So you started an online community and wondering how to get those first few people to join.
Here are some simple, free ideas to get you started!
1. Make a Community You KNOW is Needed
Before you start an online community, consider what you want it to be about.
I assume you already have an idea. Maybe you want to start a community for hammered dulcimer players. Before you make a listserv or a forum or a Facebook group or whatever, consider whether you’ll be able to easily get members for your community.
The big question you have to ask is: Is there already a community out there for hammered dulcimers? Now, just because there’s already a hammered dulcimer community, doesn’t mean you can’t make another viable option. But you should consider these other communities and decide if you can provide members with some unique benefits. Otherwise, why not just join that other community?
Is that other community living and active? If not, maybe there’s a space for an active community. If it is active, is the community friendly or toxic? If it’s toxic, maybe there’s space for a friendlier community. If the older community is friendly, however, you should decide how else your community can be different.
Maybe your community can be about a niche within your niche. Or maybe it can be about a particular aspect of your hobby or topic.
If you make a community that’s filling a needed hole, then you’ll see better results from the rest of my suggestions, as people will flow in to fill that hole.
2. Make a Website for Your Community
Another great tip to promote your online community? Make up a quick website for it.
This is an especially useful tip if your community is a listserv or a Facebook group, which likely won’t turn up on searches. This doesn’t have to be an elaborate site. It can just be a page. But make sure it includes a description of your community.
You might use this page to post news or announcements, making it extra useful. And if you plan to keep it updated, here’s a Pro Tip: make sure you actually do! It’s discouraging to find a page that last posted news five years ago. That might keep people from clicking over to your community.
Got a community now and need to start a group email?
Check out 5 Tips to Start a Mailing List
3. Tell Your Friends
Be sure to let your friends know about the community.
This is where Tip #1 can help. If you’re interested in a certain community because it’s needed, it’s likely you know others who are, too.
4. Tell Other Similar Communities
If you’re making a community that fills a niche of a larger group, then tell other similar communities about yours. Try not to spam, though. Follow their rules. Don’t be a jerk. This works especially well with communities you already have credibility with.
If you didn’t follow my advice in Tip #1, don’t bother with this step. You’ll just come across as redundant.
5. Tell Social Media
And, of course, the usual advice: Tell your social media followers!
Any other ideas about how to promote your online community?
Leave them in the comments below.
