Need help with a forum

[ionica21]

I've got a forum for a gaming niche (Guild Wars 2), it's ranking pretty well for keywords (some of which I didn't even pick). It's running SMF with a theme that I found on the SMF site. But I'm very unsure about the site:

• I don't know what features to add
• In my opinion the theme doesn't look as good as it could be
• I'm not sure if SMF is the right choice
• People are signing up but none are posting (yes, I realize some might be bots)

It doesn't seem like a lot, but I know I could do more for the forum and make it better. So if anyone's experienced in forum managing, could they possibly offer me some advice on what forum software to use, and maybe a theme. And advice on features and boards, if possible.

I need a vision, or some direction, for the forum.

Feel free to ask me any other questions.

Thanks

 

[macdonjo3]

Ask the members about their thoughts on the theme.

 

[ionica21]

Ask the members about their thoughts on the theme.

There's only around 25 members and none of them have posted.

 

[ohaider]

Here's what I would do:

1) Switch to vbull ($$$) or Mybb press (free).
2) Get some securing plugins
3) Get a SEO plugin
4) Get an adsense/ads plugin (create future income)
5) Set up a donate page
6) Join postloop and have people post on your forum (free or $$$)
7) If all else fails, populate the forum with a php script.
8) Market
9) Keep members happy
10) Profit.

 

[ionica21]

Here's what I would do:

1) Switch to vbull ($$$) or Mybb press (free).
2) Get some securing plugins
3) Get a SEO plugin
4) Get an adsense/ads plugin (create future income)
5) Set up a donate page
6) Join postloop and have people post on your forum (free or $$$)
7) If all else fails, populate the forum with a php script.
8) Market
9) Keep members happy
10) Profit.

What themes would you recommend for MyBB or vBulletin?

Or do you know a place that sells custom themes that would be appropriate for a Guild Wars 2 based forum?

 

[2makemoney]

Use these theme for smf. Some are free, some you can find downloads too.

http://demo.dzinerstudio.com/

 

[ohaider]

What themes would you recommend for MyBB or vBulletin?

Or do you know a place that sells custom themes that would be appropriate for a Guild Wars 2 based forum?

vBulletin has COUNTLESS themes which really only would need a simple logo (Grab one from fiverr)

MyBB Press is a bit more limited but if you are graphically savvy you should be able to create your own theme without problem.

Obviously if you want your very own special theme you could hire someone to do it for about 30-150 bucks depending on the forum software.

I don't know about specific places for custom designs as I normally fiddle around and do them myself.

 

[ionica21]

vBulletin has COUNTLESS themes which really only would need a simple logo (Grab one from fiverr)

MyBB Press is a bit more limited but if you are graphically savvy you should be able to create your own theme without problem.

Obviously if you want your very own special theme you could hire someone to do it for about 30-150 bucks depending on the forum software.

I don't know about specific places for custom designs as I normally fiddle around and do them myself.

I'm too cheap for vBulletin. I installed MyBB on it and found a theme which I really like.

Now I need to get on postloop and get some posts on the forum. Do you know of any other sites similar to postloop?

 

[poweronics]

You can get some paid forum posting service to get it kick started.