One thing you should know as an administrator of any site - holding contests, any type of contests, can boost traffic, activity, and more. Giving out money is one of the best things to do. First, it attracts almost everyone in the world because money is globalized. Second, it gives them a reason to participate in the contest.
I will use one as an example, one I hope to enter very soon with content writing. It is known as the $1,000 Article Popularity Contest. First, as you can see it gives out a $1000. It will attract many users online. It has simple rules to follow and guidelines that wont get this site in trouble with anyone else. As all contests should have, it has a deadline - May 25th.
The above is just an example of what contests can do for you and what you can get out of it. You can get a lot of traffic, users, visitors, and more. But please do not steal anyone’s idea. That can get you flammed or banned. Unless you have the owner’s permission of course or it has been very widely used such as posting in forums for money, you can use that if you want. Good luck!
Sorry for the inactivity on this blog from yours truly but I have been pretty busy with my other sites, school, and work. But I will try and post regularly more about making your sites better.
Here is another way you can create interest. I have told you that holding contests is a great way to gain some extra members and posts for your forums. Gets visitors for your sites and more. For example, Gamers Forum is hosting a Free Steam Games Contest which you can view more details here. The forum has gotten two great sponsors to pay for part of their prizes. So it is great. According to that forum, they have received almost a 100 new members and 6,000 new posts from that contest alone.
It is always a good idea to run a contest that fits according to your site’s topic or theme. Gamers Forum’s steam contest is perfect since there are millions, yes millions, of counter-strike, half life, day of defeat, and etc fans out there. It was sort of an unique idea as well. So the next time you decide to host a contest, make sure it fits to your liking and the theme of your site. Do something unique and do something you think will attract other’s attention.
Good luck to you and stay tuned for more information and tips.