11 Tips for Building a Community

The difference between a blog and a traditional website is that blogs are about community. They’re about carrying on an open-ended conversation and making it about the readers. My blog isn’t for me as much as it is for you. I think the key to having a successful community is to give your visitors something to talk about and let them know their input is valued and appreciated. Here are my tips for building a community.

1. Keep the conversation open – Give your readers a reason to respond.
2. Listen to your readers – Why do they visit your blog? What keeps them coming back? Learn which topics they respond to most and what things they most like to talk about.
3. Keep your tone light. Not everything has to be funny, but if you blog in a conversational tone others will respond.
4. Allow comments even if they’re negative – In a good discussion, not every one will agree. Allow all points of view. The only time I delete a comment is when it’s abusive towards other members of my community.
5. Respond to comments – Your community will appreciate it if you participate in the discussion – even after you post content.
6. Let your community members know they’re appreciated – If it wasn’t for them, there’d be no you.
7. Have fun – Stop sounding so serious! Add some lighthearted content as well as contests, links to fun stuff, polls and quizzes.
8. Controversy breeds comments – There’s nothing wrong with a little controversy but be prepared for the backlash. Controversy also brings out the trolls and the negativity.
9. Show your human side – Talk to your readers in a language they understand. Don’t be afraid to add personal anecdotes and show emotion. I’m not saying you have to get all Oprah and cry on the couch, but do let your readers know you’re human.
10. It isn’t MYcommunity – My blog, my community, is our blog and our community. I’m just the person who throws a few ideas out for discussion. You’re the ones who really make it all happen.
11. I’m not an expert – I don’t know everything and I’ll never claim to be an expert. I like to share my ideas and tell you what works, or doesn’t work, for me. After that, I invite you to share your own thoughts and ideas…and there you have it. Community.

I think the key to community building is open-ended conversation. When you wrap it all up in a tidy little conclusionary paragraph, you don’t give anyone else a reason to respond. Don’t be an expert, be a colleague or a commiserator. Let your visitors know how much you value their opinion, ask them to help you help others find the answers. Start a discussion. Build it…and they will come.