Well there really isn't any tricks, You just have to offer things for people to stay yes you have forums, But try having contests or events to have your members have part in, Basically has godaddy's CEO Bob Parson says What do you do that your competitors don't do?
Something I'd suggest that has sorta worked for me is:
Go to other sites and meet more people who share the same interests as you and your forum. Develop friendships with them and once you guys are comfortable with one another, bring them to your forum.
While it will take time, sometimes you can find permanent members for your forum that way. Never, (and I stress this) never take them for granted. They may be your only permanent members for a long time.
Raymond - I've planned ever since my forum was ever borned, to make contest involved with money. But my parents are really strict and don't let me do anything with money.
Jaosals - I've done that a million times and didn't work. I'm still doing it though.
A good thing to do is to make sure that your forum does not look like it's dead. Otherwise, nobody will join. A good thing to do is to create an account or two yourself, and have 'fake conversations' with yourself, to make it seem as if your forum is active.
Another good thing to do is to create contests, and things that will make your forum unique. People like uniqueness, especially with online communities.
Also the contests don't have to be about money, Small things matter sometimes like maybe if someone wins whatever their banner gets displayed or something, Contests don't always mean you have to pay for prizes.
That's what I mean. When I think of forum contests, I think of the prizes being a brand new avatar, a signature image, or even VIP status. As I said before, try to make your forum as unique as you can. It'll attract more members.
Well for me the "YOUR FORUMS" link is not working ? but maybe that is just a glitch - it takes time you need to advertise on every forum you possibly can - email friends with the link.
Talk to people, use FP as some people will like your forum and stay around, takes dedication and time.
If you are determined enough you will succeed hon!
Build up a reputation, make some friends, and then you are pretty much guaranteed members. I'm working for this too, for my site, and this seems to have worked.
