The Ultimate Guide to Community Management
Online communities are becoming one of the most powerful tools for creators, brands, and entrepreneurs. Communities help foster deeper connections, build engagement, and create loyal relationships with audiences. With 88% of surveyed experts agreeing that growing online communities is critical for success, communities are now being launched across all industries.
To give you a head start, we’ve created this ultimate guide to community management. Whether you’re just starting or looking to enhance an existing community, this guide will help you master the art of managing a thriving community.
In This Guide
- The Role of a Community Manager
- Social Media vs. Communities
- How to Become a Community Manager
- Hosting Engaging Virtual Events
- Must-Have Tools for Community Managers
- How to Build and Grow Your Online Community
Understanding Community: What Does It Really Mean?
At its core, community is about bringing people together. It’s not just about growing profits or building emotional connections through marketing; it’s about creating a shared space where:
•Members can interact with each other, not just with the brand.
•Passions and interests are shared and celebrated.
•Members rely on one another for support, feedback, and growth.
A community fosters horizontal interactions, meaning members connect with each other, exchange ideas, and collaborate directly, rather than solely engaging with a central figure or brand.
Most importantly, communities are built around shared goals and interests, led by someone who ensures a positive experience for everyone involved. That’s where community managers come in.
Social Media vs. Communities
It’s easy to confuse social media with online communities. While they share some similarities, they serve different purposes:
Social Media Platforms
- Follow a brand-to-member model, where most engagement is between the brand and its audience.
- Interactions are limited to likes, comments, and shares.
- Member-to-member interactions are rare and difficult to foster, as the platform design prioritizes one-way communication.
Community Platforms
- Focus on member-to-member interactions, enabling direct conversations, collaboration, and shared experiences.
- Allow members to share content, participate in discussions, and engage in horizontal interactions with each other.
- Create an equal space where everyone contributes, making the community feel inclusive and participatory.
Key Takeaway: Social media is about building an audience, while communities are about creating a network of relationships where members interact with and support one another.
The Role of a Community Manager
Community managers act as the bridge between a brand or mission and its audience. Their role is not just to grow the community but to create meaningful experiences for its members.
What Does a Community Manager Do?
- Build Connections: Facilitate interactions between members, not just between members and the brand.
- Encourage Participation: Spotlight and support members, encourage discussions, and keep activities engaging.
- Create Value: Curate content, events, and experiences that add value to the community.
- Moderate Discussions: Ensure a positive, respectful, and inclusive environment for all members.
- Foster Growth: Monitor member engagement, address concerns, and find ways to improve the community experience.
Unlike social media managers who focus on growing followers and engagement for a brand, community managers prioritize fostering member-to-member connections to strengthen the overall sense of community and belonging.
How to Build and Grow Your Online Community
1. Define Your Goals and Mission
Every successful community starts with a clear “why.” Knowing your purpose will help you decide on:
•The structure of your community.
•The type of content and events to offer.
•The tone of voice and branding to use.
💡 Pro Tip: Make your mission clear to potential members. People join communities for a reason—be upfront about the value and benefits they’ll gain.
2. Choose the Right Community Platform
Not all platforms are created equal. Pick one that aligns with your goals and makes it easy to manage your community.
Some popular options include:
•Discord: Great for organized discussions and real-time interactions.
•Locals.org: Perfect for creators looking to build paid memberships and host events.
•Circle: Offers customizable branding and features for small to medium-sized communities.
Hosting Engaging Events
Virtual and IRL events are an essential tool for community engagement. They bring people together, foster real-time interactions, and create a sense of closeness.
Tips for Hosting Great Events:
•Be Prepared: Test your platform and run through your agenda before going live.
•Promote the Event: Send out invites early and create excitement with teasers or incentives.
•Keep It Interactive: Encourage member participation through Q&A sessions, polls, or breakout rooms.
Popular platforms for virtual events include Zoom, Google Meet, and even in-app event tools like Locals.
Must-Have Tools for Community Managers
Managing a community is easier with the right tools. Here are some essentials:
- locals.org: Home for your community and events
- Manychat: For automating instagram DM and comments
- ChatGPT: ai tools for everyday taks from text writing to organising content schedule
- Komi.to : link in bio service
- Kit.com : Email marketing platform
Why Build an Online Community?
Building an online community is one of the best ways to grow your brand or mission. Here’s why:
1.Diversify Your Revenue: Monetize your community through memberships, paid events, or exclusive content.
2.Understand Your Audience Better: Get real-time feedback and insights to improve your offerings.
3.Build Deeper Connections: Foster loyalty by creating meaningful experiences for your members.
4.Expand Your Network: Reach people from all over the world and gain new opportunities.
Start Your Community on Locals.org Today
Ready to create a thriving online community? Locals.org gives you the tools to build, manage, and monetize your community with ease. Whether it’s hosting events, offering paid memberships, or creating engaging content, Locals has everything you need to succeed.
Start building your community today—and turn your passion into impact. 🎉
If you need help, reach out to our support team. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.