I run and manage the forum The3DPrintingForum.com and we've just recently started. My question to you is, what's the best way to market a specific niche forum? I've messed with Google Ads and after $100, I didn't get a single conversion.
I've tried reddit ads in the r/3DPrinting subreddit and haven't got much luck, maybe it's how my ads are designed?
I have no real insight into your niche but 3D printing seems to be a rapidly expanding market so that's got to be helpful although I can see there's a fair bit of established competition in the forum world. Like every other niche you really need to be offering something people want. The days when you could ad your way to build success are long gone in my opinion.
How about trying to build a download section for designs or a news page detailing new tech. I can see you have sections for things like this but they are empty. Your forum looks professional but there's so little content. You really need to create that content yourself or if possible try and engage some like minded people with a similar interest to help you.
Competitions might help. One forum I'm involved with exists almost exclusively for guitar builders, holding a build of the month every month.
It's tough getting a new forum going but I do think you've entered a niche that might succeed. It will however take a lot of hard work.
I know nothing about 3D printing, so take my advice with a grain of salt.
Do you have friends who are into it? If you do, invite them to be a member. I would also really focus on SEO with a niche like that. I’m sure lots of people Google to try and find ideas about how to, and what to, print. If you could be on the first or second page of Google, your site would get a lot of extra traffic. Maybe write some blog style posts on your forum with how to/design in order to get your keywords.
