On my forum being active rewards you with higher Sonic-themed ranks and group promotions. But other than names, it really only involves changing username font color and font type. I'm not sure what to reward members with higher post activity without withholding things from new users. I don't want to withhold basic things like editing, uploading images, etc from new users because that doesn't create a pleasant experience for newbies feeling constrained.
Example: For users with X+ amount of posts
offer ways use those credits/rewards.
Add gamification to the forum
Maybe redeeming some credits for cash, products or services
If they have enough of the credits, then maybe they gain access to a private area on the site?
On one forum I'm on, and I don't know how they make this work, the basic membership only has about 10 smileys they can use. The people who upgrade have access to more smileys. Maybe having different smileys available is a perk?
We use a points system like in the video games. You earn points by activities that allows you to buy items but they're really just cards and pictures of game stuff so if you find that not useful it doesn't make those users incentivized.
I recently reintroduced the Hall of Fame for members with 900 posts but again, if the user finds no value in that even if they obtain that amount, it's not incentive.
However those are better than nothing and so far you have provided great feedback so thanks you two! 🙂
