Building a Thriving Community on Discord: A Start-Up Guide to Authentic Engagement and Sustainable Growth
TL;DR: Building a community on Discord requires patience, focus, and authenticity. It's a process that takes over 6 months, emphasizing quality engagement over quantity. Early stages should be hands-on, led by founders, with careful experimentation in content and events. Utilize available tools like those at CommunityOne to start economically, seeking community feedback, nurturing relationships, and adapting over time. Success lies in meaningful connections, persistence, and understanding the unique culture and ethos of your community.
In the interconnected world of today, building a thriving online community has become more accessible and rewarding than ever before. For gamers, creatives, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts of all stripes, Discord offers a dynamic platform to foster connections, engage in lively discussions, and grow a communal space filled with shared passions. Yet, like nurturing a delicate plant, cultivating a Discord community in its early days requires careful planning, a touch of creativity, and an understanding of the unique ecosystem. In this journey into the foundations of community-building on Discord, we'll explore the exciting challenges, strategies, and joyous triumphs that await in those critical initial stages.
It takes 6 months to build!
Have the right expectation when building a community; it often takes 6 months to reach self-sustainability. The initial 2-3 months may be slow, but the key is to build economically and patiently, yet begin without delay.
Starting early is essential, as it takes time to cultivate belief in your community. Embrace a gradual approach rather than seeking instant success.
At CommunityOne, we provide tools that allow you to start and experiment without time pressure. Spark automatically reads your community information and answers members' questions, serving as the first line of engagement and support. Best part is that Spark is free to start. Leveraging these resources can guide you in nurturing your community's growth, aligning with its unique needs and rhythm.
Don’t hire a community manager yet.
In the embryonic stage of community development, founders' personal touch and vision are vital. External community managers may seem appealing but can be premature. The unique culture and ethos should be shaped by those who understand the community's core.
The initial days are a golden opportunity for founders to directly engage and lay down foundational principles. A hands-on approach helps build genuine connections that resonate with the community's mission.
As the community grows, professional management may become appropriate. However, in the beginning, nothing replaces the authenticity and drive from the original visionaries. Nurturing a community in its infancy is a deeply personal task and the core team shapes community foundation.
Aim for the right KPI
In building a community, aiming for the right Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) is essential. Rather than chasing hype or superficial numbers, the focus should be on quality engagement. Your community's vitality lies in forming high-quality connections.
Encourage members to express themselves openly. If people pour their hearts out in conversations, celebrate these moments. They are clear signs of a genuine connection and a community that truly resonates with its members.
Measure success through the depth of relationships rather than the breadth of your membership. Quality engagement fosters a sense of belonging and can help your community flourish in the long term. It's not just about attracting people; it's about connecting with them on a profound level. We understand the importance of finding the right KPI to benchmark your community’s performance, this is why our discord analytics tracks comprehensive amount of data and helps you focus on what matters the most early on.
Engage with all users
Your role as a community founder in the early days is about much more than administration; it's about forging personal connections. Engage with your early members, greet them warmly, and take the time to understand their interests. People often feel special during this stage, and their insights can help shape the community.
Ask your members why they joined and what they like about the community. These conversations will not only strengthen bonds but also provide invaluable insights into what's working. By aligning your community's direction with member interests, you pave the way for a harmonious growth.
Building personal connections means understanding expectations as well. Find out what members expect from you and the community. This level of personal engagement not only builds trust but also lays a robust foundation for the community's future. After all, a community that listens to its members is one that thrives.
Experiment with live events early on
Don't hesitate to experiment with Discord events, especially voice or video connections. Personal interaction adds a special touch, fostering deeper bonds within your community. Although early stages may see low attendance, perseverance pays off in finding dedicated fans.
Keep hosting discord events, even if initially no one shows up. This persistence can reveal your community's super fans and form strong connections. Your commitment to engagement sets the tone for a vibrant community culture.
If people do show up, make the events interactive and engaging. The participatory nature of live events fosters a sense of involvement and connection. These events provide more than entertainment; they help build a cohesive community.
Recording live events can have lasting benefits, allowing you to recycle some of the content for future use. Not only does this capture the spirit of the community, but it also provides valuable resources for reflecting and building upon what works. Remember, events are the fastest way to bond personally, a crucial aspect in the early stage.
Focus on one content at a time
For startup communities, focus is key. Concentrate on one area of content at a time, such as user feedback. By zeroing in on specific topics rather than spreading your efforts thin, you can engage more effectively with your members.
Relentlessly seek feedback from everyone in your community. Regularly inquire about how they feel about various projects, encouraging an environment of open communication and continuous improvement.
Make regular announcements and keep members in the loop. This targeted approach ensures that everyone is on the same page and feels involved. By keeping your focus sharp, you enhance the relevance and resonance of your community's dialogue.
Remember, building a thriving community takes more than six months. It's a process that requires patience, so start early and economically. Utilize automated tools to experiment and discover the right community market fit before your community reaches its big moment.
Your journey in community building on Discord is a combination of perseverance, innovation, and understanding. Embrace the process, make use of the available resources, and let your community grow organically. The road to success is paved with thoughtful engagement, adaptability, and a true connection with your members.