first off, please forgive me if my help isn't that helpful as i've never managed an applyfic nor have i applied. . .

from my view of randomly clicking on applyfics, view or presence is a strong point. ugly or confusing layouts seem to be a hassle especially for people who has trouble in coding knowledge so try to opt for a friendly coding — something minimalistic yet breathtaking. next, storylines or plotlines — i know some appliers [ is that even a word? ?? ? ] have a certain spot that they want to be picked at. like some want to be a leader while some want to take the role of the maknae and when they don't get it, they just bail off or in worst cases, when you tell them to fix up their applications, they think they're "right" and don't do any changes at all which is also rude. make sure with every update, there is something new to look forward to — like snippets of the story or a drabble of requested scenes just to spark up the appliers attention of how the story would be written. it would be a bore to some if there is an update but no actual update, even a small announcement would do. lastly, when you start or do something, do not ever doubt yourself. when in doubt, you tend to get discouraged as you feel nobody is supporting you but i assure you that somebody is and if you think there really isn't anyone then think of me, i'll help you get back up on your feet — i'll help you find back the purpose as to why you started the applyfic in the first place. ♡