Discord servers come in various shapes and sizes. While most are public servers, there are also private ones. No matter which one you’re part of, you need similar-minded people to join your server if you want it to grow.
Almost every server is based on a certain niche. It may be gaming, anime, memes, etc. The people who join these servers share the same interest. They act as the core element of any server.
If you want to grow your server, you have to reach out to others. Only by promoting your server can you attract people who will be part of the community.
So, if you’re looking for ways to grow your server, keep on reading.
Is advertising the Discord server allowed?
Yes, it is allowed, but only if it’s within Discord’s TOS. If you’re sending invite links to your friends and family whom you know in real life, then it’s alright. But if you’re doing it to random strangers and asking them to join your server, it will be regarded as DM spam.
It can result in your account being banned. If you’re using bots for this job, chances are someone will report it. Then the T&S team will undoubtedly take action. So, before you start advertising your server, make sure the process won’t violate any rules and guidelines.
Also read how to clear Discord chat.
Requirements Before Server Advertisement
Anyone can create a server. But the tricky part is the member gathering. You can force your friends to join your server, but if they don’t play an active role, the server itself will lose meaning.
To make sure your lasts, you ensure certain matters. For example,
- Decide on the main topic of the server.
- Create a dedicated Introduction and Rules channel.
- Write up a welcome note.
- Create separate roles for moderators and other staff.
- Include bots in your server according to the server’s needs.
- Clearly explain perks & punishments.
How to Advertise Discord Servers
Popular servers such as Genshin Impact, Fortnight, Roblox, etc., has over 800,000 members. But these members didn’t show up out of the blue. If your server is new, you have to prepare a definite plan to ensure its growth.
Often people don’t realize that and get frustrated. If you know the correct strategy, it’ll be only a matter of time before your server population increases.
Here are the steps to Advertise Discord Servers:
1. Include your Server in Server Listing Websites
Server listing websites are sites dedicated to categorizing numerous servers according to certain parameters. Here one can easily filter out servers according to his preference.
If you can enlist your server in the popular server listing sites and get a good rating, you won’t have to look back. But before doing it, I would advise you to check out multiple alternatives. Some sites offer free service, while others might charge a monthly fee.
Moreover, every site has its unique format. So make sure you understand these minor details before proceeding.
Quickly check our epic post on best Discord server name ideas.
Here are some popular Server listing sites:
- Top.gg
Top.gg is currently the most visited website for exploring servers. It has a sleek interface with a futuristic design. Not only do they list servers but also bots. Among it’s many features, the best one is its search filtering which quickly shows you want you’re looking for.
Once you register your server at top.gg, it will gain traction in no time. Once added, it will show your server emotes, bots, member count, and other related info. There’s also a voting and review section that can further introduce your server to others.
- Disboard
Disboard has 100+ categories of discord servers. The website UI has a minimal design. So, it’s quite easy to choose from the vast collection. It also has a dedicated review section.
Unlike other websites, Disboards categories are well defined, and there’s a dedicated reviews section. If you manage to score a few positive reviews, then your server will frequently show up in search results giving it more exposure.
- Disforge
Disforge is newer compared with the ones I’ve previously mentioned, but that doesn’t mean it has less impotence. It has a minimalistic design UI, and search results are daily accurate.
It also offers premium service where your servers are bumped every 3 hours.
Follow our easy step-by-step guide to make Discord Emotes.
2. Promote your Server on Dedicated Advertising Servers
You may or not know, but there are servers out there whose sole existence relies on advertising other servers. You can list your server here for people to see.
Typically when a user is looking for a Discord server centered around a certain subject, let’s say, music, anime, or whatever, they will come to these promotional servers. In a sense, they act as a hub to connect the new user with your server.
If you’re wondering where you can find them, it’s actually simple. You can visit any server listing sites that I’ve mentioned above, like top.gg, and search with keywords advertise, self-promotion, partnership, giveaways, community, etc.
Some of the more well know advertising servers are Small Creators Community, Advertise Your Server, Open Advertisements, Self Promotion Central, etc.
Most of these servers have both free and premium ad sections. If you post in the free section, it’ll very likely be overshadowed as there are tons of people promoting their server. But if you manage to create an eye-catching banner, you’re bound to get some people.
But before posting for promotion, be sure to read the server rules and regulations. Generally, each server has its specific set of formats for posting ads. If your ad doesn’t match the criteria, it might get taken down.
3. Host events
Hosting events and giveaways can be a game-changing tactic for server promotion. Usually, in these events, users invite their friends to participate. And if the server is interesting enough, the visitors tend to stay.
You can let the members request watch parties and music listening events. In this way, the members can participate in group activities and increase server exposure.
4. Initiate Partnership
If you know any famous influencers or digital marketers, you can reach an agreement with them. If you have sufficient funds, then you can try sponsoring them as well. They will do the job of advertising your server for you.
Marketplaces like Fiverr and Upwork have tons of people waiting for you to commission them for these tasks. These people are pros, and they know what they’re doing. So employing them will yield a better result.
5. Promote on Social Media
Nowadays, promoting on social media has proven to be the best advertising method. From food to clothes, there’s nothing you can’t advertise. Naturally, Discord servers are no exception.
You advertise your server on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Reddit, etc. The more people that follow you, the more your promo will reach others. Another great and efficient way to gather members is through Youtube.
If you can get any famous Youtubers to mention your server in their videos, you will see a rapid increase in member count overnight.
Reddit can also be used as a source for member hunting. Sub-reddits like r/DiscordAdvertising and r/DiscordPromo are created for this exact purpose.
6. Use bots
You can use bots like Bump Central, Bumper, or DSC for advertisement purposes. These bots have specific commands for promoting. You can use them as an auxiliary method for server promotion.
Also check our exclusive tutorial on how to add Friends on Discord.
Final thoughts
Discord servers are akin to a community. If you want to build your community, you have to gather the right people. To achieve this, you have to put some real effort into member gatherings.
I have stated many methods to increase your server population, but always remember if the server loses relevancy, then no matter how many people joined, it will eventually be a dead server.
I hope my guide was able to help you in your quest to advertise your server.
