Set goals
It can be easy to get lost in all of the excitement of building your community but it’s important to have a clear idea of your goals. Writing down what you hope to achieve as a result of building your community before launch will help you to stay on track and provide you with something to always revert back to when you’re considering new activities or initiatives to grow your community, as well as providing you with something to help you measure results.
Have guidelines
There’s a reason why even Fight Club had rules. Having clear guidelines for your community will prevent anyone from ruining the experience or vibe for others. They also provide you with an opportunity to clearly state who will be asked to leave, making that conversation slightly less awkward if the situation ever arises. Keep your guidelines simple to start: No spamming, be kind, no shameless promotion, etc.
Offer perks
People love exclusive perks so why not give the people what they want? Sneak peeks of new products, invites to private events, coupons, or vouchers that discount the cost of new products – you catch the drift. Thinking of ways to incentivise your community to stay with you is a great way to maintain loyalty and create a buzz.
Create a habit
People like familiarity so provide your community with clear guidelines on what to expect and when. Maybe it’s livestreams on Thursdays or a monthly happy hour Q&A, or maybe you celebrate your top contributors on a weekly basis. Find a way to ingrain your community in their everyday (or at least weekly) lives.
Ask for feedback
Don’t be afraid to regularly touch base with your members to see how they’re doing, and what they’re getting out of the community. Doing so will help you to improve the experience for them. They’ll also appreciate that you care enough to want to keep them engaged.