rehaM
Admin
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What are some ways you handle new members or ways you retain member activity?
As a forum owner, new members are one of the most important asset to any forum. New members are what turn a forum into a community. It is important to recognize that new members took interest and the time to register and be part of your community.
You need to take steps to ensure that new members will return and turn lurkers into posters.
Some tips I've learned along the years to accommodate new members
- Introduction section: every forum should have one, although it may seem repetitive from forum to forum, a lot of times this can easily break the ice when newcomers are entering a new environment
- Welcome email. When member's register, they may not know where to start, especially for individuals who are new to online forums. A welcome email is a great way to welcome new members and also list some helpful resources. These resources can include a link to the rules, a link to the introduction forum, a contact link, etc.
- Staff members should welcome every newcomer. Staff act as the representation for the community, they should be welcoming and helpful as much as possible.
Retaining members is a constant work in progress and harder than getting members to register. Registration is easy and takes a minute or two, but to get members to return on a daily/weekly basis takes extra commitment as a forum owner. Without members, a forum is a waste of space.
