Forum Promotion Ideas?

So I started this really big project called http://www.sportscar.sc/ awhile back, but somehow forgot about it. I need some tips on how to promote the site. I tried to use a forum shock package to get the member base started, but they had a really hard time writing for my site (in fact I still need to get that refund, because they never completed the job, or even come close to it).

So with Forum Shock unable to help, I simply gave up for the time being. I'm thinking about running an Adwords campaign, however I'm open for more ideas.

Try some kind of free gift or competition Maybe dip a little deeper into your pocket and buy a nice accessorie for a car i dunno maybe a nice gear knob or dig even deeper by buying a set of headlights or something and maybe get people to enter a competition for them.

$5 per entry fee? something along those lines

First off: Make as many new threads as you can manage everyday.

Get some friends to post on the board, as well as making multiple fake accounts to reply to your posts with.

Then pay for 'plugs' on car-related blogs / Purchase ad-space on automotive websites.
Maybe even write some linkbait.

Then once the SERPs kick in, it'll grow naturally.

Do you think vBSEO would be a wise investment even though my forum still stands the chance of failing? (Thought of this when you mentioned the fact that it'll grow naturally when the serps kick in.)

Originally Posted by JamesH Do you think vBSEO would be a wise investment even though my forum still stands the chance of failing? (Thought of this when you mentioned the fact that it'll grow naturally when the serps kick in.)

If you have the cash spare to purchase a license: Go for it.

Although if you're working on a tight budget, use a free (Although less advanced) option, such as ZointsSEO.

The easiest way to get the word out would be to start an adwords campaign. Also, give something away for free and encourage referrals. vBSEO wouldn't be a bad idea either.

Your Site is great! but you need sportscar lovers not ordinary people!
Your forum is almost empty!
You need to have some posts and some threads and also some promotion.
I would suggest a paid-posting service.
Try www.forumlifting.com.
They have free signature advertisement which will help you alot!

Originally Posted by Indy First off: Make as many new threads as you can manage everyday. Get some friends to post on the board, as well as making multiple fake accounts to reply to your posts with. Then pay for 'plugs' on car-related blogs / Purchase ad-space on automotive websites. Maybe even write some linkbait. Then once the SERPs kick in, it'll grow naturally.

Exactly. You need to make the threads at first. I used to try to make at least 20/day until my community took off and now I just need to do at least 5. I don't have to, but I still do.

Originally Posted by Aftermath Try some kind of free gift or competition Maybe dip a little deeper into your pocket and buy a nice accessorie for a car i dunno maybe a nice gear knob or dig even deeper by buying a set of headlights or something and maybe get people to enter a competition for them. $5 per entry fee? something along those lines

A promotion is a great idea. You could try something like 'first person to reach 100 posts gets a free set of headlights', or whatever you think would be best.

Then you could advertise your promotion on other sites.