Help in establishing a profit source for a forum

Hello,

I'm looking for help in terms of ideas and recommandations on how can I establish a profit source as Admin of a forum which has 250 registered members.

This forum was set up not a long time ago, and it's members are mostly American, and they mostly come from a common background (I would say about 90% of them) which is that they were part of an long-term online investment firm, but which ended up as being a scam.
So the majority of these people lost money there.

Anyways, we have many well informed, intelligent posters.

This forum is set up on a free service provider's server, so we have some advertising in change, but very little- it's not bothering at all: only just 2-4 small adds, or a big banner on the front page, and this is all. These adds change every few minutes. Oh, and also we see a banner or small adds when we send PM-s to other members.

Otherwise the forum's software is excellent, and everything is very functional.

I would be thankful for every advice I get, even some wild and crazy looking ideas, because from own experience those sometimes can prove real winners.

I never had before a forum, I just spent a ton of time in the last couple of years on forums, and I don't know (yet) how to set up a business through Google, adwords stuff and such, so if you'll advise me in this area please be as specific as possible.

Thanks in advance,
Eagle

I'm not sure if your forum is the right type, but here is a way to monetize certain forums:

http://forumadmanager.com/index.php

Originally Posted by Eagle

Hello,

I'm looking for help in terms of ideas and recommandations on how can I establish a profit source as Admin of a forum which has 250 registered members.

This forum was set up not a long time ago, and it's members are mostly American, and they mostly come from a common background (I would say about 90% of them) which is that they were part of an long-term online investment firm, but which ended up as being a scam.
So the majority of these people lost money there.

Anyways, we have many well informed, intelligent posters.

This forum is set up on a free service provider's server, so we have some advertising in change, but very little- it's not bothering at all: only just 2-4 small adds, or a big banner on the front page, and this is all. These adds change every few minutes. Oh, and also we see a banner or small adds when we send PM-s to other members.

Otherwise the forum's software is excellent, and everything is very functional.

I would be thankful for every advice I get, even some wild and crazy looking ideas, because from own experience those sometimes can prove real winners.

I never had before a forum, I just spent a ton of time in the last couple of years on forums, and I don't know (yet) how to set up a business through Google, adwords stuff and such, so if you'll advise me in this area please be as specific as possible.

Thanks in advance,
Eagle

Quick Tip(s)...

Here are Links to a few 1,000 Forums...

Study, Learn and Apply some of the Good stuff you come across...

Bet there's some interesting ideas, resources and Money inside...

http://www.im4newbies.com/internetma...-directory.htm
http://www.findyourforum.com/
http://www.mikes-marketing-tools.com/marketing-forum/
http://www.admoolah.com/blog/index.p...sharing-sites/

Phil

Thanks guys!

I will analize all these possibilities.
By now the membership has grown to over 280 registered users.

Hi Eagle,
Thanks for asking.
Your answer to monetizing the forum exists with your forum members.

You find yourself in a unique situation where the vast majority of those
members are individuals who not only are interested in long term
investing, but they share a collective experience of being associated with
the same outfit...even though it was a negative experience.

I propose that you start a newsletter where you research and report to
them on a regular basis, other investment companies and opportunities.

These people have already displayed an interest in a specific subject,
and though they were once burned, I'm sure they'll still be open to
receiving information from worthwhile companies...that you recommend.

For your profit source you can offer a paid subscription, sell ads inside
the newsletter, or be an affiliate of the well-researched, and carefully
chosen investment opportunities.

You'll actually be of service to your members because as the administrator
of the site they trust your judgement, and will rely upon you to do the
"hard work" of researching all recommended ventures.

God loves you.
Brent Whinfield.
http://www.see-it-on-video.com/eyecandy/index.html
Buckle Up...You're Moments Away From List Building Mecca With Pure Eye Candy Floating Videos!