Increase site traffic to a forum site?

Question

I have an anime RP forum site that I'd like to increase membership, or at least increase site traffic for now, but I'm not sure how. I've tried to read help on how to increase website trafficking by search engine optimizing, but im still not exactly sure how to do that. If anyone could help that'd be great. Its a proboard site so im not sure if there is any hope for it though. So please, help if you can!

The site is "awesomeanimeforums.proboards55.com"

Answer 1

You have a nice looking forum Travis. To optimize traffic to your forum, I would consider some of the following.

- First and foremost, make sure that people will enjoy your forum. You need to offer several different forums and sub forums. You could add a chat board if you would like, add a 'random talk' section, sponsor various contests, etc. These types of things will help get members involved with your online community.

- Advertise your forum on other websites. However, make sure that you do not violate that website's rules and regulations.

- Submit your site to all major web directories.

- Submit your site to all the major search engines.

- Begin an Affiliate program with other websites/ forums. This is essentially where a website will post a link to your forum, if you post a link to their website.

- Attempt to get your forum members to 'get the word out'.

- If you don't mind spending a little money, you could buy text links and banner ads on other websites, as well as Google Adwords, etc.

Hopefully these suggestions were helpful. I have included a couple of websites with several tips in the source of this response.