I would first go after my friends and family to join: even if they don't stick around, at least they'll make a few posts.
I usually tell people sign up or else!!!!!!!!!!!! How come you're still here and haven't sign up yet Seriously, Like stated above, family and friends would be the first step. Then I would look to try and place my sites link where ever possible...without spamming. Also if you can, place your sites link in the signatures of sites that allow it. If you haven't started a twitter account, do that. It's free and can drum up some traffic towards you site.
You really just need to go visit forums that contain your target audience and have your link in your signature. Make some in-depth and detailed posts there and people will be willing to check out the links in your signature. Maybe write a few articles about your niche and post them on these sites. When submitting articles, they usually allow you to put a link at the end of it in perhaps an "About the Author" section.
Promote your self, get out there and just promote! Use social networks and target people who you think would love your niche. Google your niche, you migh finmd other forums and join them, exchange ideas.
Pick something close to your niche, but not a direct competitor. (It doesn't look good if your accounts are banned all over the place.)
Grand Opening - Referral Competition - $50 + MORE! - Manly Stuff - Women - Beer - Sport. ^ we are also currently running a referral competition for $50+
Good luck with your contest. I was about to say they're a great way to bring in new members and activity, especially when your prizes are something the people will want. And signature links are great, too. And apparently Twitter has proven to be great (as seen on AA).
thanks man, i'm scared of the twiter thing lol i don't know how it works but ill hava go later i think!
Me too, lol. But Nick does a good job managing the AA Twitter and it really does work. I'm sure he'll chime in with some advice on how to get the best of Twitter.
I run parenting sites - there is no way other parenting sites will let me post with a link. So i have to post other places with my link - which isn't really 'targeted' advertising.
Dang... true! I know a lot of parents use Google, maybe buy Google ads? Remember that some parents are not much knowledgeable and such, so if they want to know/get help about their kids, the first thing they would go on is Google.