Promoting a forum?

I've just started a new general computer forum, have got a competition going, but I'm wondering how I can get news of the competition out without spamming btw, the url is http://fully-it.net

any ideas?

Originally Posted by James. btw, the url is http://fully-it.net

Just like that.

Word of mouth is generally the best way forward. There are various ways to attract members to signup to your forum such as competitions and free prizes for refering members. You could of course advertise your forum by using banners, link swaps and the like. I've found the fundamental thing with forums is the design, a unique and attractive design will make people want to signup, offer something different that not every community provides and you're be well away.

P.S - It also helps to include links in your signitures

Agree with what Robson says here.

There is alot of computer/design/hosting forums these days.
So If you really wanna stand out and get members fast I suggest that you run naked down in Manhatten N.Y with your url on the back or something hehe..

Alot of forums have sections where you could advertise the link for FREE. You could post the link in there.

You can also post in certain forum sections with an excuse to advertise your website, like in a Web Design Review section.

As Robson said, try putting your link in signatures, and purchase ad space. Good luck!

Forums are becoming big these days, and the competition is fierce. Main ways to promote would be link exchanges, banner purchasing, and word of mouth. Your design helps a lot too. If you have a forum that's topic is computers, you would obviously want a professional look. You don't exactly have to have a custom made skin, but change the way your forum looks by rearranging the layout, changing the colors, possible changing some of the css, and adding hacks and extra features that will attract users. I just opened up my forum, and have added to about 100 directories and jumping every day.

You must definitely have patients when it comes to promoting a forum, because it does not come all at once unfortunately.

Hope this helps!

Jason F.

Promoting a forum is not easy, especially when its new. Offer something that other forums are not to get things started. Pay some people to post to get things started, and go crazy on directories, signatures and website review forums, ask for link exchanges in forums.

RealDN said that design helps alot too - Design alone is why i joined this forum. I love it.

You may want to take a look at:
www.TheAdminZone.com

Along with many others, the design is what got me to sign up here.

Robson is right with attracting people to sign up and win prizes... That would lure me to sign up anyways

Create new posts all day. promote here in sig, and other forums. Join some post echange groups (Theadminzone is a good thing indeed). There is also thepostswap.com, but they are kinda slow with the responses. I had a nice experience overall, but latelly it seems like no one is in charge, the script is not OK and so on. I have also started a small project like this. You can join them all and see the outcome