Hello everyone, I've been around for a while reading things here and there but I just joined today figured I'd jump in and say hi!

I started a forum a while back mostly for people who are into computers and networking also for those seeking help. I have a few people on it who post by not to often. Its really just a few of my friends. I finally got the forum working the way I want it for the most part. Lookin the way I want and everything but I need more members. What would be a couple good way's you all have found to bring traffic to your website or forums? Any advice would be great. Thanks!!

Hi Andross,

First of all congrats on taking action and actually doing something you enjoy!

To answer your question... I would really try to pin point the exact market you are trying to reach. You need to know who they are and what they are dying to know!

Once you can identify this information, then I would suggest building a blog and starting some controversy and providing value! I wouldn't worry to much about monetizing your traffic until you've actually got traffic.

You could also find forums related to yours and make post helping people and referring them to your blog or website to learn more about "blank". Create a report about "blank" (something these people are interested in and use it to get their email address! Once you have their email address then send them emails describing the new types of discoveries you've made.

As long as you can create content people would kill for then you won't have to worry to much about the traffic. Just write a couple of articles and submit them to the article directories and socially bookmark them using social marker! Trust me if you're providing good content the traffic will come. Oh yeah one more tip... Go to ebay and sign up. There's ton's of groups, discussion boards, chat rooms, you name with your niche. Ebay seems to rank really well in the search engines. This same thing applies to myspace, facebook, twitter, I could go on and on!

Good Luck to You!

There is an article on AbstractPromotion.com on getting the first 1,000 forum members - some of the tips are pretty standard, some you might not think of. Hope that helps

forums are really tough to market to be honest. In 8 months this is what I got Threads: 6,396, Posts: 49,184, Members: 1,392.

i use contests largely. that gave me good results. it could be an option for you.

In this day and age I personally would only consider starting a forum if was a later attachment to a successful website, that way you can tap into already signed-up members and use the presence already gained in the search engines and elsewhere.

well just have little patience and things will be much better
just as your friends to join and do some Social Bookmarking for your forums
to get your Forum popular

run contests on your forum. Like every 100th post will win gifts

Do you know of any affiliate type contest?

Hello Andross,

I suggest, you better promote your website in the below stated Marketing Areas.

1. Social Bookmarking sites or Social Networks.
2. Forums
3. Blogs
4. Prepare a video explaining about the benefits of the forum and upload the same in various popular video submission sites
5. Submit a Press Release.

Above all, I strongly suggest to stick with the Networks. Reason, you would find maximum number of active Online Users in Networks. So, if you join some active and popular networks like Face Book, Linked In, My Space etc, you would surely get more members joining in your Forum. Just try it, you would surely see the results within a month or less than a month.

Also, if you've some more time, perform above suggested promotion along with the Networks.

Creating contest and raffles would help your forum site a lot. Joining forums that are same with your niche is also a great promotion technique.

Forums were good during 2003 to 2005 for I had a forum before with around 6k active members build only within the span of one year. Success actually depends on the topic.. webmaster forum is tough though..

Webmaster forum is a braod and saturated niche - have you considered narrowing it down. What is your own personal area of interest or expertise for example?

Thank you all for your advice. I'll do my best to get members joining