Tips on creating a GMod DarkRP Server?

I guess the only advise is to be "Different". Follow the conventions of DarkRP servers however make your server different from others in order to bring players in. Don't make it P2W - Just make sure players want to join and keep coming back first and once you've settled an audience bring in the donation system in order to keep the server running. One other suggestion is have a nice UI, f4/hud/motd etc... Nothing that takes up the entire screen. Learn LUA! then you can create cool stuff. One suggestion if you can do it is to restrict the Q menu, for example removing pages or items to prevent prop misuse or just limit what people can use with a realistic prop selection. Cosmetics are quite popular too, this kinda makes peoples character look different from the boring HL2 models.

Also, you need MATURE staff, no assholes that just come on to use admin permissions to their advantage.

Web integration is also required, for example setting your darkrp sql to mysql so you can put the scores or whatever on your website.

And your website needs a good look too

An overall theme is also looked at too.