A Guide for New Forum Owners

Right so I posted this guide on one of my own forums, and I feel that it may help some new potential forum owners. Let me know if I can improve this guide, and feel free to add stuff to the topic if I missed anything. (Towards the end of the guide I was in a hurry so if it sort of starts to get a bit sloppy, that's why. :V) Anywho, here's my guide. I'm thinking about making a separate guide on showing how to upload/install forum software for beginners next, let me know if that would be a good idea for a guide.

So you're thinking about starting a new forum, but don't know where to start? This short guide can help you! Now before diving into finding a host, and debating on which software to use you should do some brainstorming on what you want to call your forum, and what niche you want it to be based around. A niche is the general subject of the forum, whether it be sports, video games, a specific franchise, etc. In this case, the forum you're currently viewing this guide on is a promotional forum, and is very helpful for new and experienced forum owners. So think about what you wish to have the forum be based around, and of course coming up with a name is always good too! So if you got a niche and name in mind, go to the next step in the tutorial.

So the naming process is done and you have a niche. But now you're trying to figure out which software is the best for your forum. You're also trying to figure out which hosting will be best to suit your needs and budget. Now you don't have to pay an arm and a leg to make a great forum, there are quite a few free hosts out there that are decent. And there are some great forum software out there that are free to use too. There are a few websites that compare free hosts as well as forum software, it's always best to check these sites out if you are stumped and indecisive on which host and software to use.

And now that you have the forum software in mind and hosting, you're ready to go grab the forum software from their website! But wait, you've downloaded the files and don't know what to do with them? Now this part may be a bit tricky for those who are brand new to forums. If you don't feel comfortable enough to upload and install the forum software yourself, you can pick a free self hosting site to host your forum, such as Forumotion. They provide hosting for PunBB, PhpBB, and Invision if you wish to use one of those forum software.

So after your new forum is set up, you should start creating categories and forums. Forums are what actually contain topics, categories contain the sub forums that the admin sets up via the admin control panel. For example, the category of this section is "Webmaster Lounge", and the forum this topic is in is the "Forum Management" forum. After your categories and forums are created, it's time to fill up your forum with topics! Creating topics and having at least one topic per forum will definitely look more professional. If potential members see empty forums, they may not want to join. It's always best to create some conversations for new members to engage in. If you have at least one topic in each forum, it's time to promote your site!  You should promote your forum on many different sites, such as the one you're reading this topic in! Using Google will bring up more communities where you can share your new forum! Good luck and remember it takes time to build a community.

Overall this guide is a pretty good summary of what a new forum owner needs to do without getting into detail. I would encourage you in making more of these maybe on more specifics and more into detail!

Keep it up

Nice guide! Thanks for sharing. I'm sure it will help users starting new forums!

Thank you both! I'm currently writing up another guide, this time I think I'll include images so I can explain things a bit better.

This is a comprehensive guide for forum starters! I like it, and I'm sure newbies on forum management will get this one easily. I believe this guide should have a dedicated place here.

Keep posting more guides!

Thanks to this guide! It'll surely help me on developing my new forum. I'll be looking forward to more of your guides.

You're welcome Baymax, I look forward to checking out your new forum. I've finally got around to completing the other guide which you may find here. Sorry it took so long everyone!

Thanks for sharing! I'll take some of your points into advice.