[profitbaron]

I'm still not 100% sure on which question you would like us to answer because, at first you ask:

     What is the process of getting publicity for a startup without any connections or investors to help? 

However, you then go on about how,

    users are needed first

I'm not sure which question you would like answering - how to get publicity or how to get users because, whilst the two are connected in that publicity can bring users it doesn't necessarily mean they will.

However, if you want a TON of publicity then just do something that will get you noticed for instance, just look at how Richard Branson does publicity for some of his brands - http://www.businessday.com.au/small-business/smallbiz-market...

Likewise, if you want a users then there are loads of methods of doing it and although you don't want us to mention it "word of mouth" is the BEST form of publicity & user signups

Nevertheless, if you can clarify which one you would like answering I'll gladly help and I'm sure the rest of HN wouldn't mind helping either. Moreover, if you can mention what your startup does or even the industry its in, we can be a little more specific because, there's no point telling you to reach out of X, Y and Z if they won't get you the users you need :)