We have seen many communities arise of course over the past few decades on social media. However, when it comes to 2019, they seem to be more popular than ever. Why is this the case?
However, can communities serve as the new “next move” for social media professionals? We are seeing how people are gravitating more towards groups (especially on Facebook) compared to connecting with others in regular newsfeeds. For Facebook, some say that the reason for this change is due to the platform’s algorithm changes, but then there are others who say they are coming together for a common purpose, interest, or need.
How do I go about in creating a community? Here are some best practices I have learned over the past few years in managing several communities.
Some of these were based on my social media classes (ex. each social media class had their own designated hashtag so they can keep this community once they finished the class – and come together after they graduate w/ #FrebergAlums), and then there is one I created and started for social media professors called #SMprofs.
There are a ton of benefits in creating, managing and building a community. However, communities do not form overnight and there are certain things to consider ahead of creating one:
First, determine if there is a need for a community. That’s important to keep in mind. You do not want to create a community just for the sake of creating a community. There has to be a reason and rationale for why you want to gather people here.
This is what happened when I created the SMprofs group – it actually started from a research project where a professor said they wished there was a place where social media professors could share resources, ideas, and ask questions. At the time, there really wasn’t a place were we could all come together.
Light bulb went off in October 2016, and the rest was history! We are now at over 1k members and continue to grow.
Figure out what people are looking for that the community can offer. There has to be a reason for why you want people to come together online and on a social media platform. What are some things you can offer to your community that is not available elsewhere?
These are some things to consider and be aware of. This can come from asking people what they are looking for, what is missing from the communities they are a part of, and what are some things that can be addressed in your community.
Understand managing a community does take time. Especially if you are in a very active community! You want to of course be present and engaged – you do not want to build a community and then abandon it. That doesn’t help anyone.
However, you do not want to be too focused on what you are doing to overtake the conversation and not let others participate and share. It’s all about having balance and seeing what works and what doesn’t.
One thing that is good about the feature for Facebook Groups is you are able to gather some insights from the group in terms of 1) how active the group is, 2) who are the most engaged members, 3) which posts create the most responses from the group and 4) member analysis based on activity.
Be open to opportunities from community. If your community is successful, it will start to get some notice from others. This means it can bring forth some great opportunities, exclusives, and experiences you may have never thought of!
From the SMprofs group, we have had a chance to get the following opportunities:
- Exclusive deals for educator conferences;
- News on new certification updates and changes
- Collaborations on industry related projects
- Updates on new educator specific events
Keep in mind, a community is not based on one person. Community belongs to everyone, as it should be. Not one person “owns” a community or group.
You can be someone who starts it, but it needs to be accessible for everyone to have the opportunity to contribute, share, and discuss interests pertaining to the group.
It’s important to make sure everyone feels welcome and they have an active role in helping grow the community as well.
Setting some ground rules and list of expectations. Culture within a community is critical – and this sometimes starts with you (if you are the administrator or creator for the community). This calls for transparency and setting up your expectations for the group up front.
One thing I have done for the SMprofs group is have several questions for people to answer to give me an idea of what their overall goals are for the group, and where they are coming in from. I highly recommend this because even on Facebook, there are a lot of spam accounts that try to get into groups.
Overall, I think communities are going to be a more dominant factor for social media professionals today.
Let me know what you think and if you have any questions!
Have a great day!
Best Wishes,
