How to monetize large forum?
- Thread starter MagicSpeed
- Start date
MagicSpeed
Newbie
- Feb 14, 2016
- 8
- 0
Sent you an email. Really appreciate your kindness. Thanks a lot.
InnovativeSEO
Senior Member
- Feb 5, 2013
- 1,049
- 4,060
OP no offense, but you're wrong and your mindset is why.
Something tells me you're either lucky, a bit out of touch, or both. The good thing is you've came to get some help.
People that aren't buying aren't breathing...this isn't walking Dead bro so look alive and start a journey.
If you're serious then take action and you'll see results!
Your words
because people here make money off the content posted
Only a portion do, the rest of us make it in various other ways. I make money by finding opportunities and continually building my network.
In fact, my single largest sale ($40k) was a result of coming here to network and find someone with my need at the time.
tech savvy nerds who don't want to pay for anything
Tough shit! They may not want to, but the fact remains they do. So what are they buying and where are they buying it?
It begins by knowing what you're forums purpose and its function. From there it's ALL about the members and why they come.
Here's a few basic keywords ran through Moz.
You'll see there's decent search volume and relatively low competition.
So from here you need to dial down on what it is they want.
Tech savvy nerds?
Perfect. Then you are in position to do well with them. If they're serious about ANY part of their interests then their buying Product A Service B, the truth is they just aren't buying it from or through you.
I believe it starts with your focus.
Focus < on the forum
Focus > on the members.
You're asset is your people. This is ALL you have to concern yourself with at this time.
People always talk about ways to bring in traffic.
People rarely talk about ways to get them to stay.
People always like to buy when they have reason.
People always buy so make them buy from you.
Perfect example:
I'm dealing with this exact situation in a private forum I am involved in. Originally the forum was planned as a partnership. I wasn't able to participate in the design and initial build, but that's not really my role or purpose anyway. The forum was opened without me and before really being ready. The "partner" discussion was swept under the rug.
The owner isn't as engaged (my opinion) as I feel that he really should be. He's around quite a bit, however not in the manner that the members really want. I'm past it now but remain an active member. 5 days ago I accepted the task of building it like it should be. So that begins by engaging within the community, because the members have needs and want them met right there. 5 days later it's clear that members are pretty excited. I'm glad because I consider many of them my friends. In my case the forum I am involved in has no differences than yours, and I could make excuses why they don't or won't spend cash. The truth is I KNOW what they want, and I KNOW what they need. It's not rocket science I'm just involved and pay attention.
Good Luck OP and don't fall of the map here. Your positioned well with opporttunities to be rewarded, just focus on the needs and wants of the people that come to visit, the rest will fall in place if you take action. You are welcome to message me or anyone here that you think may be of benefit. I'm happy to do what I can, it's how I roll =)
InnovativeSEO
Senior Member
- Feb 5, 2013
- 1,049
- 4,060
BassTrackerBoats is a good dude, and you're in good hands so follow through with him. Good luck man
Serverextra
Registered Member
- Sep 2, 2014
- 80
- 29
That`s exactly what i tried to say! Top post!
OP no offense, but you're wrong and your mindset is why.
Something tells me you're either lucky, a bit out of touch, or both. The good thing is you've came to get some help.
People that aren't buying aren't breathing...this isn't walking Dead bro so look alive and start a journey.
If you're serious then take action and you'll see results!
Your words
because people here make money off the content posted
Only a portion do, the rest of us make it in various other ways. I make money by finding opportunities and continually building my network.
In fact, my single largest sale ($40k) was a result of coming here to network and find someone with my need at the time.
tech savvy nerds who don't want to pay for anything
Tough shit! They may not want to, but the fact remains they do. So what are they buying and where are they buying it?
It begins by knowing what you're forums purpose and its function. From there it's ALL about the members and why they come.
Here's a few basic keywords ran through Moz.
You'll see there's decent search volume and relatively low competition.
So from here you need to dial down on what it is they want.
Tech savvy nerds?
Perfect. Then you are in position to do well with them. If they're serious about ANY part of their interests then their buying Product A Service B, the truth is they just aren't buying it from or through you.
I believe it starts with your focus.
Focus < on the forum
Focus > on the members.
You're asset is your people. This is ALL you have to concern yourself with at this time.
People always talk about ways to bring in traffic.
People rarely talk about ways to get them to stay.
People always like to buy when they have reason.
People always buy so make them buy from you.
Perfect example:
I'm dealing with this exact situation in a private forum I am involved in. Originally the forum was planned as a partnership. I wasn't able to participate in the design and initial build, but that's not really my role or purpose anyway. The forum was opened without me and before really being ready. The "partner" discussion was swept under the rug.
The owner isn't as engaged (my opinion) as I feel that he really should be. He's around quite a bit, however not in the manner that the members really want. I'm past it now but remain an active member. 5 days ago I accepted the task of building it like it should be. So that begins by engaging within the community, because the members have needs and want them met right there. 5 days later it's clear that members are pretty excited. I'm glad because I consider many of them my friends. In my case the forum I am involved in has no differences than yours, and I could make excuses why they don't or won't spend cash. The truth is I KNOW what they want, and I KNOW what they need. It's not rocket science I'm just involved and pay attention.
Good Luck OP and don't fall of the map here. Your positioned well with opporttunities to be rewarded, just focus on the needs and wants of the people that come to visit, the rest will fall in place if you take action. You are welcome to message me or anyone here that you think may be of benefit. I'm happy to do what I can, it's how I roll =)
Shadexpwn
Elite Member
- Sep 12, 2010
- 1,730
- 484
Don't ever spam advertisements worth pennies on any forum you run due to engagement killing.
I'd strongly suggest you add CPM banners or popunders so you can get something as a start until you venture into direct ad deals or premium lead generation & affiliate programs.
Incontextual links would do you wonders too (Infolinks or Vibrant Media.)
I'd strongly suggest you add CPM banners or popunders so you can get something as a start until you venture into direct ad deals or premium lead generation & affiliate programs.
Incontextual links would do you wonders too (Infolinks or Vibrant Media.)
Brianme2010
Newbie
- Jan 10, 2016
- 28
- 5
A good way would be to add like a "gold membership" to unlock signatures and secret forums or something.
Aty
Elite Member
- Jan 27, 2011
- 7,631
- 5,301
You must be doing something wrong. Ask a pro to take a look at your setup.
MagicSpeed
Newbie
- Feb 14, 2016
- 8
- 0
Any suggestions? I've been trying to search for a few companies who would be interested in buying ad space and contacted a few supplement companies so far but I doubt they will buy ad space.. Does anyone know of any adult/health companies who would be interested in ad space.
Also I still don't understand why people suggest CPA for a forum, like how am I supposed to peddle the offers? Most CPA offers don't supply banners which I can place. Should I create the banners myself?
You know what I would do?
have a money making section
Sell money making ebooks, and have fake accounts reply to the sales thread with fake reviews saying how good it is, and have fake payment proofs and stuff, and then when ur users see and think how good the ebook is, theyll want to buy it, the ebook can be some method that actually works, it doesnt need to be a BS method obviously this would piss ur users off
