How to Create a Chat Forum

Many of my clients want to use a Chat Forum to foster engaging discussions and build a thriving and engaged online community. Those that don't get encouragment from me to do so!

Just because there's not a specific forum function on the IHUBApp does NOT mean it's not possible to create one! 

Here's how I create a Chat Forum on my Hubs using the Page Comments functionality:

Step 1: Create a Dedicated Page

To initiate your chat forum, create a new page on your Hub. You can title it something like "Community Chat Forum" or "Live Discussion." On this page, provide clear instructions on how users should use the comments section for discussions.

Step 2: Decide If It Will Be a Public or Private Forum

Chat Forums are a great way to add value to all users or to monetize an IHUBApp. Whichever way you go, just make sure you choose the appropriate channels to set this up. 

Step 3: Make Sure Post Comments are Enabled

Ensure that comments are enabled on your Chat Forum page. By default, comments are enabled on IHUBApp pages and posts, so there's no need for action on this step unless you're using an existing page where they've been distabled. 

Step 4: Set Clear Guidelines

Don't underestimate the importance of this step! We all know that when people get behind a computer, things can get wild. You'll want to establish and communicate the forum guidelines and encourage users to adhere to these guidelines to maintain a positive atmosphere within the chat forum. Clearly state the moderation policies and how violations will be addressed.

Step 5: Decide Whether the Forum Will be Moderated or Unmoderated

By default, comment moderation is turned on. If you want to remove moderation, go to Configure > Advanced Options and click on the “Disable Comment Moderation” toggle. Depending on the size of the community, you might consider appointing moderators to assist with this task.

Step 6: Organize Topics

There are two ways to organize chat forum topics on the IHUBApp: 1) You can create a separate page for each major topic and organize the menu so each page is a dropdown menu, 2) You can create separate sub-threads within the comments section for specific subjects or topics. Users can reply to these sub-threads to keep discussions organized.

Step 7: Promote Your Chat Forum

Be sure and spread the word about the Chat Forum to attract participants. Encourage users to participate on the forum in regular posts on relevant channels and, of course, make it prominent on the menu. 

Step 8: Monitor Consistently & Encourage Engagement

Whether it's you or your client, someone should be actively monitoring the forum to ensure that discussions are on-topic and respectful and actively participate in discussions to set an example for your community. Ask questions, share insights, and facilitate conversations to keep the forum lively and engaging. Consider hosting regular Q&A sessions or themed discussions to maintain interest.

Step 9: Improve User Experience

Continuously seek feedback from your community to enhance the chat forum's functionality and user experience. Make necessary adjustments based on user suggestions to keep the platform relevant and user-friendly.

A well-maintained chat forum can become a super valuable asset for an IHUBApp! Not only does it provide a platform for knowledge sharing and networking, but it encourages user engagement boosting the impact of the Hub.

Happy chatting!