If you were starting a new XenForo forum today, what would you do differently?

[MAXIM100]

Hi everyone,

I’ve just launched my forum using XenForo and I’m still learning the platform. I’d really appreciate advice from experienced users.

If you were starting a brand new XenForo forum today, what are some mistakes you would avoid?
What tips, best practices, or important settings would you recommend to a beginner?

Whether it’s technical setup, add-ons, performance tweaks, SEO, community building — any insight is welcome.
Even the smallest details can make a big difference early on.

Thanks in advance to anyone willing to share their experience!

 

[Max Fridman]

Ans: I would start and use Discourse.

You think you can monetize Discourse the same way you do with Xenforo?

 

[Alvin63]

I've remembered one thing I would do if starting a new forum now. Install the Cloudflare addon and prevent link unfurling revealing the origin IP by proxying them in the addon (there is another setting to to proxy). To keep the origin IP secured. Plus the Cloudflare addon is very good and useful. But you'd need to be using Cloudflare first.

 

[Deleted member 25216]

Wouldn't change much. I've built my site exactly how I think you should, with a unique layout (hopefully), features my members want and without relying the paid posters culture that seems to dominate a lot of sites these days - I think creating a site with its own identity is important.

I maybe wouldn't do my updates on a live site though and there are a few developers who's addons I wouldn't use or become dependent on if starting again.

And I'd start as a completely private site instead of making the decision a few years after opening.

 

[Kleazy]

For one I’d extend the way users could join. Example by SMS and it’s something we’re working on now.

Yes 100%

email is like facebook or fax machine
sms is like IG

I am currently looking for SMS integration to phase out email as my "machine to Human" communication.

 

[Seeker-Smith]

Yes 100%

email is like facebook or fax machine
sms is like IG

I am currently looking for SMS integration to phase out email as my "machine to Human" communication.

We have SMS pretty much ready. We're waiting on campaign approval from the registry. WE have Kannel SMS server to handle the sending receiving.

 

[Digital Doctor]

We have SMS pretty much ready.

Cool.
I might be interested in SMS as well.

Keep us in the loop how it goes.

 

[Seeker-Smith]

Cool.
I might be interested in SMS as well.

Keep us in the loop how it goes.

Right now this is what we can do with SMS.

The system will be based on SMS/MMS alerts that use keywords to accomplish tasks. These keywords form the backbone of user interaction, allowing seamless communication with the platform through simple SMScommands.

• JOIN: User sends SMS to the system number to start registration. Upon sending this keyword, users are sent a message with instructions to complete the process and an OTP number. User enters OTP number on Ride-Alerts.com registration page. This verifies the account.
• START: User texts START command to system number to allow SMS alerts to be sent to the number. This step ensures the user is fully enrolled and confirmed and is ready to receive real-time Ride updates. This also allows users to restart messages after using the STOP command.
• STOP: Stops receiving alerts. This provides an easy opt-out mechanism for users who no longer wish to receive SMS messages but may wish to again.
• YES: Updates the ride thread as a vote indicating the user will be attending. This action is reflected on the website, helping organizers gauge participation.
• NO: Updates the ride thread as a vote indicating the user will not be attending. Similar to "YES," this updates the group’s ride thread for planning purposes.
• DELETE: Logs a delete request, provides an administration task to delete user data.
• HELP: To get help with available keywords.

Types of Alerts:

We deliver a variety of notifications to keep group members informed at every stage of an event. Each alert type is tailored to a specific purpose and includes a direct link to the relevant web page for full details. Below is an enhanced description of each alert, leveraging the visual representation for clarity:

• RIDE ALERT: Notifies users of a new ride posting. For example, when a group leader schedules a ride, an SMS alert with a brief description and link is sent to all subscribed members to view the full itinerary on the website.
• RIDE UPDATE: Informs users of changes to ride details. If a ride’s start time or location shifts due to weather or other factors, this alert ensures everyone is updated instantly with a link to the revised details.
• RIDE: Sends a “Let's get riding” reminder close to the event start time. This serves as a final nudge to participants, ensuring they are ready to roll out, with a link to last-minute instructions if needed.
• CANCELLED: Alerts users if a ride is cancelled, accompanied by a brief message like “Sorry, this ride is cancelled” and a link to read any additional conSMSor rescheduling information on the site.
• COMPLETE: Encourages post-ride engagement with a message such as “Post your comments/photos” and a link to the ride thread where users can share their experiences, fostering community interaction.

EVENT: Same as a Ride Alert but for an event that does not involve a ride. Such as a group breakfast, lunch or coffee meetup.