Appearance > Is it easy on the eyes?
Navigation > Can your viewers find things easily?
Content > This is where a lot of webmasters fall short. You can't simply put something up and not update it or add something new. Each time a viewer comes back if it's the same old rot, they will leave and more than likely not come back. At the same time you can overload your site with way too much information.
Keep it simple and keep it to the point.
As for attracting views or members, it's an advertising game. Put a link in your sig if it's permitted. Some places don't allow links in sigs so it's good forum etiquette to always ask. If permitted, keep it simple and to the point. If a forum has an advertising section ask if it's ok to plug your site there.
But be ready to take no for an answer. Some places are picky. Also if you advertise or sig link stay active at those forums. I know I personally don't like hit and run. If I allow you to do either one and I don't see you post something in 7 days your ad, sig, and you are gone.
Just remember > If you make it easy on the eyes, easy to navigate, and have great content, along with some basic advertising, they will come.
BTW I own and operate
Anime Appeal. I might be interested in a link swap.. . .