Make sure it's organized and direct. Make several posts on the front page and turn them into different categories. Make about 15 bump posts, and then go back and edit them to contain what you plan for them to be.
A typical post layout goes like this:
Post1: Introduction about what the forum is about.
Post2: Rules and Guidelines
Post3: List of mods and maybe a black list/white list
Post4: Contests and events
Post5: Links in and out/ sponsors
Of course depending on the kind of contest you are holding, the content of the posts will vary, as will the amount of posts you will need.
Another thing is to advertise your prizes well. Whether it's by putting the name of your best prize in the subject, or having a really nice, decorative layout.
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