N Ideologics

The web is dominated by social networking websites, and if there’s one thing that keeps somebody coming back to your website, it just has to be the community aspect. It’s what makes a website a home and anchors oneself to the sea of domain names.

But sometimes we forget the basics. More often than not you find webmasters are busy focusing on what they think could be the next big thing instead of what their community actually needs.

On that note, one thing that has become transparent in my years of developing an online community – never expect the community to know what they need because they aren’t the ones running the community. I’m not suggesting that you ignore your users, but take what they say with a pinch of salt. Instead of reading too far into what they say, spend your time carefully working out what they need in an overall sense.

So, I hear you asking, what do they need? Could it be that fantastic new feature that allows your members to upload multiple images and use them as an animated icon? Or could it be the database optimisations you’re working on that’ll make your pages load 25% faster than they have the past five years?

It could be something very simple - after all, your members have stuck with you for five years, obviously the site speed isn’t as much of an issue as you deem it to be. And that fantastic new feature? They’ve lived without it. So what do your community members really want – or rather, what do they really need?

It’s all a fine balance, and so my list bears little resemblance to an order of importance; that is for you to decide in your own time. But each point should be taken seriously, as it’s more important than any new novelty feature or slight optimisation you could make.

1. Be Open & Honest

People like to know where they stand. It’s important to elaborate on current issues with the server, within the community, even in your personal life in some circumstances (of course, you have to draw the line somewhere).

2. Be Active

People like to know that there is an “upper power” looking after what they consider to be their online home, and when you’re missing in action it doesn’t fare well for the faith from your members. It’s a good idea, in my experience, to make it clear that you are online – either by posting publicly for all to see, or even just having some kind of “online now” feature.

3. If They Ask, Respond

If somebody comes to you and asks a question, they’re coming to you because they see you as an authoritive figure. This is your chance to make an impression that could last – will you reply to their question, or will you leave it for your community to take care of?

4. Set An Example

You are a role model for the rest of your community. What you do gives guidance as to what is acceptable. How many of us actually read the Terms & Conditions? Does anybody even have enough paper to print all that jargon out?