So...You have $7000 to go into developing a site based on a forum, what do YOU do

[b34ch3r]

That really doesn't mean anything - especially considering the difference in subject matter.

I'd say they were both good statistics.

Delving into it, I may have come across a reason why you've got such a better ratio of posts to members:

[Ziki]

Yeah I would like more members but I rather like it this way

[pcoskat]

Originally Posted by vol_freak

I think that is a great post, thanks. How would a peson go about getting a custom article system and a sponsor system?

Yeah, I'd like to know that, too.

Originally Posted by Princeton

Only after you have done all of the above should you advertise. Advertising in a poker magazine will drive traffic to your site. You will be surprised on how much traffic advertising in the right place can do for a site.

I really like these ideas, however, with the exception of Google AdWords, I would put a PR campaign OVER advertising in magazines.

A magazine or newspaper article 'about' you or your site...or even a quote from you with your web address will go FAR further when it comes to traffic (and credibility) than an ad. Plus PR costs WAY less than advertising.

My site has never advertised, but we've benefitted greatly from regular press mentions in national magazines and newspapers. Plus when it comes to people who want to advertise on your site, they are more likely to spend more on sites that get good press. Good press for you, is good press for them.

Getting good PR can only be helped by a nice-looking site. Of course, nice-looking is a subjective term, but if for your $800 you get the 'vision' you want to convey - I say it's money well spent if your entire site is built on vb 'portal'.

If, on the other hand your board is just part of a larger site, a prefab skin is fine (in my opinion).

Going back to the PR issue...it's an area worth looking into. You'll thank me later.:bunny:

[PennylessZ28]

pay myself $7000 for 1 hour of work

[influence]

Originally Posted by b34ch3r

That really doesn't mean anything - especially considering the difference in subject matter.

I'd say they were both good statistics.

Delving into it, I may have come across a reason why you've got such a better ratio of posts to members:

OWNED*

that right there cracked me up

[Razasharp]

Originally Posted by Princeton

anyone can create a "design" ... only a few can create a "winning design"

Completely agree. The look and feel of a site is extremely important... it's what can set you apart from your competitors. However I'm not talking about forum skinners here I'm talking about professional companies creating fresh eye catching designs for your entire site. Unfortunately for most people it's not easy finding a world class desinger these days, and it's certainly not as cheap as $800.

[pcoskat]

Originally Posted by Razasharp

Completely agree. The look and feel of a site is extremely important... it's what can set you apart from your competitors. However I'm not talking about forum skinners here I'm talking about professional companies creating fresh eye catching designs for your entire site. Unfortunately for most people it's not easy finding a world class desinger these days, and it's certainly not as cheap as $800.

I dunno...

PlentyOfFish is about the most unattactive site on the web, and it does rockin' traffic.

My site didn't have professional designs until we were well over 25,000 members. Even today, the members don't like me to mess with the design too much.

I like a pretty site, as much as the next person, but design never trumps content.

[Razasharp]

I didn't say it did - just that if you have two competing sites which were roughly the same, but one was designed professionaly and one was not... the better designed site would do better

The more competitve the market the more you need to stand out - lots of people can add hacks and plug-ins to get similar functionality, but 'winning-designs' are not so easy to come by.

[pcoskat]

Originally Posted by Razasharp

I didn't say it did - just that if you have two competing sites which were roughly the same, but one was designed professionaly and one was not... the better designed site would do better

I still disagree. Especially if the 'lesser designed' site has a better marketing/pr plan...

[Razasharp]

Originally Posted by Razasharp

....just that if you have two competing sites which were roughly the same, but one was designed professionaly and one was not... the better designed site would do better

I said if all else was roughly the same. Obviously the whole package plays a part but most other things 'can' be equal (when you knuckle down to it) but winning design is much harder to come by.