So you want to build an online community? Here's my thoughts.
1. Why do you want to create an online community?
If your answer is “because everyone else has one,” chances are, it won’t succeed. But if you want to be more customer-centric and add value to your audience, you’re on the right track.
Take some time to ask yourself (and your team, if relevant) these deeper questions before moving forward.
2. Where should you build your community?
There are a few options to consider. You can create a standalone community with its own URL, integrate it into your existing site, or take the easier route by using platforms like Facebook or other social media channels.
My advice? Embed the community within your website. This shows your audience that you’re serious and gives the community the respect it deserves. But don’t stop there. Engage with your audience externally, too—through Twitter, Facebook, or wherever they hang out. Limiting your community to one platform reduces its visibility.
3. Where are your future members?
Just because you launch your community doesn’t mean people will automatically show up. You’ll need to actively seek out early adopters. Even if you have a passionate following, be proactive about finding the right people. Fill your community with ideal members from the start, and you’ll create a more productive and engaged group.
Bloggers, for instance, can be some of your best early members—they’re passionate, relevant, and they come with their own audience.
4. What makes your community stand out?
With so many communities already online, what sets yours apart? If your community isn’t offering something unique, it may struggle to attract people.
That doesn’t mean you can’t create a community in an already-established niche. Just make sure yours offers something different—whether it’s better quality content, a stronger community vibe, or improved usability. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking more features automatically make your community better—they often overwhelm users.
5. How will you attract members and manage the community?
Now that you know where your members are and how you’ll structure your community, the next step is putting in the work to attract and manage them. Community building takes time and effort. Be prepared for slow progress in the beginning—do you have the patience and commitment to see it through?
As your community grows, you’ll need to devote more time to managing it. That means resolving conflicts, keeping members engaged, and staying involved.
Whether you’re creating a social network, a forum, or something else, don’t overcomplicate things. In the early days, justify every feature you add. You don’t want distractions—your community should be easy to understand and use right away. Make registration smooth, contribution easy, and the purpose of the community clear.
Avoid complicated language and unnecessary features. Keep it straightforward.
2. Respect your community.
Show that you value your community by giving it a prominent place on your main website. Don’t hide it behind a tab. Involve the community in visible parts of your site.
The community should primarily serve its members. You’ll reap the benefits later. Don’t focus on selling to your community—build trust and respect by engaging and listening to them.
3. Keep it small and private (at first).
Your community won’t be perfect from the start. Consider keeping it small and invite-only in the beginning. This exclusivity helps create a tight-knit group and gives you time to fine-tune before opening it to the public. Early members can help generate content so that the community doesn’t feel empty when it’s fully launched.
Exclusivity can be powerful—those who are in will want to stay, and those who aren’t will want to join. Use this to your advantage.
4. Establish guidelines and processes from day one.
You’ll eventually run into troublemakers. Be professional and consistent by setting clear guidelines from the start. Make sure these guidelines are visible and easy to understand.
Your internal processes for dealing with problems should also be in place from day one. Decide how you’ll handle disruptive members—whether you ignore, warn, or ban them—and stick to that plan. If you’re unsure, consider working with your members to shape the guidelines. They’re more likely to respect rules they’ve helped create.
5. Highlight members and their contributions.
Members need to feel appreciated. They’re there for a reason—whether it’s respect, attention, or valuable information. Keep them engaged by recognizing their efforts. If someone posts something great, tell them so. Highlight standout contributions, interview active members, and give recognition where it’s due.
Don’t worry about jealousy—healthy competition can motivate others to contribute more, striving for that same recognition.
At the same time, don’t be afraid to take risks. Experiment with new ideas. Some will work, others won’t—but the more adventurous you are, the better your chances of finding the ultimate community-building strategy. And if you do stumble on the secret, be sure to share it with me—here’s what I’ve learned so far.
Planning Your Online Community
Before you dive in, ask yourself a few key questions:1. Why do you want to create an online community?
If your answer is “because everyone else has one,” chances are, it won’t succeed. But if you want to be more customer-centric and add value to your audience, you’re on the right track.
Take some time to ask yourself (and your team, if relevant) these deeper questions before moving forward.
2. Where should you build your community?
There are a few options to consider. You can create a standalone community with its own URL, integrate it into your existing site, or take the easier route by using platforms like Facebook or other social media channels.
My advice? Embed the community within your website. This shows your audience that you’re serious and gives the community the respect it deserves. But don’t stop there. Engage with your audience externally, too—through Twitter, Facebook, or wherever they hang out. Limiting your community to one platform reduces its visibility.
3. Where are your future members?
Just because you launch your community doesn’t mean people will automatically show up. You’ll need to actively seek out early adopters. Even if you have a passionate following, be proactive about finding the right people. Fill your community with ideal members from the start, and you’ll create a more productive and engaged group.
Bloggers, for instance, can be some of your best early members—they’re passionate, relevant, and they come with their own audience.
4. What makes your community stand out?
With so many communities already online, what sets yours apart? If your community isn’t offering something unique, it may struggle to attract people.
That doesn’t mean you can’t create a community in an already-established niche. Just make sure yours offers something different—whether it’s better quality content, a stronger community vibe, or improved usability. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking more features automatically make your community better—they often overwhelm users.
5. How will you attract members and manage the community?
Now that you know where your members are and how you’ll structure your community, the next step is putting in the work to attract and manage them. Community building takes time and effort. Be prepared for slow progress in the beginning—do you have the patience and commitment to see it through?
As your community grows, you’ll need to devote more time to managing it. That means resolving conflicts, keeping members engaged, and staying involved.
Building Your Online Community
1. KISS - Keep it simple, stupid.Whether you’re creating a social network, a forum, or something else, don’t overcomplicate things. In the early days, justify every feature you add. You don’t want distractions—your community should be easy to understand and use right away. Make registration smooth, contribution easy, and the purpose of the community clear.
Avoid complicated language and unnecessary features. Keep it straightforward.
2. Respect your community.
Show that you value your community by giving it a prominent place on your main website. Don’t hide it behind a tab. Involve the community in visible parts of your site.
The community should primarily serve its members. You’ll reap the benefits later. Don’t focus on selling to your community—build trust and respect by engaging and listening to them.
3. Keep it small and private (at first).
Your community won’t be perfect from the start. Consider keeping it small and invite-only in the beginning. This exclusivity helps create a tight-knit group and gives you time to fine-tune before opening it to the public. Early members can help generate content so that the community doesn’t feel empty when it’s fully launched.
Exclusivity can be powerful—those who are in will want to stay, and those who aren’t will want to join. Use this to your advantage.
4. Establish guidelines and processes from day one.
You’ll eventually run into troublemakers. Be professional and consistent by setting clear guidelines from the start. Make sure these guidelines are visible and easy to understand.
Your internal processes for dealing with problems should also be in place from day one. Decide how you’ll handle disruptive members—whether you ignore, warn, or ban them—and stick to that plan. If you’re unsure, consider working with your members to shape the guidelines. They’re more likely to respect rules they’ve helped create.
5. Highlight members and their contributions.
Members need to feel appreciated. They’re there for a reason—whether it’s respect, attention, or valuable information. Keep them engaged by recognizing their efforts. If someone posts something great, tell them so. Highlight standout contributions, interview active members, and give recognition where it’s due.
Don’t worry about jealousy—healthy competition can motivate others to contribute more, striving for that same recognition.
Be Realistic and Stay Adventurous
Success won’t happen overnight. It might take weeks, months, or even years for your community to really take off. Don’t give up too soon—building relationships takes time.At the same time, don’t be afraid to take risks. Experiment with new ideas. Some will work, others won’t—but the more adventurous you are, the better your chances of finding the ultimate community-building strategy. And if you do stumble on the secret, be sure to share it with me—here’s what I’ve learned so far.
