Where should I start?

would all depend on type comunity you are trying to build. first things first, get web site hosting that has fantastico. this way you can set up like a phpbb forum for free and with no web knowledge. Those are good to start with.

Second thing is pick a niche and get a domain name. Get someone or yourself to modify design of web site ( can find someone cheap to do this on getafreelancer.com )

Then make few posts around other forums and start up google adwords campaign.

this is just a few easy ways to get started.

Thanks for the reply, it's much appreciated.

1. Buy a good forums software like VB with a keyword domain name.
2. SEO

Thanks for the tip energetic.

Before starting a new online community you need to decide why you want to set one up. Do you have a passion for the subject, or do you just want to make money? You are far more likely to be successful if you are setting up a community based on a subject you are passionate about.

Building a new online community is extremely hard work, and it will take time and dedication to succeed. You will also want to check out your potential competitors to ensure you can offer something different to your visitors and members.

You may like to take a read of my blog (link in signature) for more community building advice.

You also need to decide how you want communicate with the community.

For instance, with Joomla! you can have content pages, a blog, and a forum all in one site if you want.

A forum is great, but sometimes you need a little extra.

-Garrett

Thanks for the advice guys.

If you really want a good start i should say consider spending $300+,

Lets say buy vbulletin ,people might say phpbb or any other software is good but just think in viewers point of view ,people love the site that is professionally done,not just phpbb and other free forums,this will decrease a trust in visitors that you can't even buy a forum how could you manage to populate your site..

And yea before you start any community do some research on same niche that you are going to start like lets say you are going to start a health forum or communities...Then visit similar forums and site ,see what mistakes are they doing...most important see feedback and suggestions section of the site and forum ,see what people don't like anbout those site and what they needed..After that copy all those suggestions keep it in mind...

so when you develop a new site you could include all those fascilities that others sites related to your niche are not providing.

Thanks for the information mate, it would help me a lot.