i have a membership site with a forum and classifieds thats almost ready to launch. Problem is that in order for this site to be usefull there needs to be people interacting on it or people will think there is no one there and move on. Anybody have any suggestions on how to advertise such a site to get people to join without seeing a whole lot of activity going on in the site?

If your going to take the root of advertising, think about what type of website you have, what type of people do you expect to use it. Go find a website that has the same category of people who use it and see if they sell advertising. Your best shot in getting people who will use your site it for those who will have an interest in it. Use a website that already has a large base of people with that same interest

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Hi "lawnman777"!
I need a membership site with forum capabilities. What did you use?

Anyone reading this may reply as well. It would be appreciated.

WebMagic

Someone always has to be first...

Let it be you!
You need to have your "business plan" as sharp as your web site plan, and be commited to making it as pre-qualified as possible. You can effect this by preparing your Forum with numerous "opportunities" for visitors to express themselves by setting up/initiating many topics and threads that are compelling and inspiring. You can also pose questions that demonstrate your singular understanding of your intended online audience, which, when presented thusly, creates the overewhelming desire to participate. And so on.

And, as suggested, you should actively "market" your presence to create the awareness of your site, which will result in bringing the needed "new" visitors that will support your venture. At times, you should expect to invest the apporpriate funds to reach your intended niche, so plan your overall marketing efforts with precision and diligence to benefit from anticipated results. **When visitors arrive, they better find what was promised, or not only will they never return, they will create the negative reputation that can kill such an enterprise (yours is still 'for the trade' right?)!

Worry less about what perceptions you dream visitors will form, and pay more attention to the creative details and efforts to "direct" them to your pre-constructed conclusion. Be the one who delivers the goods.

"Build it and they will come!" Just don't use bent nails and rubber bands.

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My Websites... VodaHost Support....Soholaunch Support....osCommerce Support

go to the blue voda tutorials and find the one on setting up a forum

great advise as always from the VAS. im glad there are people like you on the site a lot to answer peoples questions. some of us aren't able to check back in on a regular basis but apreciate finding others input when we get a chance to check in. keep it up!