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I want to start a new forum, how do i compete with already well established forums?

by lonestarr
3 replies
I am passionate about a certain niche, and would like to start my own forum. There are 2 other well established forums in the niche. How can I compete with these other 2 forums starting from scratch?

One idea I had was to become an authority figure via Youtube videos and promote my forum on the videos. I saw something like this happen to an unrelated niche a couple years ago. A guy made some videos and became an authority figure for paintball, promoted his forum on the videos and it became a success. At the time he was competing against a big forum (PBnation) and by just making good Youtube videos he was able to start his own forum(TechPB) and make it a success.

But I often wonder if he just got lucky or if this is indeed a good marketing strategy for a new forum?

I wonder how I can persuade the users of already established forums to join a new forum. I think the new forum has to offer content that other forums don't have, or offer a better user experience.

Anyways if anybody has any ideas of how to market and start a new forum I would love to hear ideas.
#compete #established #forum #forums #start
  • Profile picture of the author Stefan Shields
    I'm in the same boat as you my friend.

    The only thing I can tell you that you will need in the beginning is paid forum posting.

    You will need to be the most active member yourself and keep things going. Over time you will see more and more people sign up but you then need to give them a reason to come back.

    PS.
    I hope you're not going into the niche I'm about to enter because that only has 2 real established competitors
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  • Profile picture of the author JRJWrites
    Paid forum posting...it can get pretty expensive (15+ cents per post) but Postloop could be a good way to monetize. Definitely be an active member, and you might consider creating 5 or so accounts in the form and posting from their as well. Do all you can to make it seem like there's a lot of activity going on. If you use Postloop, would you mind PMing me for an affiliate link
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  • Profile picture of the author AndrewCavanagh
    You don't compete with other established forum.

    Start by niching your forum VERY tight and making sure
    that the information you share there is exceptionally good
    and not something they'll find anywhere else.

    Direct competition with huge sharks when you're a little
    minnow is not smart.

    Best to start in a small safe area where you can be a big
    fish in a small pond.

    Then you can grow from there.

    Kindest regards,
    Andrew Cavanagh
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