Creating a message board with the potential to become a thriving online community is an accomplishment, but the real challenge lies in drawing in and retaining an active user base. Despite the effort put into setting up the perfect platform, many message board creators find themselves waiting in vain for the influx of users and lively discussions they envisioned. The key to success is not just in the creation but also in the strategic promotion of your message board.
The first step in promoting your message board is to ensure it's seamlessly integrated with your existing website. This might seem like a no-brainer, but it's surprising how often this critical connection is overlooked. The link to your message board should be prominently displayed on every page of your site, making it easy for visitors to find and join the conversation.
To attract contributors, especially in the early stages, it's essential to become an active participant in other online communities with similar interests. This includes message boards, newsgroups, and email discussion lists. By establishing yourself as a knowledgeable and respected member, you can organically introduce your message board to potential contributors.
When inviting individuals to join your message board, a personal touch goes a long way. Public invitations on other platforms can be seen as intrusive and may even lead to backlash. Instead, reach out personally to a select few who share your passion for the topic and would add value to your community.
Just like any website, your message board should be discoverable through search engines. Ensure it's submitted to top search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo. According to Search Engine Journal, search engines are the starting point for 68% of online experiences, highlighting the importance of SEO in your promotional efforts.
If you have a newsletter, it's a perfect vehicle to mention your message board and encourage subscribers to join the discussion. Additionally, including a link to your message board in your email signature can subtly promote your platform with every email you send.
While some promotional methods like FFA lists, paid advertisements, and banner exchanges might seem appealing, they often require significant effort for minimal return. Focus on strategies that align with your audience and provide the best engagement.
Promoting your message board should be as vigorous as any other marketing campaign for your website, ebook, or ezine. Each element of your online presence can be promoted individually and collectively to maximize reach. With consistent and strategic promotion, your message board has the potential to become a self-sustaining entity that enhances the value of your website and keeps users returning.
In conclusion, the success of a message board hinges not only on its creation but also on its promotion. By integrating it with your website, engaging with similar communities, extending personal invitations, optimizing for search engines, leveraging newsletters and email signatures, and carefully selecting promotional methods, you can build a vibrant community that complements your online presence. With dedication to promotion, your message board can indeed become as popular, if not more so, than your main website.
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