In this series of articles, we help community managers build their ultimate community. From understanding the community, establishing a powerful purpose, and measuring benefits. To the practical aspects of content creation, community management, and business integration. We round the series off with a detailed downloadable checklist.
Check back regularly for updates and more bonus community resources
Step 1 - Purpose
We look at community as a concept, examine the role of purpose and give you practical ideas on getting members. Plus a worksheet to help you develop a clear community purpose that will result in a vibrant community.
Step 1-1: What does “Community” really mean?
Step 1-2: Establishing a purpose for your online community
Step 1-3: Twelve ways to get members into your online community
Step 2 - Types & Growth
An introduction to the different types of communities with suggestions for growth ideas. We provide you with an overview of the different customer community platforms available alongside examples of great online brand communities for inspiration. Our downloadable flowchart will help you choose the best community management platform to fit your needs.
Step 2-1: Community types & growth Step
2-2: How to choose the right community platform
Step 2-3: Ten great branded community examples
Step 3 - Benefits & Rewards
Show me the money! And show me the other benefits! From revenue generation to how communities can help other aspects of the company. We also look at the concept of brand first and community first communities and what this means for companies. The cost to revenue worksheet helps you to explore the opportunities to monetise for profit and not for profit communities.
Step 3-1: Five easy ways to monetise your community app
Step 3-2: Is your online community brand or community led
Step 3-3: How to create the ultimate 360 community
Step 4 - Content & Engagement
Understand the core strategies you need to drive engagement and encourage your community to create user-generated content. We’ll also give you a swipe file of where to find content resources for your community.
Step 4-1: What content should you use for your community
Step 4-2: How to encourage user generated content in a community
Step 4-3: Where to find content resources for communities
Step 5 - Member Management
Understanding the types of members that you’ll encounter as your community develops. A crash course in community methodology. Nurturing positive behaviour and a positive community. Plus a community rules worksheet
Step 5-1: Online community structures and members
Step 5-2: What should your community methodology be?
Step 5-3: Ten ways to encourage a positive online community
Step 6 - The Ultimate Launch
Working with Disciple and a checklist of everything you need plus the integration you need to get the maximum benefit out of your community
Step 6-1: What happens after you launch your ultimate community
Step 6-2: Why full integration is vital to branded communities
Step 6-3: The Ultimate Community Resources Page
The Ultimate Community Guide is constant work in progress. Our aim is to provide all the resources and advice you need to build and benefit from your branded community. We’d love to hear suggestions and thoughts on our material. Enjoy creating your ultimate community!
