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That sounds like a job for a forum thread or contact form. Have you asked or polled users why they don't use the chat?

How can I interest people from chatting when there often is no other person there

That sounds like a job for a forum thread or contact form. Have you asked or polled users why they don't use the chat?

Update: As you've specified it's a Stack Exchange site, i can say that i don't see any link to the chat and i mostly come here for answers. Searches page Moving the chat link to the header or sidebar would help.

You'd still need to make people aware there is a chat. Links are not enough when the rooms are often empty, so at least show the number of users in the room (can be boosted by bots) or even the chatroom itself, perhaps automatically logging in visitors under an automatic guest name (guest123 etc.).

In addition, it would allow people to talk about the site and how to improve it.

That sounds like a job for a forum thread or contact form. Have you asked or polled users why they don't use the chat?

You could also personally hang out in the chat, and manage that like Facebook by sending easily visible (comment count in tab title and icon on page menu) and audible signals when there is an unread comment. Maybe host interviews when there is a big enough audience.