12 proven ways
to build online communities
from scratch.
Building a new online community is a lot like being handed a plot of land with no foundation, no structure, just a blank slate. For experienced community managers, this is an exciting opportunity, a chance to build something beautiful from the ground up. But for those new to the field, it can be overwhelming and confusing.
Without a blueprint or prior building experience, you might not know where to start, let alone how to create something that lasts. This is a common challenge, but it doesn’t have to be a confusing one.
In this article, we collated conversations from several community managers within the Community for Africa group conversations. Here are 12 proven methods and practical approaches to building an online community from scratch, eventually making it an engaging one.
1. Find Your Community’s Neighbours
Imagine renting a new house in a new neighborhood, to make the most out of your stay, seeking support from previous occupants may be your best bet. They understand what works and how to relate with people in the area.
When you’re building a new community, you don’t have to start in a vacuum.
- Start by finding existing online communities that are similar to what you want to build.
- Join these communities and observe them closely.
- Pay attention to how people interact, what kind of content they share, and what the community’s overall vibe is.
- Once you have a good feel for the space, reach out to the community leaders or moderators. Be open about your goals and ask for permission to share a bit about your new community. This approach is respectful and can help you attract members who are genuinely interested in what you have to offer.
2. Leverage the Founder’s Voice
A founder’s reputation can be the most powerful tool for launching a new community. People like Sultan A of Altschool Africa and Oluwatosin Olaseinde of Money Africa are great examples of this. Their credibility and influence helped them build a following from day one.
If your founder is a well-known figure in your niche, use their voice to announce the new community. A simple endorsement or post from them can instantly grab attention and motivate people to join. This kind of initial momentum can be crucial for getting a new community off the ground.
3. Partner With Nano-Influencers
You don’t need a massive influencer with millions of followers to get the word out. Sometimes, the most effective people are nano-influencers. These are individuals with a smaller, but highly engaged and loyal following.
Identify nano-influencers who share the same interests as your community. Collaborate with them to get their endorsement. Because their recommendations feel more personal and authentic, they can be highly effective at attracting a targeted and passionate group of early members.
4. Cross-Pollinate with Other Communities
Think of this as a strategic exchange. Find communities with a similar vision or audience and work with them. After you’ve had a few successful joint events or projects, their members will naturally start checking out your community. This method is effective because you’re not just asking people to join; you’re showing them the value of your community through action.
5. Create Smart Collaborations & Partnership
Partnerships and collaboration are a great way to acquire new members and grow your community. For example, if you’re building a student community, you could partner with a career fair organization. This creates a natural connection that can drive a lot of new members to your community. As you build your growth strategy, look for partnership opportunities like this and suggest them to your team.
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6. Your Team = Your First Ambassadors
The word team is a noun, but as a verb, it means coming together to achieve a common goal. As a new community manager, leverage the shared interest of the organization in reaching a common goal. Collaborate with your teammates to organically spread and invite others within their network.
7. Create Valuable Content
“Content is king,” as they say, and for a new community, it’s a powerful magnet. The goal is to create content that speaks directly to your target audience’s needs and problems. Identify groups, channels, communities, or platforms with your targeted community members. Share and allow your content to speak to them or solve their problem. Notice their reactions to your content, and invite them to your community for continued conversations, value, and benefits.
8. Leverage Social Media
In a world where an average adult spends over 20 hours per week on digital media, leaving it out of this conversation would be a terrible decision. Identify and show up consistently on platforms where your audience already engages. Create community-focused and value-driven content, spark conversations, ask questions, and interact with your audience. Always remember to add a clear CTA (Call-to-Action) for people to join your community for more.
9. Go Where Your Product Is Needed
If your community is built around a specific product or service, you can find new members by going directly to the source of their problems.. Search for communities, forums, or online groups where people are asking questions or looking for solutions that your product provides. Participate in these conversations by offering helpful advice and solutions. This establishes your credibility and allows you to naturally invite interested individuals to your new community, where they can find more support and connect with other users.
10. Find Your Believers
Every movement starts with a few core believers. Personally reach out to those who connect with your vision. When people resonate with what you’re building, they often become your first evangelists. Pitch your goals to them directly; you’ll be surprised at how many are willing to become pioneering members.
11. Leverage Your Network
Don’t overlook or underestimate the power of your friends, colleagues, and network. If they believe in your mission, they’ll likely refer others. Look within your network and pitch your new community to people who are interested in what you are building. This kind of advocacy is authentic and can bring in your first members, while also providing you with useful feedback.
12. Understudy a Pro
One of the best ways to learn is from someone who has already succeeded. Find an experienced community manager who you admire for their work, research and understand how they have built their community. If possible, reach out to them to ask questions. Learning from a professional can give you a major head start and help you avoid common mistakes.
Remember, building a community is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time, patience and persistence, so, be kind to yourself. Celebrate small wins and don’t be too hard on yourself when growth feels slow. Building communities is an ongoing process. You’re building something meaningful, give it time to bloom.
