Sharing information
Information is usually shared around a theme. Not everyone shares equally or explicitly. 1% of the participants make the largest contribution, 9% post something from time to time, but 90% of the members are 'lurkers' (Nielsen, 2006) . They read along and absorb information, but do not contribute to the content. 'Rewarding' the sharing of information can influence these percentages. The photo site of the WWF has almost 5000 members and contains over 16000 photos. A network is built based on interest and the most beautiful photos are shared. Competitions are regularly initiated and the winner is rewarded with a spread in the paper magazine.
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Structural connection
Regular visits to the online site create more bonding and are actually the raison d'être of the community. The content latvia phone number list of the site must be so attractive, fun or valuable that people keep coming back. The community 50plusser.nl wants to bring people together around their own interests. Most will not feel addressed by the fact that they are 50+, but the subjects are so easy to find on Google that people are triggered by it. (Just Google recreational walking: 1st page). The right content does the rest.
Group identity
Belonging somewhere, having your own way of communicating, with your own standards and values, gives many people a good feeling. That group feeling is strengthened when people meet each other offline. You can support that from the community. The network of World of Warcraft players meet offline to discuss strategies for the game. They also share experiences, which developers use to implement adjustments.
Members as an authority
An active role of a community manager is indispensable. However, active or involved members can take over part of this task. That is really great, if the community 'maintains itself'. Members can become an authority on a certain subject, both in terms of content and standards and values.
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You can recognize that knowledge and expertise by giving those members more rights, for example, or by handing out dots, stripes and stars. The right combination of goal and characteristics helps to keep a community alive, but it can be even better.
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The following 4 steps will help you successfully set up a community, from idea to maintenance.
Step 1: In the run-up to a community
What to do before you start building a community.