What's your forum checklist ?

[Cedric]

Launching a forum can be an exciting but challenging experience. With so many things to consider, it can be easy to overlook important details that could make or break your forum's success.

That's why we want to discuss forum checklists. What are the essential things you need to check before launching your forum? Let's share our own checklists and compare notes.

For example, do you have a clear idea of your forum's purpose and target audience? Do you have a Mission Statement ? Have you chosen the right platform and hosting provider? What about design and branding? Have you created a content plan and set up moderation guidelines?

But it's not just about the technical details. Have you thought about the user experience? Is your forum easy to navigate? Have you considered accessibility and mobile responsiveness? What about community building? Have you created a welcoming environment for your users?

Let's dive into the details and create a comprehensive forum checklist that covers all the important aspects of launching a successful forum. Share your own tips and tricks and let's help each other create forums that thrive!

- Mission Statement
- Platform & Hosting Provider
- Design & Branding
- Content
- Moderation Guidelines
- ....

 

[Cory]

Here's what I can think of off the top of my head:

• A fully complete theme with matching graphics that is also responsive.
• A fully complete forum layout that is organized and easily navigatable.
• Board Rules/Guidelines
• At least 5 - 10 topics are posted in each forum for users to start responding to.
• A tagline or mission statement about who we are and why we exist.
• A contact us form for users that wish to contact us through email for registration issues or other needs.

 

[Reverie]

This is how my mind always managed it
- Do I have staff members in mind that will be dedicated?
- A good theme/niche that will bring in more people and discussions
- A great layout that is easy to navigate, perhaps is a bit creative and is not redundant
- Clear Rules/Guidelines as well as posted in the sections that require more specific rules
- Having at least 5 topics in each section for people to come and be welcomed to post in
- Have promotion signatures/affiliate images made and be ready to share
- A theme that can please everyone - not too dark and not too light, or make sure to have 2 ready at opening.
- Have some contests thought of before opening, for opening, and for a few weeks after opening

 

[Ravenfreak]

This is the checklist I usually go with whenever I create a community:

1. I think of a niche that many people can enjoy, or a niche that educates others.
2. Add new threads to every single section of the forum. A forum needs threads to jumpstart conversations, otherwise people may not join.
3. I look for a great theme that makes my community stand out on it's own. I may edit the default theme to reflect the niche of my forum, or install a completely new theme.
4. Have a detailed list of rules or guidelines for members to follow. I also plan out any rules that may follow a subforum's subject.
5. A nice tagline to explain what the community is about.