Rust Server Advertising: A Guide to Grow Your Rust Server Fast
1. Post on Reddit
One of the best places to advertise your Rust server is on the /r/playrustservers subreddit. This is a great platform to reach potential players who are actively looking for new servers to join. Ensure you post the night before the server wipes and then again as soon as the server wipes, as people are always checking it during these times.
2. Advertise on Steam Forums
The Steam forums are another excellent place to advertise your Rust server. Steam is a massive platform with a large user base, which increases the visibility of your server. By posting in the forums, you can attract players who are actively engaged in the Rust community.
3. Get Listed on Just-Wiped.net
Your server will be automatically added to Just-Wiped.net, one of the most popular Rust server listing sites. Make sure to put an appealing title and description for your server to attract players. A compelling title and description can make your server stand out among the hundreds of others listed.
4. Create a Good Name and Description
Creating a catchy and descriptive name for your server is crucial for effective Rust server advertising. Your server name should reflect the unique aspects of your server and attract the kind of players you want. When writing your server description, make sure to include key features, rules, and any special events or mods. For tips on how to format your server description effectively, check out this video guide.
5. Fill Your Server with Friends
Having you and your friends join and idle in the server is essential for successful Rust server advertising. The Rust server browser won't list empty servers due to the limitation of Steam server query timeout being roughly 10,000 servers. By having a few players active or idling, your server will appear more populated and attract new players who prefer to join servers with an existing player base.
Youtuber Partnership / Content Creation
Getting YouTubers to sponsor your Rust servers can be a highly effective way to grow your player base. Consider offering profit shares to these influencers as an incentive. Additionally, creating your own content for platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram can attract a wider audience. By showcasing gameplay, tutorials, and highlights, you can engage with potential players and build a community around your server.
Being Unique
There are thousands of Rust servers out there, so standing out is crucial. Ask yourself what you do differently. What is your unique selling point (USP)? If you don't have one, focus on becoming the best in a particular niche, which can be challenging but rewarding. Having a strong USP makes it easier to grow a server and attract loyal players.
Posting in Discord "Just Wiped" Channels
Posting in Discord "Just Wiped" channels can be a great way to attract new players to your Rust server. Many Rust-focused Discord servers have dedicated channels for recently wiped servers where you can promote your server. For example, the EUGameHost Discord has over 7k members and a channel dedicated to growing communities. Leveraging such platforms can help you reach a large and active player base quickly.
The Importance of a Good Performing Server When Trying To Grow Your Community
A good performing server is crucial for attracting and retaining loyal players. Players are more likely to stay and recommend your server if they experience smooth gameplay with minimal lag and downtime. To ensure the best performance, consider ordering a high-quality Rust server from EUGameHost.
If you are already using a lower quality host, there are several ways to improve your server's performance. Check out our guide on How to Improve Rust Server Performance for tips and strategies.
Understanding how to properly manage your server is also essential. Learn more about the essential admin commands and best practices in our Rust Server Admin Commands guide.