Forums are an area on your website for users to post topics for discussion, find answers, and to discuss and comment on other users topics. They are essentially a conversation using published messages. Forums are usually divided up into different categories – making it easier for users to find topics that they are interested in.

The most common topics on forums include questions, opinion polls, debates and comparisons.

You’ll find forums all over the internet covering all kinds of topics, from accountancy to zoology.

Will a forum help my business?

Forums can be useful additions to the website of businesses and organisations. If your business sells a product or service that requires after sales support then setting up a forum is a great way to communicate with your customers and answer their queries. This could also help to attract new customers. Organisations can use forums in a similar way, helping to build a community around your organisation by keeping your members informed.

Will a forum attract business or new members?

From a search engine optimisation (SEO) point of view, additional content usually attracts additional traffic to your website. A forum with large amounts of informative content can represent a cost effective marketing tool for your business or organisation.

How’s a forum different to a blog?

A blog is more of a diary, a monologue charting a journey. Comments about your articles can be published if you wish – but its main purpose is for you to have your say. A Forum on the other hand is more of a discussion, with users engaging in conversations.

Contact GDS Web design on 07857643387 or send an email to gary@gdswebdesign.co.uk to find out more about choosing the right solution for your business or organisations website.