The key to building a thriving online community is to start small. Focus on creating meaningful, personal connections—both between you and potential members, and among the members themselves.Don’t rush into launching an online community platform before doing this groundwork—it’s a common mistake many make.
Step One – Why Does Your Community Need to Exist?
What’s your reason for wanting an online community? Is it to boost brand awareness or perception? Reduce costs? Engage more effectively with your audience? Or just because everyone else seems to be doing it? While the first three reasons can lead to success, the last one might not get you very far.Step Two – Where Can You Find Your Potential Members?
It’s easier to find some groups online than others. For example, vegetarians are likely easier to locate than fortune cookie writers. Keep this in mind—the more niche your potential members are, the more challenging it will be to find them. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The smaller and harder-to-find the group, the less likely it is that a competitor has already swooped in. Smaller groups often form stronger connections, so use that to your advantage, even if it’s a bit challenging.Step Three – Reach Out and Start Building Relationships
When you identify potential members, start reaching out. Don’t bombard them with spam or hard-sell pitches, though. If they have a blog, leave thoughtful comments. If they’re on Twitter, engage in relevant conversations. Provide value—if you aren’t offering something relevant or appealing to their interests, you won’t get far.Be authentic, be human. Show your personality (yes, that’s still allowed!) and enjoy this stage. You’re getting your name out there, and how you’re perceived—positively or negatively—is in your hands.
Step Four – Strengthen Those Relationships
While you’re still reaching out to new people, don’t neglect the connections you’ve already made. This is the time to deepen those relationships. Figure out what these individuals truly want. Why did they engage with you in the first place?If you’re unsure, just ask! Remember, the community should cater to the needs of your members, not just your own. Make sure you understand their desires and work toward meeting them.
Step Five – Golden Members
Not everyone you approach will be interested, and that’s perfectly fine. You only need a handful of dedicated people at this stage.Those who do show interest are invaluable. Keep in mind, it’s a big deal when someone reaches out online—most of us are cynical and weary of being marketed to. Bring these early members into the fold, give them extra responsibilities, and listen carefully to their input. Choose wisely, and these individuals will help ensure your community is engaging, relevant, and fun.
