Steps to Starting a New Community

Building a community around a product can be transformative. It not only opens avenues for direct engagement with your most passionate users but also fosters a sense of belonging that can drive loyalty and advocacy. However, it is a significant investment of time and resources. In this blog post, we’ll explore whether investing in a community is the right move, how to craft an effective community strategy, and the steps to construct a meaningful and thriving community. Additionally, insights from community-building expert David Spinks will shed light on when and how to embark on this journey. Dive into this comprehensive guide if you’re considering launching a community that resonates with and supports your brand’s vision.

Q: My co-founder and I are thinking about building a community around our product. Should we? And how do we get started?

1. Should we even be investing in community?

The decision to build a community around your product shouldn’t be taken lightly. Begin by evaluating the core value your community would bring both to your business and to the members. Consider whether your product or service naturally lends itself to discussions, shared experiences, or collaboration. If so, investing in a community might amplify these aspects, enriching user experience and strengthening brand loyalty.

Another factor to weigh is whether your audience is already gathering somewhere else. If they’re active and engaged in forums, social media groups, or other platforms, there’s potential to redirect that energy into a space you own and guide. Additionally, if customer support or product innovation could benefit from collective insights and feedback, community investment could provide the solution you need.

2. What does a community strategy look like?

An effective community strategy acts as a blueprint, guiding all aspects of community building. It typically involves understanding your audience deeply – their needs, preferences, and behaviors – and mapping out how your community will meet those needs. Start by setting clear, actionable goals. Are you aiming to increase brand awareness, drive product adoption, or create a self-sustaining ecosystem for support and innovation?

Another crucial element is defining the platforms and tools that will host and support your community. Are you looking to create a standalone forum, leverage existing social media channels, or perhaps utilize both? It’s important to ensure that the platforms chosen align with your audience’s preferences and behavior patterns.

3. How do we build a meaningful community?

A meaningful community thrives on authentic connections and engagement. Begin by seeding the community with early adopters or brand advocates who are enthusiastic about your product. These individuals can help establish the community’s culture and tone, paving the way for future members. Ensure that every community interaction adds value, and create a feedback loop where community input is actively considered and acted upon by your team.

Content is king when it comes to maintaining engagement. Develop regular, valuable content tailored to your community’s interests and needs. This keeps members engaged, informed, and eager to participate. Encourage dialogue through events, challenges, or discussion threads that prompt members to share their experiences and insights.

When to invest in community, how to get started, setting goals, crafting a strategy, hiring, scaling, and much more—guest post by David Spinks

David Spinks, a pioneer in the community-building realm, underscores the importance of timing in community investment. Start by assessing whether your company is ready for this endeavor. Do you possess the necessary resources, team, and systems to support a community effort? If yes, it’s time to lay the groundwork by setting measurable goals and identifying the key metrics that will gauge your community’s success.

He emphasizes that crafting a strategy should involve cross-functional collaboration, integrating feedback from both internal teams and prospective community members. It’s also essential to consider the human aspect; hiring community managers who embody your brand values will play a crucial role in the community-building process. As your community grows, focus on scaling thoughtfully, ensuring that each member continues to feel valued and heard.

🔥Featured job openings

Looking to be a part of a dynamic community-building team? Check out these exciting job openings in the field. Companies are searching for passionate, innovative individuals to join their ranks and drive community engagement forward.

• 
  Community Manager at Tech Innovators:
  
  Drive community strategy and engagement initiatives for a leading tech company.
• 
  Social Media Coordinator at Green Startups:
  
  Connect with eco-conscious communities and promote sustainable product lines.
• 
  Content Strategist at FinTech Networks:
  
  Develop content to engage finance and tech enthusiasts.

Lessons Learned