When setting up a forum, one of the first decisions you’ll face is deciding which sections and forums to include. This is something that could take days for me personally. I want it as perfect as possible. Some are obvious must-haves, like an Announcements section for important updates or a Suggestions & Feedback area where members can share their ideas and opinions. Others, like a Off-Topic section, help build community by giving members a space to connect beyond the main focus of the forum.

 

But what else is essential? Should every forum have a Support section for troubleshooting? A Introductions area for new members? Or maybe a Rules & Guidelines section to keep things running smoothly? And what about niche-specific sections - how do you balance those with the basics?

 

I’m curious - what sections do you think every forum should have? Are there any you consider non-negotiable? Or have you found that less is more when it comes to organizing your forum?

I think every forum should have some key sections like Announcements, Suggestions & Feedback, and Rules & Guidelines to keep things clear and organized. An Introductions area can make new members feel welcome, and a Support section helps everyone out. However, it's best to keep it simple .. too many sections can confuse people. The focus should always be on meaningful conversations... not alot of sections.

I think every forum should have some key sections like Announcements, Suggestions & Feedback, and Rules & Guidelines to keep things clear and organized. An Introductions area can make new members feel welcome, and a Support section helps everyone out. However, it's best to keep it simple .. too many sections can confuse people. The focus should always be on meaningful conversations... not alot of sections.

I agree 100% with this. Announcements, Suggestions & Feedback, and Rules & Guidelines are a must.

I always have my announcement sections at the top of the board, same with the suggestions area and introduction section. A off topic section is definitely a must too especially if your forum is based around a specific niche. These are the sections every forum needs, doesn't matter the niche. Though I did make it to where you can only interact with the off topic area on RPG Haven by unlocking it after 10 posts so I can get some content posted in the on topic sections.

I always have my announcement sections at the top of the board, same with the suggestions area and introduction section. A off topic section is definitely a must too especially if your forum is based around a specific niche. These are the sections every forum needs, doesn't matter the niche. Though I did make it to where you can only interact with the off topic area on RPG Haven by unlocking it after 10 posts so I can get some content posted in the on topic sections.

I find having announcements at the top such a classic but outdated setup. Personally, I'd rather see the niche discussions at the top.

I think every forum should have some key sections like Announcements, Suggestions & Feedback, and Rules & Guidelines to keep things clear and organized. An Introductions area can make new members feel welcome, and a Support section helps everyone out. However, it's best to keep it simple .. too many sections can confuse people. The focus should always be on meaningful conversations... not alot of sections.

I agree. I think every forum should also have a general chat/off topic section where users can hang out and enjoy themselves.

 

It’s great for community bonding as well.

The rules and guidelines could be included in the announcements forum instead of a forum though. That way, it’s a lot easier for users to find them. A pinned topic would work the best. You could also link the page directly on the site’s footer.

Every forum should have a place for announcements so you can tell your community when something happens.

 

You should also have a place for new people to introduce themselves.

 

And finally, you should have an off topic section regardless of what your niche` is on your forum.