[Nicksyb]

Hi everyone

So I've been working on my website and trying to market and get my name out on a lot of forums.

The problem I have been having with a lot of the Forums (Witchcraft related) is that they are very keen to shoot you down at first sight. Which means that to be honest I am a bit too scared to post on these sights.

So my idea was to have my own Friendly and fun forum, filled with great advice, info and the like. But it is a big step and was wondering if it was the right thing to do.

I would of course tie my shop into the forum so it would also help market it as well.

What do you think, good or bad idea?

[Jeewhizz]

Great idea, but can you get the visitors in? There is nothing worse than a dead forum!

[Calibre Designs]

And even if it does get busy, it will take a large chunk of your time. *ask Ray about that one*

[Nicksyb]

Thats what I was thinking. however i wouldn't implement it until later this year.

Hopefully we are moving abroad this year which means I shall become a housewife and need something to keep me occupied (other than this forum)

I have a blog at the moment and people keep asking me questions and seem to have the wrong impression about withccraft so wanted something easy to read and informative. And also a place where people aren't afraid to ask questions.

[ParentsforPlay]

What about a yahoo group or at least joining and promoting your site through them? I just did a quick search for groups with 'witch' in the title (I know that's prob not really the right thing) and there are over 7000 and the first few pages of groups seem to have lots of members. Just a thought.

Sarah

[Nicksyb]

I have a yahoo group at the moment, possibly need to look at marketing that more I think. My title doesn't have Witch in it, might need to readjust that.

I think my brain has gone into idea overload and I need to stop and concentrate on more important things at this moment in time. It's a curse having an active brain

[ABC Studio]

The problem with advertising on forums is if you turn up and your first post is hello my name is x and I sell y, then your going to be seen as a spammer (after all that's what your doing!).

To make the most of forums you need to become part of the community before you can start selling your products which is going to be time consuming and probably not that practical.

On the other hand I have a client that might be a good tie in for you, drop me a pm and and give you some more details.

[RayB]

I love Forums and it *could* be a cracking idea and perfect for you - but:

Originally Posted by Jeewhizz

Great idea, but can you get the visitors in? There is nothing worse than a dead forum!

This is key - we were lucky with A1 because you all supported this forum from the off - generally this is not the case with a new Forum and it can be a real slog to get the momentum going.

Originally Posted by Calibre Designs

And even if it does get busy, it will take a large chunk of your time. *ask Ray about that one*

Indeed - this Forum has been a full time job since launch - and I'm talking up to 16 hours per day 7 days per week I'm lucky in that my print business runs itself day to day and so I can devote the time to this Forum.

If you feel you can put the time and and find the members then go for it

[ParentsforPlay]

There are quite a few facebook groups you could join and post a link on to promote your site.

Sarah

[Nicksyb]

All these ideas, thank you.

When i get home tonight I certainly have some work cut out for me

I can only imagine the amount of time it takes to run a forum and at the moment I just don't have that

Ray if you ever need hand with anything let me know