Google Forum Alternatives: Free & Easy to Use

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Here's how to create a forum online using Google Groups

Written by Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: August 26, 2024 Fact Checked

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Creating a Google Group

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Google Forum Alternatives

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Forums allow groups of people with similar interests to collaborate and work together online. Google Groups used to have a feature where you could create forums and Q&A sections, but it doesn't anymore. ^{[1]
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Research source} However, you can still use Google Groups to create a forum-like discussion group. This wikiHow article shows you how to create a Google Group to use as a forum and lists other forum alternatives.

Create Forums Quickly with Google Groups & More

While Google Groups no longer has a "Forum" option, you can still create a Google Group that works like a web-based discussion board.
If you want more features for your forum, create on Reddit, Forumotion, Proboards, or another free forum host.

Section 1 of 2:

Creating a Google Group

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Go to https://groups.google.com in a web browser. While Google removed the forum setting and many forum-like features, you can still create a discussion group that people can join. Google Groups are mainly used over email, but members can visit the group's webpage to read, post, and reply to topics.
It's next to a multicolored plus sign on the left side of your window.

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Set up your Group. Give the group a name, a group email address, and a description.
- Click Next to continue and customize your group more. You can choose the Group's privacy settings on the second page, including who can view or create posts.
- Click Next to continue.
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Add members. Enter the email addresses or Gmail contacts to add to the group. You can personalize the invitation by adding a message.
- Click the toggle next to "Directly add members" to switch between adding the members or sending them an invitation. Depending on the setting you choose, the text field will change between, "Welcome message" and "Invitation message."
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Click Create Group . If you opted for the members to get invites, they need to check their emails and accept the invitation before they can access your Group (they might end up in Spam or other places!)
- Once members have joined, you can view your Google Groups at https://groups.google.com . Click on the Group, and then you can join the conversations or start a new one! ^{[2]
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Section 2 of 2: