Attracting Visitors

No mon that’s not what I meant at all!

Pay per click is very powerful for the correct product but its not a way to promote a content site.

Sorry for the misunderstanding.

I get your point.

Thats what I meant when I suggested ad-words.

1. exchange links with similar sites
2. search for link free for alls (these wont help your search engine rating but you will get hits from them if you are on the right target sites)
3. banner exchanges
4. there are search engines (MUCH smaller than yahoo or google) that are strictly for target audiences.
5. paid advertising. many have been successful WITOUT paid advertising, but you must have a lot of time on your hands and dedication to promoting your site (without spamming!)

for instance, most of my websites are music related. i generally type in "music search engine" and sit there for hours adding my links

slap your link up ANYWHERE you can! (without invading peoples' space) if people consistantly see a name or url they may not click it the first time but theyll remember the name. theyll feel safer on your site if they decide into the future, because youll have as strong web presence. this is especially important if you are selling products.

persistance pays off.

You forgot directories....not only do DMOZ, Yahoo, Joeant, and others bring in PR and what I have seen, better and quicker rankings, but they also bring in sales.

Do you guys have any example places that promote gaming sites? I have found a few, but not many

Thanks again

You should try to optimize the site and do a lot of link exchange with other sites in the field. Go to discussion boards in related field and post messages there with your signature.

If your having trouble finding other sites like yours, do searches on directories (can anyone tell i like directories )

Try DMOZ, Yahoo Directory, ZEAL, or JoeAnt.

TheNotoriousMogg I will add you to Zeal cos you are promoting my bro's site.

Ahh, another Zeal Editor. Nice...

Thank you...but what is Zeal?

It is a directory of non-commercial sites, part of Looksmart.

http://www.zeal.com

Like what CazpianXI said, about the submitting articles. Maybe submit articles related to gaming to other console/gamming sites. I'm sure you can find sites out there that let users submit articles, or even reviews and stuff like that. And just make sure you add your link to the bottom of the article or wherever it's supposed to go.

It's harder when a site is just a forum, and in my honest opinion a forum should be a side thing, or have the forum 'bundeled' with other content like game reviews, previews, information, etc.(even if it's just a forum portal) but it doesn't have to be like that, take a look at ozzu for example.

I know in the gaming market affilliate relationships are HUGE! I am the SEO For http://www.gamezone.com and traffic is driven and given to and from us all the time VIA affiliates. Submitting articles and reviews (That are actually decent and thought out) will attract both links from other sites and traffic from people reading the articles on sites like gamezone.

I added a banner for that site and sent an e-mail.