Marketing/Promoting my forum

[YousB]

Hi guys. I've been working for just under a year on a unique kind of SEO/business forum. Currently my forum is in a closed beta and I have about 200 registered users. These people were all invited and are bringing in great content to the forum. Soon I feel I will have enough content to start marketing and promoting my forum. I do have a basic marketing plan but am always looking for more tips and advice.

All replies are greatly appreciated

 

[Agera]

In my opinion, the best way to grow a forum is to start it with a small invited community as you have done that will post good quality/helpful content regularly. Let this community invite others to join and as the site has time to mature and others notice helpful information being posted, they will feel inclined to join and you forum will grow naturally.

 

[mosey]

Have you considered holding some kind of recruitment/referral contest?

 

[YousB]

Have you considered holding some kind of recruitment/referral contest?

Already have a very good contest in place. Offering $20 for most referrals this month. Also offering a forum points bonus to anyone who gets 3 or more referrals. For content there is also a $20 contest to the most hq producing member this month.

 

[yggdrasil]

Do it like source-wave.

Alex Becker was a unknown figure until
he goes all out and offer great seo advice
for free to the public.

Now, he is getting his bang back by
offering paid courses to his delighted
members.

Referrals and affiliates scheme do work.
But it is only most effective when you
have a large group of affiliates or perhaps
a slightly smaller group of super affiliates.

 

[myinternetempire]

What is your niche? I can help you. I have a huge list of forums with active account. I hope some of them will match your niche. You can promote your forum on those relevant forums. It is an effective way to increase member on your forum.

 

[webwizkidz]

Something for users will contest is always good method.