How to get more members on local community site

[2012]

Hi Everyone,
I have a local community site based on WordPress, but I need help and advice on my site, its been live for a few months but its not getting many member (other then spammers) getting real members seams to be a challenge for some reason.

could someone willing to take a quick look and give me some advice, all input is welcome.

Im not sure if I should make the domain public on here,

 

[ITM House]

PM me the link and I'll try to give you some tips

 

[fisicx]

Does the local community even know about the site?
What does the site offer to the community?
Are there other local community site already in existance? If so, what is the incentive to switch to your site?

 

[2012]

Does the local community even know about the site?
Im trying to get the word out, it does have some ranking, I do get spammers.

What does the site offer to the community?
its offers a forum also classifieds and a be fraind option like facebook
Are there other local community site already in existance? If so, what is the incentive to switch to your site?
well my aim is to have a modern upgrade to a basic forum I have sent you 2 links so you can have a look.

 

[bluedreamer]

I've built a few local community type sites over the years and found the same problem with getting members, despite intense promotion. The sites got plenty of visitors, and the owners plenty of email via the sites, but things like forums, classifieds and comments never took off. We put it down to the fact that conversations mostly take place on Facebook/Twitter nowadays and people go to the likes of eBay and Gumtree for classifieds.

I'd suggest putting the member element on the back burner and concentrating on providing useful local information. Try to engage your audience on social media by posting links to new content and opening up discussions on Facebook/Twitter...

 

[2012]

Would a national site be a better option ?
Or is there no place for forums?

 

[xSunshinne]

As some people above have said, i would recommend using facebook/twitter to promote your site.

I know in my town, there are a few facebook pages for selling junk and it would be well worth posting your site in these, i'm sure every town has a similar thing right? get your friends to like it so it bumps to the top of the group and someone is likely to click on it if not sign up!

What type of website is it if you don't mind me asking?

Sould help me think of some ideas to suggest to you!

 

[2012]

its a local local forum.

 

[ParcelBright]

send a link across and I would be happy to take a look.

 

[Nochexman]

its a local local forum.

How many people are local local? Are there any means of reaching these people such as a local newsletter? I'm sure they would be willing to publicise what you have to offer.