How to soft launch a new community in 3 steps (without the stress) | Community Management

Summary

In this video, the speaker outlines a three-step process to kickstart a new online community, addressing the common challenge of attracting initial members. The first step involves setting up a functional platform and creating engaging presentation materials. Next, a select group of trusted individuals is invited to participate and provide feedback during a video call. Finally, the process is repeated with larger cohorts while actively stimulating discussions through conversation starters. This method not only builds community but also refines the platform based on valuable user insights, paving the way for a vibrant, interactive space.

Takeaways

• 😀 A new community platform often faces a 'chicken and egg' dilemma, where attracting members is challenging without existing engagement.
• 🛠️ Setting up a functional community platform is essential; it doesn't need to be perfect, just good enough to facilitate initial interactions.
• 📊 Create a presentation deck to introduce your community and engage potential members; this helps in explaining your vision and platform functionality.
• 🤝 Select a small group of trusted individuals (10-20) to form the first cohort, as their familiarity will foster constructive feedback.
• 💬 Prepare conversation starters to encourage discussions; aim for at least two to three topics each week to keep engagement high.
• 🎉 Use video calls for the initial introduction to your community, allowing you to showcase the platform and explain its purpose in real time.
• 🚀 Clearly articulate the 'why' behind your community's creation to inspire and motivate participants to invest in its success.
• 🔄 Be open about the community being a work in progress; ask for feedback and be receptive to constructive criticism.
• 💡 Incorporate a specific call to action after your initial call to encourage participants to introduce themselves and start engaging.
• 📈 Repeat the process with new cohorts, integrating feedback and gradually building a vibrant, interactive community.

Q & A

What is the main challenge when starting a new community platform?

The main challenge is the 'chicken and egg' situation, where it's difficult to attract participants to an empty platform. People are less likely to join a community that lacks activity and engagement.

What is the 'Early Adopter Initiative'?

The Early Adopter Initiative is a three-step process designed to kickstart a community by bringing in a small group of trusted individuals who can provide feedback and help create a vibrant environment before opening it to a broader audience.

What are the three key components needed to set up a community platform?

The three key components are: 1) A functional community platform that allows user engagement, 2) A presentation deck to guide discussions and explain the community's vision, and 3) Conversation starters to initiate discussions among participants.

How should one prepare for the initial presentation to the first cohort?

Prepare a presentation deck that outlines the community's vision, the current features of the platform, and how participants can contribute. The presentation should aim to inspire and excite participants about their role in building the community.

What kind of individuals should be invited to the first cohort?

Invite 10 to 20 trusted individuals who are familiar with your vision, such as early customers, friends, colleagues, or industry associates. It's important that these individuals are warm to the idea and can provide constructive feedback.

Why is it important to have conversation starters in place?

Conversation starters are crucial because they help jumpstart discussions among participants. This creates an engaging atmosphere and encourages members to interact and share their thoughts, especially when the community is new and has little activity.

What should be included in the 'call to action' during the initial presentation?

The call to action should encourage participants to introduce themselves and share a fun fact about themselves. This helps break the ice and fosters a sense of community among new members.

How can feedback from the first cohort be utilized?

Feedback from the first cohort can be used to refine the community platform, improve engagement strategies, and adjust content to better meet the needs and interests of the members before expanding the community further.

What is the recommended frequency for inviting new cohorts to the community?

After running the first cohort for about two weeks, it's recommended to invite a second cohort. This helps gradually build momentum and allows for continuous engagement and improvement.

How should one approach the official launch of the community?

After refining the platform and establishing a solid foundation through initial cohorts, prepare to officially launch the community by opening it up to a broader audience, ensuring that it remains engaging and responsive to member needs.