[+ Ryan]

Well, I've been wondering this. What is your method of getting the word out about your forum? Do you spam friends with links? Advertise on many other forums? Or do you hire people to recruit people? Or, maybe all of the above?
Obviously getting people onto your forum is step one in increasing your traffic. XD Post all your thoughts and comments here.

[Michael]

I prefer a more subtle method of gaining attraction of reputation and a particular interest in the forum and what it offers. Indirect promotion is often the best, although submitting your site to every search engine, directory, FFA etc .. you can find isnt exactly going to harm your chances of survival.

[+ Ryan]

Yeah, good point. Where do you think the best places to advertise are?

[//Aneurysm\\]

IFSZ....I swear I've gotton about 20 or 30 of my members from there....and most of them post once and are gone XD

But I try forums....I just keep posting my links in my sigs and stuff....Topsites work pretty good as well.

[+ Ryan]

Smaller forums work too. You're more likely to find someone looking to work up a forum to greatness than a large forum, since those people would already have a successful forum.

[Major Grudge]

The thing about IFSZ, is that they're only after gaming and RPG's..ok, not abad thing, but I know I've had twenty looks, or there abouts, and no takers from that site.

Now I've moderated forums with over 3,000 members, and the strategy Ron (the site owner) used was to find similiar forums and just say that, and I quote:

I run a similiar forum, but wish to work along side other forums for better exposure for all concerned.

And that was when he had 300 members...in about a year he went to 3,000 and still climbing. Then again he could sell water to mermaids.

[+ Ryan]

Seems like an ambitious strategy, to me.

[Baller]

Never spam a forum.

[+ Ryan]

0bv. That just gets you banned and gets your forum a bad rep.

[Hector]

I just IM people constantly. They always listen to me since I have a good rep. Not bragging, but I do ^^

~HM-UNDERGROUND

[+ Ryan]

That too. Keeping a good reputation for making quality sites(MIKE), will attract more members. XD

[Cn999er]

i post links under my sigs on all forums.

[Junon]

Usually I would venture to a site that is filled with traffic and ask to affiliate with them. When you decide to affiliate with someone, you should try to have a piece of eye candy for people, a well-designed affiliate button, such as smooth/welcoming animation.

[+ Ryan]

Excellent ideas there, Junon. It's true, I've been drawn to attractive affiliate boxes. Having a good symbol for your site is very important.

[Hector]

A forum mascot might attract certain people.

~HM-UNDERGROUND