How to Advertise a Garry's Mod Server
If you've spent hours crafting the perfect Garry's Mod (GMod) server, you likely want people to join and share in the experience. With countless servers available in the world of GMod, getting a large enough player count to build an online community can be challenging. In this guide, we'll explore actionable strategies and tips you can use to effectively advertise your GMod server.
Yes, GMod servers are still active. (Very, very active.)
Many servers attract regulars who are drawn to Garry's Mod's flexibility as a game. Popular mods like the game mode DarkRP, Trouble in Terrorist Town, and Prop Hunt still have significant followings. Over time, the continued support in terms of what the community has provided through new add-ons, mods, and custom content ensures that Garry's Mod remains relevant, even after all these years.
The key to a successful Garry's Mod server lies in its community. Getting people on board means focusing on building a welcoming environment while taking advantage of the different forums and websites you can spread the word on. Here are some strategies to help you get players on your GMod server:
Before doing anything else, you need to make sure your GSLT token is set for your GMod server. No one is joining multiplayer servers at the bottom of the list. Without this crucial step, a potential player won't be able to find your community on the server list.
A GMod GSLT token is a social signal that your game server sends to Valve to show that your server host is owned by a real person that has Garry's Mod downloaded and purchased on a Steam account.
There are numerous online communities, such as GMod subreddits, Discord channels, and gaming forums, where people are actively discussing the game. Be an active participant in these communities, share updates about your server, and connect with potential players. It’s crucial not to just drop a link and leave—engage with people, answer questions, and add value to conversations.
We recommend being active in the following communities:
r/GMod Reddit
GMod Discord
GModstore Discord
Make sure you go out of your way to be in places where the players are for your game mode.
Battlemetrics and GameTracker are popular online server listing websites that feature different Garry's Mod servers. They are among the most well-known platforms where gamers can discover GMod servers through Google and other search engines. Listing your server on these websites is an easy way to create an online presence for your GMod community. After creating an account, follow the provided configuration instructions to get your server listed.
Keep in mind that listing your server on these platforms alone is unlikely to attract many players. It is rare to gain new traffic directly from Battlemetrics or GameTracker. However, this step is still essential for any growing GMod community looking to take the time to establish an online presence.
If you don't have one yet, think about it. What do you want someone to think when do when they've found your Garry's Mod server? What do they do when they come online?
To determine this, really take some time to sit down and locate the main thing that you want your ideal person to find appealing. When they continue coming online, as days pass, what do you do as an owner to get them to stay active? How do you interact with your Garry's Mod community?
Reach out to smaller online content creators or streamers who are passionate about Garry's Mod. Collaborating with online influencers can help generate interest in your server, especially if they have dedicated audiences interested in sandbox games. Offer them exclusive access or perks in exchange for coming online, and make sure that they have fun!
Even in 2024/2025, there's still lots of relevant Garry's Mod Youtubers for almost any game mode you can think of.
Advertising a GMod server requires consistent effort, creativity, and engagement with the community. Leveraging social media, collaborating with content creators, and offering unique gameplay experiences are just a few ways to attract players and ensure your server stands out. Which ones do you think will work the best for you?
By: Mason Baker
Are GMod Servers Still Even Active?
Yes, GMod servers are still active. (Very, very active.)
Many servers attract regulars who are drawn to Garry's Mod's flexibility as a game. Popular mods like the game mode DarkRP, Trouble in Terrorist Town, and Prop Hunt still have significant followings. Over time, the continued support in terms of what the community has provided through new add-ons, mods, and custom content ensures that Garry's Mod remains relevant, even after all these years.
How to Get Players on Your GMod Server
The key to a successful Garry's Mod server lies in its community. Getting people on board means focusing on building a welcoming environment while taking advantage of the different forums and websites you can spread the word on. Here are some strategies to help you get players on your GMod server:
1. Make Sure Your GSLT Token is Set
Before doing anything else, you need to make sure your GSLT token is set for your GMod server. No one is joining multiplayer servers at the bottom of the list. Without this crucial step, a potential player won't be able to find your community on the server list.
A GMod GSLT token is a social signal that your game server sends to Valve to show that your server host is owned by a real person that has Garry's Mod downloaded and purchased on a Steam account.
2. Join and Participate in Communities
There are numerous online communities, such as GMod subreddits, Discord channels, and gaming forums, where people are actively discussing the game. Be an active participant in these communities, share updates about your server, and connect with potential players. It’s crucial not to just drop a link and leave—engage with people, answer questions, and add value to conversations.
We recommend being active in the following communities:
r/GMod Reddit
GMod Discord
GModstore Discord
Make sure you go out of your way to be in places where the players are for your game mode.
3. Get Listed on an Online GMod Server List
Battlemetrics and GameTracker are popular online server listing websites that feature different Garry's Mod servers. They are among the most well-known platforms where gamers can discover GMod servers through Google and other search engines. Listing your server on these websites is an easy way to create an online presence for your GMod community. After creating an account, follow the provided configuration instructions to get your server listed.
Keep in mind that listing your server on these platforms alone is unlikely to attract many players. It is rare to gain new traffic directly from Battlemetrics or GameTracker. However, this step is still essential for any growing GMod community looking to take the time to establish an online presence.
4. Figure Out What Makes Your Player Base Unique
If you don't have one yet, think about it. What do you want someone to think when do when they've found your Garry's Mod server? What do they do when they come online?
To determine this, really take some time to sit down and locate the main thing that you want your ideal person to find appealing. When they continue coming online, as days pass, what do you do as an owner to get them to stay active? How do you interact with your Garry's Mod community?
5. Get Involved With Influencers
Reach out to smaller online content creators or streamers who are passionate about Garry's Mod. Collaborating with online influencers can help generate interest in your server, especially if they have dedicated audiences interested in sandbox games. Offer them exclusive access or perks in exchange for coming online, and make sure that they have fun!
Even in 2024/2025, there's still lots of relevant Garry's Mod Youtubers for almost any game mode you can think of.
Conclusion
Advertising a GMod server requires consistent effort, creativity, and engagement with the community. Leveraging social media, collaborating with content creators, and offering unique gameplay experiences are just a few ways to attract players and ensure your server stands out. Which ones do you think will work the best for you?
By: Mason Baker
Updated on: 20/01/2025
Thank you!