Community engagement
Community engagement
People are more likely to participate when they see a conversation they can add something to. As a community owner, you can help by bringing real questions, useful opportunities, and member contributions into view. Start with what people are already working on and where they could use a hand.
People are more likely to participate when they see a conversation they can add something to. As a community owner, you can help by bringing real questions, useful opportunities, and member contributions into view. Start with what people are already working on and where they could use a hand.
1. Give people something specific to respond to
1. Give people something specific to respond to
A question like “What are you working on?” can get a conversation started, but a specific request makes it easier to help. If a member needs feedback on a pitch or an introduction to someone in their industry, encourage them to share the details. Knowing what’s needed helps other members recognize where they can contribute.
A question like “What are you working on?” can get a conversation started, but a specific request makes it easier to help. If a member needs feedback on a pitch or an introduction to someone in their industry, encourage them to share the details. Knowing what’s needed helps other members recognize where they can contribute.
2. Show what participation looks like
2. Show what participation looks like
Share a collaboration, post an offer, or contribute to someone else’s request. Your own activity gives members examples they can follow. When you post on behalf of the community, use its identity so members can recognize updates and invitations from the group.
Share a collaboration, post an offer, or contribute to someone else’s request. Your own activity gives members examples they can follow. When you post on behalf of the community, use its identity so members can recognize updates and invitations from the group.
3. Help members find each other
3. Help members find each other
As you learn what people know and what they’re working on, you’ll notice connections worth making. Bring a relevant post to someone’s attention or introduce two members who could help each other. A personal invitation to contribute often gives someone a clearer reason to join a conversation.
As you learn what people know and what they’re working on, you’ll notice connections worth making. Bring a relevant post to someone’s attention or introduce two members who could help each other. A personal invitation to contribute often gives someone a clearer reason to join a conversation.
4. Recognize useful contributions
4. Recognize useful contributions
Thank people for thoughtful answers, helpful feedback, and introductions. Where appropriate, send a tip to recognize the value they’ve shared. Following up with what happened—whether someone solved a problem or found the help they needed—also lets members see the difference their participation makes.
Thank people for thoughtful answers, helpful feedback, and introductions. Where appropriate, send a tip to recognize the value they’ve shared. Following up with what happened—whether someone solved a problem or found the help they needed—also lets members see the difference their participation makes.
5. Keep conversations moving
5. Keep conversations moving
Return to posts, answer questions, and check whether requests still need help. If a conversation goes quiet, a useful follow-up may be all it needs. Pay attention to the topics members respond to and make room for more of those conversations.
Return to posts, answer questions, and check whether requests still need help. If a conversation goes quiet, a useful follow-up may be all it needs. Pay attention to the topics members respond to and make room for more of those conversations.