 8, 2009 IP
  16. river

    river Active Member

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    #16
    I could comment on popular Anime blogs. You could start a blog as well with a link to the forum.
     
    river, Jan 8, 2009 IP
  17. Luke Beale

    Luke Beale Peon

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    #17
    Interesting idea.

    We did at one point but couldn't think what to put.

    Also we have updated the theme.

    What do you think?
     
    Luke Beale, Jan 10, 2009 IP
  18. Laceygirl

    Laceygirl Notable Member

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    #18
    Over Staff

    I have done this in the past and it works. Getting a bunch of staff is good because they are more dedicated to the place.
     
    Laceygirl, Jan 10, 2009 IP
  19. wrekoniz3

    wrekoniz3 Well-Known Member

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    #19
    Over Staff will work if you can find the right people... That's the biggest problem, cause dedicated people are very hard to find. I know this from personal experience.
     
    wrekoniz3, Jan 11, 2009 IP