A great topic guarantees higher than average engagement from the community. Here's a quick tutorial on how to start a great topic on allnurses.com.
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The topic title is IMPORTANT. If you want readers/clicks you must create a descriptive title. Something that makes the reader take action.
Let's take the following titles found on allnurses... (Yes, these are actual titles found on the site.)
Which titles do you think will get the MOST attention? ("old" vs new)
"I need help!!" vs Taking NCLEX soon. I need help!
"So many..." vs Many people applying to nursing school
"Finally!" vs Got a job! Need Advice
"Any tips?" vs Starting IV - Need tips
A good title will guarantee a higher click through rate.
Write Engaging Content
You need to grab the reader in 2 seconds. If your content doesn't grab their attention they move on to the next topic.
To get readers to participate...
At minimum, you should have 100+ words. The more information you include the better off you will be.
Personalize the content - Ask questions.
If long-form content, break it up and use Headings.
Fix grammar and spelling mistakes.
Do Not...
Do not use txt/chat speak.
Do not repeat characters such as ??, !!, or pleeease
Do not submit into the wrong section.
Do not type entirely in capitals as it is considered shouting on the Web.
Get Involved In The Community
To get the most out of the community, you must get involved. Provide some information about yourself in your Profile. It's OK to be general with this information.
Fill Out Your Profile - This builds Trust. The reader is no longer looking at just text but an actual human being.
Upload An Avatar - It makes you stand out from others.
Stay Positive - People are attracted to those who are positive.
Return the Favor / Provide Support To Others - This will ensure that people will be there when you need them the most.
Start a Topic...
Visit the section you are interested in and look for the 'Add New Topic' button. It's usually found at the top of the page with green background color. The text used may differ from one section to the next.
Alternatively, you can click the Account link (dropdown menu) found above. Under the Create section, click 'Topic'. This will open a popup to select the forum you want to submit your topic into.
