Driving traffic to a community site

[HeWhoKnows]

Hi all,

I own wwwdotukdiyforumdotcodotuk and its been live for approx 7 months. Within that time ive got around 145 memebrs with a post count of just under 900 which really isnt that great.

Was wondering if there are any poeple out there that have any experience in developing forums who could offer soem advice???

Cheers

[peterjhale]

Hi there

Nice design but I think you have too many categories to start a brand new forum - plus, how are you driving traffic to your site ?

[HeWhoKnows]

Originally Posted by peterjhale

Hi there

Nice design but I think you have too many categories to start a brand new forum - plus, how are you driving traffic to your site ?

Well at the moment im promoting the forum through the following:
my main business website
Submission to search engines
Signing the url up to free directories
Signatire links in other forums belong too

You mention that I have too many forum catagories, how would you narrow them down considering the catagories I currently have are there for each type of industry within my market?

[fisicx]

Almost none of those methods will drive traffic to the site. You may get a tiny bit of a boost in your ranking but there are too many established DIY forums for you to make a decent dent in the market. Note also that most directories won't bring you a single visitor and many forums don't allow their signatures to be indexed.

As already suggested, you forums are too general and the competition is fierce. you need to offer something different, try specializing in a specific type of DIY or technique or material. Become the expert - write articles and advice and draw in the visitors that way.

Another thought - how many of your sign ups made one post and never returned? It's normal for people top be on the lookout for new forums simply to join, link drop and never return. In fact doing exactly what you are doing to those other forums!

[MrCat]

Forums are tough ones to promote - especially in your niche. But one thing I'm sure of of providing relevant, useful content/topics and liveliness on your forum would make a member participate more. I am not saying your site doesn't have these qualities - but there are always room for improvement.

I would suggest focus your marketing efforts at reaching the right audiences in your niche. Build more targeted links to your site and participate more in forums of the same niche - just don't spam in them The best way to get your sig noticed in forums is by participating constructively in the discussions IMO.

Best of luck

[www.infoebookstore.co.uk]

I agree, start off with a smaller number of forums to get an increased post count in each. You will soon find out which are popular topics and then you can expand the specialist categories.

I like the forum by the way, I will keep an eye out for some useful tips.