Planning months in advance

I think a key feature to keeping forums alive is planning out your contests/promo's in advance. I mean, you have to shop vendors that are going to be willing to give away free stuff in exchange for exposure on the site as long as the promo runs, and things like that take time.

Also, people love free stuff, but dont expect people to flock to your site and register for a $20 prize. At least, that is my humble opinion. I'm running a mega holiday giveaway and am helping to give away about $1000 worth of goods. Now that will hopefully bring in the people. I know there is a ratio (what is it?) but the more that register the better. I'm figuring if I can get in about 300 new registrations 25 or so will stay and be regular posters. That is huge.

Back to the prior planning thing. I was going to start the T-shirt sales before the contest, but why not wait until I have more members? Things like that are what you have to consider I guess.

My forum is still small, about 1.5 months old and only 370 members. Yet, I am setting realistic goals for myself. I want 500 members by 1 Jan, and hopefully can grow at a rate of 50 members per month beyond that. (hopefully more)


OKay, and tips would be much appreciated. I'm still a n00b at this.

I like to use advertisers to get the prizes from - Usually they are more then willing to donate a $100 gift certificate toward their products or something along those lines, and it doesnt cost you anything. I also prefer contests to be as interactive as possible. Get the members involved in it. Then, I like to let the members vote on the winner.

clubracer, how did you drive posters to your forum? it is amazing that for 1.5 months, you already have 370 members, how did you do it?

Well there are alot of ways to get people to come on your forums.....you just have to have the right Admin ;D


Well, before I deleted my froums to rebuild them, I ahd 108 members in about 1 month..and that was from my staff members getting their friends to join.