With a lot of forums now a days, it's hard to get yours noticed without promoting it on social media, other forums or even telling others.
So how did you get yours to grow?
The way to grow is to have a solid base eg have group of friends to help you get started and to spread the word
Visit related websites share your site with them
hold competitions
Post unique content and have fun
My forum is small but growing I plan on hosting competitions soon and to made social media accounts to grow the forum
I am not going to give up I going to keep active post and share often as I can
It going to a fun ride but worth it