what kind of forum is it? Is it free or paid? Press releases work. If you are just starting, you can set a date of opening and send out bulletins, emails, ads to as many targetted people you can find: yahoo groups, myspace, other related forums. Have them optin so you can send emails to build up the opening day. Noone really wants to join an empty forum. By building critical mass to an event, everyone will join at the same time, problem solved. You can bribe them with contests, free stuff, etc.
Advertise free in the forums/ blogs section at Company Advertising Klassifieds Your Forum looks good! Good Luck!
thanks ckrismoney posted a ad, well idk my forum might be harder to get people to sign up since its a deal/bargain forum. to get a idea of what im talking about main site: www.dealsneaker.com forum: http://dealsneaker.com/forums.html/index.php
I saw your ad on Company Advertising Klassifieds I put your link to your forum in your ad because you forgot to put it. I'm the administrator
thanks ckrismonkey, i really appreciate all your help well i could probably do some kind of contest, just need to make it motivate people
Provide solid content and a reason for users to sign up. one of my members posted this article Top ten ways to make your forum community stand out. It seems pretty solid.