Creating Forums

A forum or a message board allows registered site visitors to ask questions, seek assistance or voice opinions. It is a two-way communication vehicle that is managed by one or several moderators.

A moderator governs the site - handles technical issues, monitors comments and ensures that rules are followed. For example, on most forums, users are not able to post abusive language or they can be kicked off the forum. Compare it to being given a ticket to an event, walking into the event and shouting expletives at those in attendance. Your ticket is taken and you are told to leave! Pretty much the same thing.

Creating a forum for your website is one way to make it "sticky." A sticky website means creating a site that keeps visitors on your site and gives them a reason to return once they leave. Depending on the type of website that you have, a forum offers a valuable way to engage your customers.

I compare setting up a forum to creating a physical gathering place. Do you want it to be a more formal gathering where people come together to ask questions and get assistance to technical questions or do you it more informal with a big disco ball and a dance floor where everyone hangs out and talks about dancing and music.

Which Forum Software is Best for Your Small Business?

There are many options for setting up a forum for your website or blog. Check out www.forum-software.org. They provide an extensive review of the software along with features, platform (Java, php, .net, hosted), screen shots and pros/cons. There is even a short quiz so you can see which forum will work best for your website / blog needs. Below, I have listed the various forum applications listed on the Forum Software website along with the pricing. I'm sure that you will find an option that best suits you.