Getting a server noticed

So, lately I have gotten the urge to create a faction server...I know what you are saying, "Oh no...not another faction server...".

Let me explain. I'm trying to make my server as unique as possible. I'm using plugins to create custom weapons and add armor abilities. (I added about 50 'new' weapons already). I'm also working on making it so you can buy 'pets' (of any mob type) to act as a follower which (depending on what skill path you make it take) will either carry more items or fight for you.

Currently, it is in the works. The spawn and most of the plugins (except one) have been thoroughly tested and configured to make sure there are no mistakes on the release date.

The reason for this post is simple, I want some good advertising ideas and ways to promote my server when I release it. I have had servers in the past, none of which worked out that well (I had to close it down because of poor plugin configuring...let's just say, I was a noob back then. I couldn't even set up permissions). I don't want to make the same mistake again, especially on a server that I am trying to make unique and working my donkey off for (if you know what I mean).

I understand that the main way to get your server noticed is to...well...have a unique server. I feel like I'm doing pretty well in that aspect, but how do I get my server out there?

Some things I have currently done in preparation for the release date in order to attract new players:

- Voting system - I still haven't added rewards yet. I need to add votifier, which there currently is no point in because I don't have a post on PMC or any other server list to connect it to.

- Referral system - Referring a friend will give you 500 dollars and the person who got referred 250 dollars (which is a decent amount on my server, but not enough to break the economy). Yes, it is made so it cannot be abused. Other than the fact that the person who gets referred must play at least 10 minutes on the server before they can claim their referral award, they also cannot log in from the same IP address to give them self a reward.

Any ideas, guys? I am trying really hard on this server. I want this one to last. Obviously I'm not expecting hundreds of people to join my server on the first day, but I would like a decent group of 10 people to get the server started. I heard that a core community would eventually help the server grow.

Thank you for your time. If you didn't read it all, then, thanks for skimming I suppose.

As far as having a banner...eh. My banner is pretty stupid to be fair. I just don't have photoshop to make an expert looking one (unless I do it at school, but it's embarrassing being 'that guy' making a minecraft banner).