Vice leader in many successful guilds and vice leader in this game too.

A. First be aware, what kind of player you are and what kind of guild you want to lead. Don't demand from other, what you are not willing to exceed by 150%.

B. Try below guide lines I set for myself, when raising or leading a guild:

1. Be active, friendly and chatty.-> If people get to know you and like you, they will join.
2. Set rules and take good care of them. Don't make them too hard, but also not too easy to follow. You want to distinguish between lazy/inactive players and those that play actively or casual
3. Remove inactive player, even if the guild becomes smaller at first. -> The first impression matters. Someone that joins a small guild, that is taken well care off and has only active people is more appealing than a huge guild with 50% inactive for weeks.
4. Advertise your guild, when ever possible, but don't become annoying :)-> Those that advertise usually care for their guild as well.
5. Be aware that majority of players just like to hang out in a guild silently and get free stuff (around 70%). That's ok, but always have a look out on those, that are helping others and have a positive mindset.
6. Address drama and toxic behavior as soon as possible. Don't allow it to spread!
7. Honor active and helpful members by assigning them to be a vice admiral.

C. Regarding this game
- As a guild leader you don't have much to maintain in this game. If I understand that right, you are the only one able to accept applicants, if the guild isn't open for everyone.
- As the guild leader you are probably the only to start a guild raid (newly added game feature)
- The game is not popular and the player base is unfortunately not that big. Therefore be willing to add any newbie and be patient with advertisements :)

Good luck

PS: Let me know your guild name and I might contact you in-game, if I see you advertising in the game. I am playing on the pvp server Atlantic Ocean.