After checking the link my first reaction no matter what contest was there, was "omg, awesome design" Good job
Aye, even though simple or unique ideas will bring in visitors, a design like that just screams "check me out!!!" Good site!
Been lurking here on and off for a few years, but figured I'd finally post. Congrats on getting the new forum off to a good start. I'm glad to hear that the contest has worked for you. I'm about to start a new forum in the tech realm and was planing on running a few contests myself. I run other kinds of sites, but I've never done a forum before so I figured I'd give it a go for fun and see what could become of it. I was planning on giving out computer components instead of money, being the forum will be computer related. I was planning on running two type of contest, one for the top referrer of new "active" members and one for the person whom helps out the most. I figure this way it give a little incentive for members to stay active. The only thing that worries me is once the contest is over will they stop posting? One of the ideas I had been thinking of, is to get some stickers made and give out to members after they refer 10 new users or make 100 posts. I'm wondering if anyone has tried that aspect before?
OK this is the thread i have been looking for i own a poker forum i started it about three weeks ago i have 98 members but only a dozen or so downloaders what am i doing wrong how do i take this to the next level someone please help where do i find help mods writers ect... stuck in limbo here is the link if you can give any ideas would appreciated
Thanks for your comments !! I hope I can attract even more ppl to join and post. Currently there are more than 800 posts so far. And the 1000th post will be there before July. I know as an admin I have to be very active and I am also the top poster hehe. Thanks for the tips all! When it ends I will probably start another contest, but with a prize. don't know what yet, but maybe I can get some sponsorships.... At least I want to keep the visitors coming and make it a webmasters place
Excellent strategy well done I'm sure you will make your money back in time good luck I'l join and we'lls e how it goes tagged it for you on del.icio.us too
forums take years to get as big as something like DP. you have to be unique and offer something extra.
You dont have to be always unique and offer something extra.. I think it also requires hard work !! Be active.. post a lot of usefull content etc !! Yesterday. the forum passed 1,000 posts
My friend has also started a new webmaster forum but has not been as successfull as you have been. He gets some posters but they rarely come back.
Great job, might want to take the "- powered by vBulletin" out of the title. Also may I ask how you promoted this contest specifically?
Thats a great idea. I should employ a similar strategy for a forum that I have that has been languishing. Bison
You could always allow people to create articles allowing them to have limited links. This seems to be the most usual way people start their forums. You can always moderate at first, which is usually a good idea anyway.