Getting Started with an Online Community Platform
Building a community around a shared interest used to be a task limited by geography. Especially for niche topics, there might not be enough people interested in a specific subject within a geographic area to reach any sort of critical mass. However, thanks to the internet and various online community platforms, you can connect with people from anywhere in the world. This means, no matter how specialized the interest, you can build a community around it.
No matter the topic or interest, it is a good idea to spend some time researching and planning before launching a new online community. Clearly defining your community’s purpose, identifying your target audience, and choosing the right online community platform are all keys to the future success of growing a community.
Steps to Get Started with an Online Community Platform
Step One – Knowing Your Purpose
Before beginning any journey, it is good to know where you are going. Before even thinking about the right online community platform, take some time to define the goals and objectives of your community. What is it that you hope will happen? What would a successful community look like?
Step Two – Knowing Your Audience
It is tempting, when building a community to build it for “everyone.” However, the more you focus your audience, the more successful you will be in attracting members. What are the main unique interests of the community you wish to build? Are you hoping to reach people in a certain age group, location, or income level? Considering these questions will not only help you choose the right platform, the answers will also help you in attracting people most likely to resonate with your group.
Step Three – Choosing Your Online Community Platform
With a clear understanding of your community’s purpose and your target audience, it is critical to find a platform that will work for you, as the moderator, and the members of your growing community. There are several popular platforms, including Reddit, Facebook, Discord, Speakbits, and LinkedIn. Each has its own set of features and limitations.
Check out our post, Choosing The Best Platform To Build Online Community, to review some of the most important features to consider.
Step Four – Setting Up Your Community
Once you have thought through the purpose and audience of your community and chosen the best online community platform, it is time to set it up. There are a few steps you will want to be sure to take.
Create and Customize Your Profile and Group – Be sure to include relevant information that will set your community apart and clearly identify it to potential participants.
Choose Your Type of Group – Most platforms allow for private and public groups. Your group's purpose and audience should guide you in determining the best fit for your community.
Establish Guidelines – Sharing rules and expectations upfront can save a lot of friction down the road and help your community grow in the way you intend.
Get Started
Once you have taken care of all the upfront work, it is time to start inviting potential members and building your community. Use your current email and social media contacts to spread the word about your new online community. Once people begin to join, encourage them by starting discussions, asking questions, and sharing valuable content of your own.