Nika

Friendly community management tips for building a strong community (not only on PH)

I see this platform succeeding in moderating discussions and communities in general. When the platform succeeds, individuals succeed too (and vice versa).


I believe that everyone can make friends here and contribute to a strong, supportive community. 🙂


That’s why I’d like to share a few friendly tips that can be applied not only to Product Hunt.

You can benefit from that in the long run, across multiple platforms.


Here you are:

  • Give more than you take – proactively comment on other people’s posts, but not vaguely.

  • Leave (constructive) feedback – specifically on PH, you can give suggestions on launches for improvements.

  • Introduce yourself – on Product Hunt, for example, via the Introduce Yourself forum.

  • Be polite – (if a rude tone of communication is not part of your brand), be nice to people. (I know it can be hard sometimes).

  • Interact with the internal team – you will get the most information from within the environment, so build communication on the “internal” front as well.

  • Be inspired by the best community managers – the way they communicate, interact with people, and what activities they do. Learn from the best.

  • Have a crisis plan ready – prepare for unpleasant model situations (e.g. confrontations and how to react).

  • Build trust – a well-filled profile, presence on other platforms, participation in active events, e.g. offline, video conferences.

  • Write about topics you are interested in – you can offer more value when you are familiar with the issue.

  • And last but not least, do it in a way you enjoy – if you do it insincerely, it won't be sustainable.


If you have additional advice on community management, I would be grateful if you would post it publicly here for everyone.

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Eljo Prifti

@busmark_w_nika Great tips! I would add one more thing: show up daily and stay connected with the community - it makes a difference.

Nika

@eljo_prifti Exactly what I have been doing for over 800 days. Thanks for mentioning consistency.

Eljo Prifti
@busmark_w_nika I see that you have more than 800 days here, congratulations 🎊
Davit Mkrtchyan

Wow, I just recently started using this platform, and already love your content! Definitely, consistence will bring cumulative effects, even if you don't notice it right away. I am not talking about ignoring feedback, and doing same thing over and over again, but always move iteratively, listen to feedback, and grow your audience. Consistency and trust will make 70% of result

Nika

@davit_mkrtchyan Trust is a game-changer. Tho I do not expose myself as I wish (it could be better), I am one of the first points where they refer their problems. Sometimes I feel like a therapist. 😀

Olga Aleksiutovich

The only thing I should add to this list is to be patient, building a community may take your months or even years (@busmark_w_nika knows better for sure here), but this effect is worth investing your time in.

Nika

@theonebroker Valid point, thanks, Olga. I have been here 2+ years constantly every day, and it feels like I am never done. :)