For a while now, I’ve been wishing to have my own forum, so I gave forum promotion quite a bit of thought in the past. The Imperial Ages Forum will probably fill that wish for me once the game is launched and the forum will be a bit more busy.
Let’s take a look at a number of blog promotion methods and how they can be used for forums. Keep in mind that this is theory on my part as I lack the experience in forum promotion. Feel free to contribute in the comments if you have something to add or correct.
1. Social Media
While the way the content is presented is very different from a blog, a forum can still use social media. Funny threads, breaking news, tips and tricks, I’ve seen all kinds of forums hit the frontpage of Digg. Granted, not very often, but I find it hard to believe that the content is less important than the place where it’s located. If the content is good enough for the frontpage there is no reason why it shouldn’t get there.
Actually, it just might have it a bit easier, as submissions from blogs have more suspicious eyes on them.
2. Themes And Plugins
Again, while themes and plugins are usually released on blogs and sites, they can be just as easily released on forums, with links in the footer to the launch thread and the front page of the forum.
Either for forum software or for WordPress, these probably work best when launched on webmaster forums, as they would get relevant links in return, especially with plugins when it comes to WordPress. That’s because plugins are announced mostly by blogs that talk about blogging or making money online, while for themes you get links from blogs on all kinds of topics.
3. Contests
Contests should actually work better on forums than on blogs (or not). Starting their own threads, having to register, having a wider variety of talks to get involved in, these would all contribute to a better chance of people staying onboard when the contest is over.
On a blog, people force themselves to comment on everything a blogger writes, if comments are the criteria to win.
4. Great Content
Quite a difference here, both in the way the content is presented and in the quantity of information. A 10 page article seems much easier to read on a blog. Still, good information should be present on any forum, in a succinct manner. Would you register and be a regular member on a webmaster forum that doesn’t give you any new information?
Many things that you do on a blog can be tried on a forum. A case study in a thread that can be updated regularly with the progress is one example.
In the end, you have to invest time and a lot of work in both cases. All the things above need work and a long term commitment on your part.
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