Why So Few? - Harley Forum

BaggerDad · #1 03-20-2008, 05:47 PM

I don't get it, American Iron Magazine has 100,000 or more readers.

This site has over 14,000 registered members.

Yet I almost never see more than a a couple of dozen members on line at any one time.

What's the deal? What does the AIM crew have to do to make this more popular?

It's a great idea with lots of potential for growth.

unfknblvbl · #2 03-20-2008, 06:02 PM

Bagger I hear what you're saying and have had the same thoughts as you. Here's my thought on it (not sure if you have to register or not to look at pics or posts), but I'd imagine a lot of the registered members came here for one of two things either to look at the pics for customizatoin ideas or needed some tech help. They got what they wanted and split. I have gone through almost the entire registered member list and there are tons who have 0 posts. Not even a simple introduction.

If you haven't done so throw the webisite out to all your buddies who ride and those who don't but are interested. This board has huge potential

Buzz Kanter · #3 03-20-2008, 08:27 PM

Thanks to you both for the posts. I have also been wondering why it isn't taking off more. Please let us know what we can do to help it grow.

And our pass-through readership for American Iron Magazine is better than 250,000.

Softailzz · #4 03-20-2008, 11:04 PM

Buzz, Here's a thought. Take one of those big full pages of the mag to do a special promo of the web site. You know how to do it right. Great forums, photos, tech info, updated classifieds, etc,etc. Should be able to get a great rate on the advertising, lol. I'd try it for a couple of issues.

03fxst · #5 03-21-2008, 09:05 AM

Not sure how the site tracks readership but I must confess I visit regularly but only log in with user name and password when I need to make a post. This site is actually the home page on my Internet Explorer so it is always the first thing I see.

Spade5 · #6 03-21-2008, 09:58 AM

I have links to two other forums. One is really big and after I read a thread there may be 10 new threads added. It seems to be a very tight knit group where everyone seems to know everyone else. Mostly I just search for older threads on a specific topic. It is like my posts are ignored but a "group" member can say basically the same thing and it is gold. I don't really feel welcome there.

The other forum isn't as big but has more activity than AIM so I usually just use these two. I appreciate the fact that there are knowledgeable people who try to provide information for others but is mostly just a few people doing it over and over.

What I like about AIM is it seems more like a bunch of people from all over that like to ask questions and share information. Not being highly knowledgeable myself, I try to pick up some ideas and am not shy about giving my opinion.

One thing I have noticed, is I have never seen this sight come up when doing a Goggle search whereas the other two forums come up almost every time. In fact that is how I originally became aware of the other two forums or I may never have found them.

I check this site every day and although I have not been a major contributor I almost always see something of interest. My suggestion is that if you want to grow the site, put more plugs in the magazine which I read from cover to cover each month and find out how to get bumped up on the Google search results list.

I just hope the site doesn't loose its charm sort of like when your child becomes a teenager and they become a different person. That is my $0.02.

admin · #7 03-21-2008, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spade5

One thing I have noticed, is I have never seen this sight come up when doing a Goggle search whereas the other two forums come up almost every time. In fact that is how I originally became aware of the other two forums or I may never have found them.

What words or phrases are you searching on?

48panshovel · #8 03-21-2008, 11:01 AM

Some people might be afraid to log in for fear of getting bombed with unwanted e-mail, etc.? I haven't been a member for very long but I've found everyone more than helpful in any question I've had on my bike. I log on almost every day to see what's up with current projects and more. The humor section is always good for a few laughs. I've been telling people about the site but I don't know if they're using it? The suggestion of advertising in the mag a little more might be a good idea. Can't hurt.

BlueBob · #9 03-21-2008, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Softailzz

Buzz, Here's a thought. Take one of those big full pages of the mag to do a special promo of the web site. You know how to do it right. Great forums, photos, tech info, updated classifieds, etc,etc. Should be able to get a great rate on the advertising, lol. I'd try it for a couple of issues.

Perhaps one month even do a couple pages on one of the forum regulars and their ride... and prominently display the fact that they are forum members.

47knuck · #10 03-21-2008, 01:59 PM

I used to post a lot more here. Then I just woul swing by and read up on the psosts without making any of my own.

I like this place and most of the folks I've met here, so I'm going to post more regularly and help spread the word about www.aimag.com.

And the suggestion of advertising this site in the magazine is a good one too. So is the idea of featuring one forum members bike every once in a while in the magazine.

Good luck and count on my support.