Lately we've seen the rise of the “Product Hunt for X” sites. But one thing I realized is that while it's easy to launch sites like this (especially if you use Telescope ;), actually *growing their community* is another matter altogether.
This is why I wrote this short guide by asking some of the most successful community builders I know to share their experience. Hopefully it'll be useful to anybody who's embarking on that journey!
@sachagreif Awesome work Sacha.
Been using Telescope to run http://closingcall.co for the last few months and have to say it's a no-brainer for running a community. It's 100% ready to go out of the box, so you can focus on the community building.
@sachagreif I completely agree that growing and maintaining a healthy community is the toughest aspect. I think this is fueled by the the "if you build it, they will come" mentality that plagues many founders (myself included).
Love the layout of your site and that PDF is also gorgeous (what did you use to make it if you don't mind me asking?). The line up of experts you have is great. @levelsio is def one of my favorites because of Nomad List. Keep it up! **Fist pump**
@irvingtorresyc thanks! I actually just styled the print version using a print stylesheet, and then used Print > Save as PDF to generate the PDF :)
It's not perfect but it works well enough!
(And yeah, I'm a @levelsio fan too. With this I've now launched one project this year, only 11 more to go to catch up!)
@sachagreif It works great. Thanks!
I've actually been following your work for some time. I remember the projects you've done with @nathanbarry for example so you definitely have a few notches in your belt. Seriously, great to see you launching something again.
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@sachagreif just had a quick read. Really well put together. Thank you for this awesome resource.
"But one thing I realized is that while it's easy to launch sites like this (especially if you use Telescope ;), actually *growing their community* is another matter altogether. "
Spot on @sachagreif. Are you familiar with the work of Richard Millington (https://twitter.com/RichMillington), founder of FeverBee (http://www.feverbee.com/)?
Anyone who is curious about the art and science of growing thriving online communities should definitely check out the FeverBee website after reading Brick By Brick. It's a goldmine of actionable advice, detailed case studies, and a methodology that is big on quantifying success.
///I have no affiliation with Richard or Feverbee - just a longtime fan.///
Honestly, this article is about telescope and building a community, but I think getting traction is hard for anything, especially SaaS apps. I've built several 'technical marvels' with a 'build it and they will come' type attitude and it just doesn't work that way. You have to build a community of customers and listen to them, much like this guide is talking about.
Awesome work, @sachagreif and those that contributed (I'm sorry I couldn't carve out the time to help!). As you mentioned, there are several "Product Hunt for X's" that have emerged. Most haven't gained much traction due to little investment in building community.
I wrote about how we seeded the PH community a while ago but the key imho is to invest in building community well before you launch a product. I'll be chatting more about this at @nireyal's Habit Summit in a few weeks.
Also take a peak at @davidspink's CMX Hub for articles, videos, and other resources for community-builders.
@gregoiregilbert
Thanks for doing this @sachagreif
About illustrations, 'engagement' is depicted in a brutal way!
This fish doesn't have good time after it is hooked :)
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Just what I need to read right now for pixelfetch.co . I always knew that building a community of photographers is key to the success of the site. This is looking like it might shine some light on what it takes to build an awesome community.
Was surprised to see there were no female community builders listed on the homepage. There's a ton of amazing women in this space (it's different from other areas of tech) – they just self promote less. :)
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