Looking to open my own forum

Lord, there is like a million of forum hosting sites out there. Some are even free, like forumer.com, like proboards.com

Basically, sign up, create your categories, and hope that you'd attract some visitors.

Step 1 - Purchase a domain name (recommend GoDaddy.com)
Step 2 - Get a hosting package (000webhosting.com is free)
Step 3 - Get a forum script to install on your server (Google "forum script")
Step 4 - Upload and install script
Step 5 - Create categories and customize the look
Step 6 - SEO (promote the new forum on other forums, social networks, web directories, ect.)

Sorry if this is too watered down. I'm not trying to insult your intelligence.

ok.friends...i will give advice to start forum.

get free host.
get domain name(cost $10)
get free forum script(phpbb)
and start promoting.

it will only cost you $10 for domain name.best of luck.

ok.friends...i will give advice to start forum.

get free host.
get domain name(cost $10)
get free forum script(phpbb)
and start promoting.

it will only cost you $10 for domain name.best of luck.

Thanks for all the replies.
I no it might sound very dumb and naive to come onto a forum and ask simple questions in a virtual world filled with experts, but for a very much beginner Internet Martketer/Forum owner etc, it's quite confusing.
Im just wondering if any of you could come over Skype and perhaps help me out a little, perhaps in the form of step by step advice, or even teamviewer.

Thanks for any further replies.

Start forum with phpbb

Hello Mate,
Better find a virtual assistant.it may cost you few bucks.But it will be really good for you.

How to start a forum?
1. Get your own domain (GoDaddy/NameCheap/Whatever)
2. Buy unlimited shared hosting to start with (HostGator/FatCow - $30/year if you follow a trick on WebHostingRock.com). NEVER go for a free hosting if you want to make it a business.
3. Install phpBB or SimpleMachines to create your own forum (you can install through your cpanel or manually)
4. TOUGHEST PART: Promote your forum and get visitors!!!

If you don't know how to install, get someone install it for you. Won't cost much.

First thing you need to do is do some research. If you need help consult Mr.Google. It's that simple.

Admin Forum - community for blog and forum admins

download the free report top right, good luck with it.

Thanks for the help and the advice guys.
I'll use the above comments well.
I have an idea for a general 'world sports' forum and perhaps a 'betting tip' forum.
There is competition but, im sure we'l get it sorted.
Thanks.

1) Go to your hosting site. (giving example for GoDaddy)
2) Click Hosting
3) Sign up for (minimum) Economy Plan. I suggest going to the Deluxe plan since it's not much more, but gives unlimited web sites if you want to build more than 1.
4) Add a domain (if you don't have one already)
5) Complete Registration
- again, be aware that you may need to wait a day before step 6
6) Go back to GD and sign in to your account.
7) Look for "My Products" --> click "Hosting"
8 ) Your account should appear --> click "manage account"
9) Click "Content"
10) Click "GoDaddy Hosting Connection"
11) Click "Message Boards/Forums"
12) Click "Simple Machines Forum"
13) Click "Install Now"
14) Select your domain and click "continue"
15) Fill in the blanks:
- Database Description: (you can leave as is)
- database password: (something you'll remember)
- confirm db password: just retype above
16) "Install it into a folder:" {erase what is there to make your forum your main site} or {erase what is there and type "forum"}
- Note: You can move your forum to a /forum folder later if you want to build a home page.
17) Fill In The Blanks:
- Admin Name: (this will be YOUR username on your forum)
- Admin Password: (this will be your password on your forum)
- Verify Admin Password: (retype above)
- Email: (your regular email address)
- Forum Name: (this will appear on the top left of your forum)
18) Click "Finish"
19) GoDaddy will automatically set up your forum and it should be live in about 10 minutes or so. They will usually send an email to the address you listed to let you know when your site is complete.
20) Go to your new site!

21) Leave your forum as is and start getting new members.