The ratio of online guests to users on a message board

[bcc1234]

What is the "normal" rate of "currently connected" guests to "currently connected" registered users on a message board?

I know it really depends on a lot of factors. But what would be your estimate for an established board that is indexed in search engines?

I'm talking the day time in the middle of the week.

From what I see on other forums that list such stats, it's about 2:1 to 3:1.

What are your numbers?

[Gibble]

It would also depend how much content you let anonymous users view compared to registered.

If you don't limit it much, many registered users may browse anonymously until they need to do something that requires them logging in.

[rogerd]

That range sounds fairly typical for boards that make all or most of their content visible to guests.

[bcc1234]

many registered users may browse anonymously until they need to do something that requires them logging in

Actually, I was thinking about the boards that set a cookie so that the users don't have to re-login often.

[netchicken1]

How about 500:1, thats seems to be my running score.

[rogerd]

That sounds like an inactive community, netchicken. Even if a lot of traffic comes from search engines, that's an exceptional ratio of unregistered users. You need to get people registering and posting. Helpful threads:

Growing Forum Participation [webmasterworld.com]

Pulling Forum Lurkers out of Hiding [webmasterworld.com]

[netchicken1]

Thanks RogerD :)

I get about 3500 - 4000 visitors a day on my forum, maybe 5 new members a week, and only 8 members visit per day!

[spaceylacie]

Yikes! netchicken1! The OP's numbers, 2 or 3 guests per one member sound about right. You really need to give your guests more incentive to join/log in. Don't just give them everything without asking something in return! Although, I guess it is the nature of each particular board and it varies GREATLY from one forum to another.