Increase forum traffic

[Romeo]

How do you get more users on your forum?

[Pumazooma]

The $64,000 dollar question.

I think you have to make the forum look pleasant and inviting, get some threads going, try not to start 50 threads yourself as it'll look like you're all alone and talking to yourself. Try and get some friends to reply to posts just to get a little content going. Don't have too many sections. I see a lot of forums with 20-30 new sections and nothing in them. It looks deserted. Start with less than 10 and split the forums out as you get separate subject areas forming. Is your forum unique? Or unique enough? I see a lot of people starting up forums on things like the xbox. Don't bother. There are thousands of them already and most users will have already found the most popular ones.

There's a good article here about promotion at <b> phpbb.com/kb/article.php?article_id=185 </b>

[Peter]

Also have your forum's link in the signature of other forums where you participate and make posts. Running a contest like the one here on this forum helps a lot in getting new members and boosts the activity too.

[MeTi]

Romeo, well about traffic if you're looking out for free traffic, try to submit your site to as many search engines as possible, it's not hard.. It usually takes some time to get visitors, find your site attractive, also check your website so it's simple and fast! also make sure visitors see people online often.. this way you'll gain much traffic, well that's how i managed to get visitors!

[James]

Run a contest and also try doing post exchanges with someone.

[AndrewC]

Also initially try and keep the categories to the minimum, as more categories and sub categories without too many posts would make the forum look empty which would be a turn off for visitors. Also try and start new threads and make posts yourself alongwith help of your friends to make the place look busy and active.