Topclanz tips to starting a successful clan.

Are you interested in starting your own gaming clan? Here are a few tips to get you started:

Get a dedicated server. If you want to be successful, you need a server that doesn’t lag. East coast and Dallas servers generally have better average pings across the country. Dallas servers especially have good pings that will allow most of Central and South America to play without too much lag. If you are only interested in players from your state, just grab a server close to you.

Get a website. Picking a host can be pretty difficult. Most shared hosting companies offer the same features. If you intend to have a LOT of traffic, get a virtual dedicated or dedicated host. Don’t use the same box that runs your games, as this will cause a lot of problems on both ends when traffic spikes.

Buy a forum software. You want a way to get more players and keep your current members informed? In my opinion, forums are the best way to go. A free open source forum such as SMF may be a good start, but as traffic and membership increases, you will find yourself against a wall. Transferring members from one software to another can be a pretty difficult process too, so do yourself a favor and buy a top quality software beforehand. VB and IPB are two popular choices.

Balance your budget. How many members donating what amount on a consistent basis will cover all your costs? You need to ask yourself this beforehand. Are you willing to cover costs if someone leaves? Write this stuff down, make sure your members know what is expected of them.

Interview potential members. Nothing sucks worse than letting a new member join, only to find out that they are hell bent on making everyone elses life miserable. Check references if you can, make sure they have a compatible personality, and don’t be afraid to say no. Letting everyone in who gives you a few bucks is only going to benefit you for a short time.

Advertise, Advertise, Advertise! Be sure you are willing and able to go online to all the gaming forums and topsites (hint hint) to register and promote your new clan. Around 10% of potential new players will find you from an in game browser, and everyone else is either using a search engine or browsing another site. Xfire forums are a good place to recruit memebers, along with the official forums for whatever games you play. Be sure you follow the rules before posting, otherwise you may find yourself banned.

Have fun! This is the most commonly forgotten step in this whole process. No one will join a clan with too many strict rules, or forums solely populated with dramatic posts about how one member hates another. Have one member be the “fun police” taking care of anyone that ruins the atmosphere.

Got any other useful tips to add? Please comment below.