Need Creative Ideas: Forum Growth

[Texas1911]

I have been neglecting one of my forums mainly because I have not come up with a solid methodology for promoting it. My first forum was a success primarily due to being able to pull from like-minded forums; as I filled a niche that was not contra, ergo I was not "stealing" their members.

With this one, I am left with a relatively new concept. I am the only forum with this market for the most part. In fact, the market base is easily 10 times larger than my previous forum. However the large array of targets leaves me guessing which route to take. I am but one person and with one person's minor income.

Talk of Austin is the forum.

I've added a small local group to the forum by offering to host a private forum for them at one of their meetings. Unfortunately the turnout was nil from the mailing list. Again, this gave me an path I'd like to continue.

What I am looking for is ideas on how you would promote the site. I understand the benefits of content, cross-linking, etc. but I am looking for more specifics and maybe some ideas I haven't thought of, or can't be found in a "New Admin Guide to Forums" post.

[briansol]

local = easy.

FLYERS!

most grocery stores have bulletin boards you can put flyers on, etc etc.

try to get a shout out on the radio....

etc etc

[Texas1911]

I've done that with the other forum, including a huge radio spot for an event we had (free) and it gave relatively low turn-out in terms of members. I'll probably kick start it this way anyways.

[convergent]

I am not sure exactly what niche you are after, but its fair to say that your competition is - Austin Forum - Relocation, Moving, Local City Discussions - City-Data Forum . If it is a niche of that base, then you are probably going to benefit from becoming active there and promote your niche via your signature. If you weren't aware of that forum, then you may want to rethink a niche.