Growth What makes a forum user-friendly, and how do you measure the success?

[Cedric]

One of our challenges we face is to get away from the "90-9-1" rule. As you may or may not know, the 90-9-1 rule refers to 90% lurkers - 9% intermittent contributors and - 1% heavy contributors.

So thinking logically, making a forum more user-friendly could definitely give you a better success rate. Making it easy for members to find what they’re looking for, participate in discussions, and feel comfortable in the community are one of those things. It’s more than just a clean design - although that’s also important!

So we need to create an environment where members feel encouraged to engage. Do you check your online members often enough? Make them feel inclusive. Send them a private message asking how they are, every now and then. A minute of your time could make all the difference in their engagement.

At the end of the day, success for your forum is about creating a home away from home that keeps people coming back. So, how do you measure it in your community? Is it more about active members, or do you focus on the quality of engagement?

 

[InMyOpinion]

This is such an important conversation! The 90-9-1 rule is definitely something we all have to work around, but the good news is there are ways to shift the balance.

I love the idea of making members feel included with little personal touches like check-ins. A simple message can go a long way in making someone feel like they belong. I also think structuring discussions in a way that invites participation helps a ton. Open-ended questions, fun challenges, or even a "What’s on your mind?" type thread can give lurkers a reason to dip their toes in.

For me, engagement isn’t just about numbers, it’s about creating a space where people want to participate because they feel valued. A forum should feel like a warm, welcoming spot to hang out, not just a place to consume content and leave.