Website Review and Suggestions

**RideConnection** · 10-10-2005, 05:27 PM

http://www.carforums.net

All around automotive enthusiast forums. We have discussions ranging from Acura to Yugo. The site is only a couple of weeks old, but is growing strong. We average about 3-4 signups a day and have about 95 guests viewing the board each 24 hour period. I'm working on a few things, but overall I'm happy with how it is going. We already have a google page rank of 4 as well as I bought the domain name from someone who had gotten it listed in the yahoo directory previously. I'm still working on getting it listed on Dmoz and other places, but for now it is growing steadily without it.

What do you think of the logo and overall design? Everything look easy and approachable?

**RideConnection** · 10-11-2005, 07:54 PM

AH..... I see this now. I thought it was deleted. Thanks guys, please let me know what you think of the site so far.

**maicowchoy** · 10-11-2005, 08:59 PM

Looks good, I like the logo on the top left.

**scorch** · 10-11-2005, 10:25 PM

I like it, I have always thought it would be cool to run a site that gets alot of traffic. With a name like that, how can you lose. I hope the site does well for you.

How much did you buy the domain name for? How much does a forum like that cost to run? I heard a couple of people *****ing about how much the upkeep is.

**RideConnection** · 10-12-2005, 03:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scorch

I like it, I have always thought it would be cool to run a site that gets alot of traffic. With a name like that, how can you lose. I hope the site does well for you.

How much did you buy the domain name for? How much does a forum like that cost to run? I heard a couple of people *****ing about how much the upkeep is.

I bought the domain name for $250, and it already had a page rank of 4 and a listing in the yahoo directory. Since then I've managed to get it listed in zeal, and skaffe, and I have done hundreds of link exchange requests that are slowly being added. I'm also in the process of posting the link in a few google automotive groups to get the place going.

As for the server, I have my own dedicated server that I use for this site and my other site RideConnection.net It runs about $150 a month to keep up, and then all my time and effort. Really it isn't that expensive to keep up a forum, a lot of places complain about prices to members to get them to donate to their wallet. That is the honest truth coming from someone who has a webmaster on a forum that has 50,000+ members.

Thanks for the comments everyone

**zielak** · 10-12-2005, 03:06 PM

Looks good to me. I like the idea with free record check. The only thing that in my opinion You should change is the layout. I think that to many forums on the net have similiar layout to yours. If you change it it will be more unique - but it's just my opinion.

**stoot98** · 10-12-2005, 04:23 PM

I really like the banner graphic, its as good and unique as a forum can be to be honest - theres always going to be that generic 'forumy' look which is hard to get away from.

Quote:

I have always thought it would be cool to run a site that gets alot of traffic

Scorch, i like it....

**RideConnection** · 10-12-2005, 06:30 PM

Thanks guys

**eslsociety** · 10-13-2005, 12:19 AM

The site looks good, and it's a good use of adsense as a left navbar I think. I'de imagine that if you get traffic (haha) that should convert pretty well.

Also, the spinning rims or whatever is a cool effect, and a nice customization.

The only thing for me is that the imports sub-forums list is a bit overwhelming.

Jon

**RideConnection** · 11-09-2005, 05:34 PM

Anyone else have an opinion?

**TrentonD** · 11-09-2005, 06:46 PM

All I have to say has pretty much been said by someone else already.

I just want to say though, that this is a great idea you have

. Its something simple, yet unique in its own way at the same time.

Congrats on all your success so far!

**RideConnection** · 11-26-2005, 12:57 AM

Bump.... site is growing, wanted to get more opinions and suggestions. Thanks guys

**etech-martin** · 11-26-2005, 11:11 AM

Site looks good and it seems that forum is running pretty well. Header and logo is really nice. But I think your site name and brief description slogan should be visible enough. However font is nice. All the best!

**raydihosting** · 11-27-2005, 10:25 AM

This looks very nice. The colors of the forum and surrounding match perfectly and i give it a thumbs up!

You seem to have a lot of members! WOW!

**gzwch** · 11-29-2005, 02:34 AM

nice fourm..nice job..wonder how you can make it in a short time..over 1000 online users..

**RideConnection** · 11-29-2005, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gzwch

nice fourm..nice job..wonder how you can make it in a short time..over 1000 online users..

That is just manipulation of the online timer, but we do get a ton of traffic already. It is a good name, and I've spent countless hours doing SEO and getting the word out. I also have a solid member base of regulars who are on the board periodically each day.

**wobseek** · 11-29-2005, 11:59 PM

the banner on the top is awesome

**RideConnection** · 06-13-2006, 02:35 PM

Site is growing well.....any new opinions ?

**directrix8** · 06-13-2006, 08:27 PM

looks great lots of info.

**dwirken** · 06-14-2006, 02:01 PM

very good layout

not too colorfull, and not too dull