Feedback appreciated on my new website/forum

[HeWhoKnows]

Hi all,

I have just launched a new home improvement / DIY forum which I plan to develop into a large community site with guides, news, directory and loads of other stuff concerning home improvement/rennoavtion and DIY issues.

My first step was to launch the forum and although its only been runnig for 6 days I would appreciate your feedback. I have 25 members already but have had many many more visitors (they dont sign up for some reason???)

The site address is: UK DIY Forum and would really like and constructive critisism and advice on how I can develop it ionto a busy forum etc.

Cheers

matt

[fisicx]

Content, content and more content.

Visitors aren't signing up because there is nothing to sign up for. You need to start writing posts that people will find useful.

(welcome to the forum btw)

[HeWhoKnows]

Thanks for the reply, will put that into action.

[Himore]

This looks like a great start.

As the previous poster said though, get some content up there to entice people into the site.

What about some downloadable PDFs that tell people how to do a particular job? You know those leaflets you can pick up from B&Q that tell you how to do tiling, or fit some decking, etc.. Something like that on the site would be very useful. You could eventually expand to doing videos people could upload onto their iPods. Hey, maybe even do a Podcast!

Being a DIY junkie myself (more through need than choice!), I shall certainly be bookmarking the URL.

In fact, it would be better if I didn't have to bookmark, but could sign up and get regular emails from you of new developments, promotions, advice. Set up an auto-responder service so people can register, and start BUILDING THAT LIST! You'll make more money off a list in this area than you can believe. If you're unfamiliar with setting up a list, I have a tutorial on my site (address below) which you may find useful. PM me if you want more info.

http://www.wealthyaffiliate.co.uk/AweberHelp/

Another point, a really picky point - the contrast on the graphic at the top looks a little washed out in my opinion. Could just be my monitor of course, but I'd try playing with the levels a bit in Photoshop to try and give it a little more 'punch'.

Well done though, and a very catchy url too.

cheers.
Nick

[HeWhoKnows]

Cheers Nick, some excellent ideas there. Ive actually already put 1 of them into action and have set up a 'how to' forum. Eventually i want to have a complete septerate page housing loads of downloadable how to guides but that will come with time.

Look forward to seeing you around the forum too, your input would be greatly appreciated.

Matt

[www.infoebookstore.co.uk]

Good luck with it, there is a bit of competition out there so content is going to be very important.

Consider agreeing some discounts with suppliers for members, this might encourage people to sign up and get involved.