Connection Before Content

Connection before content.

Yes, you read that right. While content is important for keeping a community engaged, it’s the connections and relationships between members that really make a community thrive. So, let’s dive in and explore what this means and how you can apply it to your own community.

First things first, what does it mean to prioritize connection over content? It means that as a community manager, you should focus on building relationships with your members before worrying too much about creating and sharing content. This involves taking the time to engage with members on a personal level, responding to comments and messages, initiating conversations with members, and creating opportunities for members to interact with each other.

Now, you might be thinking, “But wait, isn’t creating great content the key to keeping a community engaged and active?” While good content certainly plays a role, the connections and relationships you build with your members will ultimately make or break your community.

So, how can you go about building those connections? One of the best ways is through active engagement. Responding to every comment and message might sound daunting, but it shows members that you value their opinions and contributions. Taking the time to engage with members on a personal level can help create a sense of belonging and foster strong relationships within the community.

Another key to building connections is creating a safe and inclusive environment. This means being vigilant about moderating the community to remove any harmful or negative behavior. It also means promoting and celebrating diversity and inclusivity, creating a welcoming environment for all members regardless of their background or identity.

There’s more! Building connections in a community doesn’t have to be all serious business. In fact, injecting some fun and personality into your interactions with members can help foster connections even more. Share a funny meme or gif, ask members about their weekend plans, or create a fun challenge or game that encourages members to engage with each other. By injecting a bit of fun into your community interactions, you can help create a more lighthearted and welcoming atmosphere that encourages members to stick around.

So there you have it — the secret to building a successful community is a connection before content. By prioritizing building strong relationships with your members, creating a safe and inclusive environment, and injecting some fun and personality into your interactions, you can create a thriving and engaged community that members are eager to be a part of.