Getting guests to register

[Scott]

This is something which is causing a bit of a headache. Guests are visiting, but they don't want to register. Any suggestions?

There is a message at the top of the forum with a link to registration, but a part from that, I can't think of much that'll help. :iunno:

[Aussie Bob]

So folks drop by, but they don't get into the action. That's pretty common on most forums I'd imagine. Unless they're motivated to join - and what's_in_it_for_them - why should they join up?

[Jan]

There are many, many people who view forums as guests. They might arrive there from a google search, find the info they need and be done with it. Not everyone is into the forums scene ya know :P

[Scott]

I guess that's true, most guests probably won't have any use in joining. Can be quite an annoyance though.

[SoftWareRevue]

Even here, I'd expect to see guests mostly reading. And moreso after we get a larger database. :read:

At least there are guests! :)

I'd be more concerned if there wasn't any. :P

But, if they find what they're looking for without registering, I suppose that could be a testament of good documentation. :angel:

When they want something more, they'll register. :whip:

[HostFrog]

Yeah I agree, if you have guest reading atleast your doing something. You would want to be concerned if no visitors at all. I think that guest will sign up if the forum is active by users, regular posting, and if the surrounding is good. I could be wrong though, we only run a hosting community.

[B33R]

As long as the forum is being used and is earning some money (optional ;)) then it shouldn't really matter if there are guests who don't sign up.
Theres always a chance that a guest will join so you should only really be worried if your forum is dead (no posts, no visitors etc)

I figure guests will (almost) never become a member on their first visit. If they're just looking for one specific piece of info, they may never come back. They still contribute to clicks on ads while they're browsing though.

If they find the info they're looking for, chances are they'll come back the next time they need info/help/whatever and so on until they feel they've got enough out of the forum to start giving something back. Sometimes they just need to pluck up some courage to join. It can be tough joining (and being accepted) into an established community.

Do things to welcome a new (or potential new) member. A Welcome/Introduction section is a good example. An off topic section can also be popular ice breaker.

A "newbies" help and support section is another good example.
Somewhere for your older, more knowledgeable members to offer help and support about your chosen subject. A great way to encourage people to join and also for "newbies" to get integrated into your forum.

[SoftWareRevue]

The problem I have at another forum I admin is the user to guest ratio thing.

This time of day is slow. But it shows:

Currently Active Users: 669 (10 members and 659 guests)

It's not uncommon to have 15-20 members and 1,000 guests.

The problem seems to be more about the productivity of current members. Although they might )emphasis on might) answer a question posted by a newbie, they don't do much of nuthin else.

I suppose I should start a thread here about it. :blush:

[Brandon]

I'm trying something by placing my ad's to show only to guest with some bold red letters that say something like "Please Register to Remove Ad's"

so far, we haven't had any new signups..lol but I am getting clicks, so it's okay I guess

[SoftWareRevue]

It's not uncommon to have 15-20 members and 1,000 guests.Like right now.

Currently Active Users: 1277 (18 members and 1259 guests)Always seems to be about the same ratio though.

[unfv]

I'm starting on it and 80% of the registered members on my forum haven't say a word.