How to grow on Discord - A Comprehensive Guide (Part 1)
TL;DR: To successfully grow your Discord community, focus on identifying a unique niche, attracting high-quality members, and engaging your audience through events and strategic listings on server directories. Consistent quality and engagement are as important as growth in numbers.
Growing a Discord community can be a rewarding but challenging experience. Whether you're a gamer, a content creator, or part of a special interest group, Discord offers a fantastic platform for community building. The struggle often lies in attracting new members and keeping the community engaged. In this blog post, we'll dive into effective strategies for expanding your Discord server's membership and ensuring its long-term success
Identify Your Niche
Identifying your unique value proposition is crucial for standing out in a crowded space. Ask yourself: what sets your Discord server apart from the others? Maybe it's your expertise in a particular game, or perhaps you offer exclusive content not found elsewhere. If your server's theme is common, like a general gaming or tech server, consider employing the "long tail" strategy. This means focusing on a specific niche within that broader category to attract a dedicated audience.
By zeroing in on a niche, you can deliver a targeted experience that's tailored to your members' interests. This is especially useful when you're operating in a field that's already saturated. For example, instead of having a generic "fitness" server, you could focus on "home workouts for busy parents." By doing so, you attract a community that's genuinely interested in what you offer, increasing the likelihood of member engagement and retention.
Find High-quality Member First
Before you focus on scaling your Discord server, it's essential to build a strong foundation with high-quality members. These initial members often set the tone and culture for your community, so it's crucial to attract people who align with your server's goals and values. Find these high-quality members in spaces where they naturally congregate. For a gaming community, that might be within the game itself. For a professional networking server, LinkedIn could be the ideal platform. If your community revolves around a YouTube channel, then that's where you should look first.
High-quality members contribute more than just numbers; they help control the quality of interactions within your server. They are likely to be more engaged, respectful, and contributive to meaningful discussions. By focusing on attracting these types of members first, you ensure that your community standards remain high. This, in turn, will make your server more attractive to future members, creating a virtuous cycle of growth and engagement.
Host Events From Now
One native way to grow your Discord server is by listing it on a server directory like Disboard or top.gg. Among these, Disboard can be particularly beneficial for smaller communities because its ranking is not solely determined by server size. By listing your server here, you expose it to a broader audience actively looking for communities to join, thus increasing the likelihood of attracting members interested in your niche.
Another strategy to consider is implementing a bump bot into your Discord server. These bots remind your existing members to vote for your server on listing sites, thereby boosting your server's visibility. By engaging your current members in this way, you not only increase your ranking on server directories but also involve your community in the growth process, fostering a sense of ownership and engagement.
Maintaining a professional tone is key, even in informal settings like a Discord server. Crafting a well-thought-out description for your community is crucial for setting the right expectations and attracting the kind of members you desire. A great description outlines what the server is about, who it's for, and what value it offers. Don't hesitate to add emojis when describing your community; they add a visual element that can make your server more inviting and easier to understand at a glance.
In summary, growing a Discord community is a multifaceted challenge that requires a well-thought-out approach. From identifying a unique niche to recruiting high-quality members, your initial steps set the foundation for your community's culture and growth. Hosting events and strategically listing your server on directories like Disboard and top.gg can further amplify your reach. But remember, it's not just about numbers; maintaining a professional tone and fostering genuine engagement are the keys to long-term success. So go ahead, implement these strategies, and watch your Discord community thrive.