SEM Tycoon

**Moelman** · 07-18-2006, 05:00 PM

I'm thinking about implementing this feature in my forums if I can see enough interest for it, what do you offer when members sign up for premium memberships?

**Karl89.co.uk** · 07-18-2006, 05:03 PM

I think it all depends on the type of forums.

Are the forums the same as the one in your signature?

**Moelman** · 07-18-2006, 05:09 PM

Yes, those are my forums, and I also have plans for another site and forum very soon. My current one is focused on gaming and movies.

EDIT: and I guess I wasn't really wanted suggestions for what I could give as much as just wondering what you give on your forums.

**Karl89.co.uk** · 07-18-2006, 05:53 PM

I'm going to be starting a football (soccer for some of you foreigners) forum soon and I'm going to be offering premium membershipt, probably £5 for life and the users will have access to football match streams so they can watch games live on their computer and competitions to win tickets to games.

I have other ideas but I won't give them ALL away.

**GeneCosta** · 07-23-2006, 04:00 AM

Well, I've tried this thrice.

"Hidden" forums. A place where they can chat amongst themselves.
Give them more features. Allow them to skip flood controll, upload avatars that are larger than regular limits, etc.
Raffles. If you want to open raffles to everyone, allow premium members to get extra tickets.
MONEY-BACK GURANTEE. Definately. I usually avoid these incentives unless there is one, because forums aren't the most relliable websites in the world.

**click here** · 07-28-2006, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeneCosta

Well, I've tried this thrice.

"Hidden" forums. A place where they can chat amongst themselves.
Give them more features. Allow them to skip flood controll, upload avatars that are larger than regular limits, etc.
Raffles. If you want to open raffles to everyone, allow premium members to get extra tickets.
MONEY-BACK GURANTEE. Definately. I usually avoid these incentives unless there is one, because forums aren't the most relliable websites in the world.

I do most of these above, one thing I can tell you is that if you want to sell Memberships you will need to only allow paid Members access to over 50 percent of the forum or site. Meaning, if you have a forum with 30 forums, you would need to make at least 16-20 of those for paid Members only.
If you don't then there is no real incentive to join, "BUT" you have to have a pretty popular site to do this, I don't think I would do this with a smaller/newer site as most people would just go elsewhere.

**Jeff Hester** · 07-30-2006, 12:12 PM

I've seen over at neowin.net that a paid membership also gets you an @neowin.net web-based email account. For a popular site, that could be a draw as well, and it doubles as a subtle promotion for your website everytime they send someone an email.

**Kyle J** · 08-06-2006, 05:54 PM

Various ideas (you should probably add some special things of your own

):
- higher PM limit
- more upload space
- allow custom avatars for premium members only
- less ads
- bigger signature allowed (be careful with this one...)
- allow images in signatures for premium members only
- special username color/banner/glow (glow only works in IE, so keep that in mind)
- premium member forums/sections
- a blog for each premium member
- standard % off or coupons for products you sell
- tshirt (don't do hats, they will be worn less than a tshirt)
- more forum themes available (careful with this one, good themes aren't exactly easy to come by)

**Bookworm-SEO** · 08-20-2006, 02:57 PM

I would add contests, prizes can be new products in the industry requiring promotion.

If it's a premium membership, you can also tie it in to some service. "Sign up for our dating forum and get a free silver membership at dating.com" And on top of it, you could probably work out that those memberships that upgrade from silver pay you as an affiliate.

**imported_richp** · 12-03-2006, 06:54 PM

You have to put a realistic price on the subscription or premium account.

**greenhams** · 12-05-2006, 07:04 PM

I don't think a lifetime membership is much of a good idea, unless there is high turnover on your site. Love the email idea.

**jesterx** · 12-12-2006, 12:06 AM

no i agree.

Quote:

Various ideas (you should probably add some special things of your own ):
- higher PM limit
- more upload space
- allow custom avatars for premium members only
- less ads
- bigger signature allowed (be careful with this one...)
- allow images in signatures for premium members only
- special username color/banner/glow (glow only works in IE, so keep that in mind)
- premium member forums/sections
- a blog for each premium member
- standard % off or coupons for products you sell
- tshirt (don't do hats, they will be worn less than a tshirt)
- more forum themes available (careful with this one, good themes aren't exactly easy to come by)

I think that almost hit it on the head. Try these and you sign up rate should increase.

i would be trying to add monthly prizes to. And if you have enough time get people to send photos of them receiving their prize for credibility.

hope this helps.