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I want to start a forum

by aivzdog
11 replies
The title pretty much states it all. I am a passionate dog lover who runs a dog blog about everything dogs. Just started a email list opt in on it. Its slowly growing but I love every minute of it when I am not throwing my writing in the trash.

BUT...

I want to start a dog forum / message board for dog lovers. I use to be part of a few that seemed to go down hill in conversation. I want to create one and have it grow. Dont worry I know it would take time to make it a success.

I was wondering could my forum ever be a success?

Also,

when I get a url for my forum should it include forum in domain name?

Thanks
Anna
#forum #start
  • Profile picture of the author John J M
    You could make a subfolder like. mysite.com/forum or subdomain like forum.mysite.com and put the forum on there. If you're using WordPress, you could use something free like bbpress.

    This could definitely be a success. You just have to build up the audience over time. Every forum will have some hostility and bad conversation, but you can assign moderators to delete threads if they're inappropriate.
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  • Profile picture of the author CrisisCore08
    From what I heard (From the owner side) the biggest mistake is to try and make to general. Try to make it very specific and only when you have bigger audience start adding more and more topics.
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  • Profile picture of the author SuperKristen
    Success will mostly depends on your marketing strategies. You have to figure out how your competitors promoting their forums and what are their Monetization methods.

    I recommend siteurl/forum.
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  • Profile picture of the author aivzdog
    So I shouldn't make a full forum site like warrior forum?
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  • Profile picture of the author Mark Hess
    Did you ever consider a Facebook group instead of a forum? It would be a great way to engage people and also get them back to your blog. I've seen some pretty large groups related to dogs...

    Either way, make sure you have the adequate time needed to moderate, you will get some spam no matter which option you choose.... just make sure to stay on top of things.
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  • Profile picture of the author aivzdog
    Hmmm, I will like of my options. I have a fan page for my dog blog I am trying to grow. Should I buy some paid ads for facebook?

    Anna
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    • Profile picture of the author Mark Hess
      Originally Posted by aivzdog View Post

      Hmmm, I will like of my options. I have a fan page for my dog blog I am trying to grow. Should I buy some paid ads for facebook?

      Anna
      A group is different from a facebook page as it allows for more person-to-person interaction that can turn into a community of sorts. You can have more user generated content on there versus just your standard Facebook page.

      Plus, many people are on Facebook anyhow so you won't need to convince them to sign-up for something new.

      Set one up real quick, post a link leading to the group on your blog and see what happens. The group status should be set to a closed group and not an open one.
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  • Profile picture of the author aivzdog
    So I should start a dog group? Should I make it to a certain group? Woman who love dogs or Nuts for Mutts?

    Anna
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    • Profile picture of the author Mark Hess
      Originally Posted by aivzdog View Post

      So I should start a dog group? Should I make it to a certain group? Woman who love dogs or Nuts for Mutts?

      Anna
      I recommend something which falls in line with your blog content... or make it a "[Your Blog Name] Facebook Group" for readers of your blog so they can interact with you, post pictures, etc...
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  • Profile picture of the author aivzdog
    Okay, hmmm, my blog is an overall dog blog with everything from health, to stories, to news.

    Should I keep my blog fan page on facebook also?

    Anna
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    • Profile picture of the author Mark Hess
      Originally Posted by aivzdog View Post

      Okay, hmmm, my blog is an overall dog blog with everything from health, to stories, to news.

      Should I keep my blog fan page on facebook also?

      Anna
      Yes, you can do both, the more people you can keep in your circle of influence, the better, keep them engaged with you and your site...

      I just happen to think a Facebook group would do much better for you than a standard forum based on the wide range of topics you write about.
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