This is probably the Million Dollar question and the number 1 answer is content and unique content. The more of that you provide the better, but you also want to make it known to guests that even though they see content if they register then they can get more content or become interactive with your content/users.

You can do this several ways, 1 is to create your own welcome messages for guests. To simple do this go to your languages/phrases and find the phrase first_visit_message and alter it to your liking. Make it personal and make it show your strong features of the site. But remember don't make it too long, and always include your register link fairly large and a different color from the rest of your test.

I've also done and seen this done by using a self closing dhtml popup that asks guests to register and closed after like 5 seconds. I know many people don't like pop-ups but they do tend to work most of the time as long as they are done in a professional manner. And if your content is good enough it will further entice people to register just to get rid of it.

What have you done to get guests to register?

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You mean text? ;)

What have you done to get guests to register?

I've installed the Welcome Header hack, like how you described, where it entices a guest to register, then once they register, it reminds them to check their email for the confirmation email, finally once they confirm, it reminds them that they should make a post in the welcome section to help them get involved in the forum.

Also, I've installed the "Thread Display for Nonregistered Users" plugin which allows a guest to read the 1st 300 characters of a post (usually enought to see a posted pic or 2).. and I think that it works as kinda of a tease, in hopes that the guest will register because they want to see and/or read more.

Imo, I think that's about the most you can do to get a guest's interest in your forum.

On a personal note, I hate those popups or flash reminders that won't go away for X amount of time. Those usually drive me away from a site, because I'm trying to see what the site has to offer, and instead those popups or windows keep getting in the way, fustrating me.

Very true.

Also, the hack by Tgreer is quite nice. The one which changes the forum rules for unregged users.

hi meth
could you tell me where to get the 300 text quote ?

http://www.vbulletin.org/forum/showthread.php?t=108834

Thread Display For Nonregistered Users (Limit Characters, Display Message) 2.0.5

Hi Meth
Thanks

Cool hack Meth.
I will see if i can get it install.
How do you all come up with this stuff?
Do you all have an area where guys like me can pitch a hack and than you all make it?