How Do You Build a Network of Communities That Support Each Other?

[Maya]

Instead of isolated forums, some admins build ecosystems. How do you connect them without forcing users? What kind of structure encourages natural movement between communities?

 

[Shawn Gossman]

I used to run a forum network.

It was called Kruzzen.

I'm actually going to run all my forums under that name again just because it feels retro to me. It reminds me of the old days.

 

[Page]

Don’t force it make it feel natural. Link communities through shared interests, cross-posts, and familiar layouts so users recognise things. Use things like single sign on, unified profiles, and subtle recommendations (“you might also like…”) to guide them. The key is making movement feel like discovery, not being pushed.

 

[cpvr]

Don’t force it make it feel natural. Link communities through shared interests, cross-posts, and familiar layouts so users recognise things. Use things like single sign on, unified profiles, and subtle recommendations (“you might also like…”) to guide them. The key is making movement feel like discovery, not being pushed.

It may work, or it may not. If it comes from the same network, it is considered as a "PBN network", and leads to spam penalities on the search engines, as well.

Link communities aren't a good idea when it pertains to SEO purposes. I wouldn't necessary recommend doing it.

 

[Nomad]

Affiliating is one way to build a network of communities. You can share affiliate links on your forum, and other forums can share your link on theirs.