Creating “community” is a common buzzword in social media. Lots of brands are setting up Facebook groups, forums, and online communities — only to see them quickly grow stagnant. And yet, some brands have successfully established vibrant, engaging communities — including many long before the Internet. Below are a few lessons we can learn from them.
What to do:
- Create focused communities. A group focused around a central issue or mission will be much more active than a general fan club.
- Offer training and certifications. Use your groups as virtual classrooms for educational training and offer things members can add to their resume.
- Reward participation. Promote your active community members by awarding them leadership roles and credentials.