Right, so at the moment my forum is having a Left4Dead2 giveaway. For the moment, it's only really increased activity from my already active members, but has had little effect on getting new members to join.
I've been advertising on a number of gaming websites in my signature, in topics, and on social networks/IMs where I can. Any other suggestions?
I would avoid sending out mass e-mails. Many host have anti-spam policies and it can be a good way to get your site shut down. Also its also a good way to have many services like Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, ect...ect... To block anything with a link to your site in it. Thus preventing you from communicating to your community through e-mail.
I would think running a paid aid with Google would be good. Also a small word here and there on a few other communities do not hurt. Word of mouth is always a plus, but do not get carried away.
