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Starting a Forum - Advice requested

by Timothy Spacey
10 replies
Hello,

I have plans on starting a forum based around learning a certain language. It's a populair language and there are some forums for this language but they haven't taken off.

My thoughts were to set up a solid forum and start adding a lot of good content and inviting leaders in the field of this language.

Also I realize that it won't take off by itself but needs to be marketed.

So far places where I could market this forum:
  • Related Facebook groups
  • Related Google groups
  • Other forums
  • Blog posting related to this language
  • Quora questions related to this

Other than that do you guys have any suggestions in how to make this forum "the one" for this language and any other tips that might be helpful.

And yes I have a deep passion for this particular language.

Thanks,
Tim
#advice #forum #requested #starting
  • Profile picture of the author Regional Warrior
    Originally Posted by Timothy Spacey View Post

    Hello,

    I have plans on starting a forum based around learning a certain language. It's a populair language and there are some forums for this language but they haven't taken off.


    Tim
    Tim

    Before you go and set all this up I would see why the other forums did not take off! because you have the(s )on the end there must have been a few forums and if they did not work you need to find out why before you put any energy in to it or you could end up like the others

    Jason
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    • Profile picture of the author Pinkysoll
      Banned
      I agree with Regional Warrior. Study your market first, and know the reason why others haven't pursued it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Tesslady
    May I ask: What language will this forum focus on? Anyway, why not insert some videos to make it more engaging? Good luck!
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  • Profile picture of the author Alinajaini
    How to start a forum
    1. Figure out what your specific niche will be.
    2. Choose a forum script.
    3. Find a good forum hosting program.
    4. Start creating your forum or discussion areas.
    5. Advertise your forum to get users.
    6. Make posts to your forum.
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  • Profile picture of the author David Jones42
    i want to give you one piece of advice. you must buy banner ads in related of your forums on this way you can get traffic and members,
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    Top mobile app, games, and web development company in India AIS Technolabs

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  • Profile picture of the author discrat
    Jason makes sense.

    I know from my personal experience it is a tough nut to crack.
    Not easy and the rewards can take a long time to see if ever.

    Of course such is life but if you are committed and realize it will take time then go for it
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  • Profile picture of the author GordonJ
    Originally Posted by Timothy Spacey View Post

    Hello,

    I have plans on starting a forum based around learning a certain language. It's a populair language and there are some forums for this language but they haven't taken off.

    My thoughts were to set up a solid forum and start adding a lot of good content and inviting leaders in the field of this language.

    Also I realize that it won't take off by itself but needs to be marketed.

    So far places where I could market this forum:
    • Related Facebook groups
    • Related Google groups
    • Other forums
    • Blog posting related to this language
    • Quora questions related to this

    Other than that do you guys have any suggestions in how to make this forum "the one" for this language and any other tips that might be helpful.

    And yes I have a deep passion for this particular language.

    Thanks,
    Tim
    What do you hope to get from your forum? You want to become the "go to" place to learn this language and what products and services will you offer?

    Our current forum has been around 17 years and I had some before then too.
    I've seen scores of forums come and then become GHOST TOWNS, and the main reason is

    it is a lot of work to keep it going, a lot of TIME. And it takes time to become a money maker, if that is your goal.

    Why not start with courses, short term member sites, or a FACEBOOK group, which can grow very rapidly and in effect be your forum?

    I strongly advise against starting a forum unless you have a clear 3 year commitment to building it up and 20 hours a week to do so.

    GordonJ
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  • Profile picture of the author ChrisBa
    I agree with several others that you really need to look at why others did not take off and if you still proceed, you need to have a good plan on how you plan on having yours take off after these others didn't.

    To grow quickly you will need to look at paid ads. But without knowing more it's really hard to give advice.
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  • Profile picture of the author brettb
    I've got a forum but I had to close it to new members as it was too much of a hassle keeping the scammers out!

    On the plus side, forum readers are far more likely to buy from ads and Google tends to rank forums quite well.

    Anyway, good luck. I'm learning Mandarin myself but I've never really been that dedicated enough to want to ask questions about it in forums. And maybe that's the problem with your niche?
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    ÖŽ FindABlog: Find blogs to comment on, guest posting opportunities and more ÖŽ
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  • Profile picture of the author Alex A2Hosting
    As you stated certain forums for this language has not taken off, do you know why?

    You state its a popular language, is it growing or declining? And would you consider yourself an 'expert' in this language?

    People come for content. If you're familiar with this language, the resources you could share should really help in terms of getting people on the forum.

    If you're not so familiar, I wouldn't create the forum on the assumption these 'leaders' would join. Contact them beforehand and see where you stand.
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    Alex - alex@a2hosting.com
    A2Hosting - Our speed, your success.

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