I am trying to get a free dating site started. So far I have about 70 people signed up. Not many, but I am hopeful that it will get bigger as time goes by.  

The website is:  www.lynteractive.com

And yes, I know it's pretty basic right now.  We have classifieds, blogs, friends lists, polls, Events, etc.  I was hoping to have monthly giveaways.  Probably game related as most of the people signed up so far are gamers.  Thing is I am struggling to find ways to promote the site.  I am kind of strapped for cash right now, and the ads on the site are the only thing that is paying the bandwidth.  Anyone here know any cheap/free ways to get promotion?

Lyn

This isn't one of them.

now super_ed, just be a little nicer.

BTW, whats with all the hearts? Gives me eye cancer.

sorry...maybe that rash of spam just put me over the edge.

How can you check out the site and tell me what you think it needs, or what will work for promotion with out a link?  I need ideas.  Not trying to spam the board.  Trying to get ideas from people that surf the net.  And as far as I know, no one seems to argue on the net more than us.

Seriously, how did this site get big? What do you do in the beginning?

Dating site for gamers???

First thing I would do is round up willing girls otherwise there would be an abundance of wiener. Try offering some incentive for girls to join such as free membership and so on. Men will soon follow.

If I can think of anything else I'll post back

good luck

abundance of wiener, awesome.

+1 highwaystar

The site is free. So far we have a decent mix of guys and girls. The guys are more hesitant to put up pictures. I started locally, so most of the ppl on there are midwesterners.

What do you guys think would work for advertising? Like what kind of sites, etc?

^ Midwestern companies???? they would be good advertisers if it is solely local based. What is your expansion plan?

Trust me it's small at the moment, 70 people in the mid-west chatting is bound to have have a decent mix of guys and girls. When you're site begins to grow I would imagine this would change and the balance will need to be kept, which will be very hard. I would do all I can through incentives to bring girls to the site.

About getting guys to open up, I would have a tips page on attracting the desired sex. Suggest that putting up a picture of yourself could increase your chances of success by XX%, I dunno, you do the research lol. Guys can be just as insecure as girls, in fact some are more insecure.

I'm trying to help, but I'm shooting hidden targets with a blindfold around my eyes. If you want constructive critisism and genuine help you need to tell us certain information such as...

Business plan (gen.)
Expansion plan
Target consumers
Marketing strategies
Market research you have conducted
Your background in this industry

...And so on

Also, remember that if you want to earn serious $$$ it will never happen overnight, it will require dedication of 10-12 hours a day for several years before you start raking it in.

Edit: Just looked at your site, some thoughts

Layout is OK, but some major tweaking is needed, this will be done over the next few years though so no need to worry.

Wouldn't personally use it myself (well I have a girlfriend) but I was greeted with some fugly and dull looking members on the front page, no offense to your clients.

Advertising seems to be pretty intense I'm afraid, I think it is because it blends in with your site. Try some flash banner ads, like the ones here. It will take a lot more member to get noticed though.

Colour scheme is good

Looks a little difficult to find my way round, but I suppose that's down to the client.