To start this cycle of players, we have to "jump start" or "kick start" the server by having lots of players join at once as to bump the server to the top of the list, so then even more players join, and the server is filled to the brim with players joining and leaving (that is, if everything goes well). The cycle could last from about two hours to a few days.
The only ways I know of to help start this cycle are the following:
- List an event that looks important but isn't important, but it still attract players. ("12v12 random gamemode tomorrow! put yourself on the list! first come, first serve! league players will be watching!")
- Spoof the number of players online. (Totally against the rules.)
- Get a ridiculous number of friends. (?!!?!?)
- Use an attractive name. ("Trending maps rotation! 24/7")