The forum that never seems to take off

Hey guys!

I just want to say THANK you for the suggestions. I've received a few members back and gained new ones after the changes People have liked the changes, and I like them as well. I'm really glad you pointed out that I had too many forums. It was very much true. Also the look, is a lot better now. And I'm going to release different color options for it, so that everyone can find something to their liking.
Also many little things that some of you mentioned that I never would have figured out myself.
So thanks again! Usually when you ask what is wrong with your site, you don't get many answers and if you do, they aren't really helpful. But yours were

Glad to hear that your site has improved I didn't see the original version but I definitely like the current version, looks like a great community.

That's great news

I'm so glad you took the time to listen, the changes really do look good.

And most important thing is that I found the spark towards the site again It kind of got lost when I was the only one around there. But now that I go visit it, there are always posts
Wish I had asked you guys help earlier, would have saved myself many headaches

Sometimes it just takes fresh eyes

Having a headache every now and again....is profit!!

Where do I send my invoice?

Azhria Lilu said:

Sometimes it just takes fresh eyes

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That is so true! And sometimes it takes multiple fresh eyes

It's still not picking off, so I was wondering is there anything else worth changing? Are the forum names too "professional"? Are there more forums I could combine? Should I change some graphics? Is my new welcome thing stupid (I was aiming for a new kind of approach)

What methods are you using to advertise your site, to get the link out?

Links on my signature, top sites etc.

Are you utilising Twitter and facebook? If done correctly, they can generate a LOT of traffic for you.

Personally I feel there is no more room for general entertainment forums, they never seem to last anymore. Too much competition.

Hence one of the reasons for me closing down my site.

Hulnu said:

Personally I feel there is no more room for general entertainment forums, they never seem to last anymore. Too much competition.

Hence one of the reasons for me closing down my site.

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Amen to that. The niche was nearly impossible to maintain as it was. And the extra features needed to bring everyone in. Or compensating for not having a theme was just to much work.

Exactly, I'm off hunting for another niche

Purple Insect, I think you have done a good job applying people's advice.
I have only one comment on your forum. Until I saw this thread, I had no idea that your forum was not a general one, but entertainment centred. Would there be a way for you to make this somewhat more clear?

Akela said:

Purple Insect, I think you have done a good job applying people's advice.
I have only one comment on your forum. Until I saw this thread, I had no idea that your forum was not a general one, but entertainment centred. Would there be a way for you to make this somewhat more clear?

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That was my thought as well.

But it also takes time there are no quick fixes.

As for a niche. You may be in a more difficult niche, but it's not impossible. If I had a dollar for every time I was told I wouldn't succeed I could retire. You need to define your position within your niche and make it different enough that people will see the value of spending their time there.

I was going head to head with 2 very well established major forums in my niche, 1 brand new one run by a very well known person in our niche, and at least a dozen of other forums in the niche which were meandering in mediocrity.

Over the years I had developed a solid reputation on the other sites, when I decided I was going go try it for myself. I worked extra hard helping people and giving well thought out, helpful posts increasing my reputation and building a bit of a folowing.

Then I planned out my site and figured out how I could be different in a way people would appreciate. I came up with 3 things: 1, a reviews section; 2, to have a friendlier environment; 3, to develop more personal relationships and establish a connection with my members.

Next I hand picked a few people I'd developed positive relationships with from other sites who were well known in the niche and told them what I was up to, how I was going to do it. They all jumped on the opportunity.

Then I went live. continuing to be active on the other sites and adding on to my reputation and following. I had just a little link in my signature reading "Umpire-Empire."

It grew from there. Initially growth was slow, but growth and activity creates more growth and activity. So keep trying.

The only other thing I would say is make sure you have an absolute passion for your niche, something you are very knowledgable on and stay on top of. This really comes through to the members. and they will appreciate it and respond well.