Onboarding in Online Communities
3' read.
Introduction
In online communities, the role of management, particularly in the aspect of onboarding, plays a pivotal role in shaping the dynamics of digital interaction. A recent study dives into this phenomenon, examining how structured management activities can significantly alter the network structure of online communities.
Understanding the Study's Premise
The research paper "Online Community Management as Social Network Design" by Cottica, Melançon, and Renoust (2017) proposes a novel perspective: effective community management, especially during onboarding, leaves a distinct signature on the community's network structure. This deviation from the normative power law distribution in online networks is hypothesized to be a marker of successful community management.
Delving deeper into this concept, the study reveals that such a deviation signifies a more uniform distribution of engagement among community members. This starkly contrasts the traditional power law distribution, where a few users dominate the majority of the interaction. This pattern shift suggests that effective onboarding and management strategies lead to a healthier, more inclusive community environment. It highlights the crucial role of community managers in not only welcoming new members but also in nurturing an equitable platform for interaction, thereby creating a balanced and thriving online community.
Methodology and Approach
To validate this hypothesis, the study utilizes a blend of empirical data analysis and simulation modeling. This approach allows for a comprehensive examination of the impact of onboarding strategies on the social network structure of online communities.
Key Findings and Observations
The results are telling. Communities with active management strategies differ significantly from the expected power law distribution. This anomaly is attributed to the structured onboarding processes, which foster a more inclusive and interconnected community network.
Interaction networks of three small online communities. Innovatori PA (left) does not have an onboarding policy in place, whereas the two others do (Edgeryders: center, Matera: right).
Implications and Applications
The study’s findings have far-reaching implications. Understanding how management activities influence online communities can aid in designing more effective engagement strategies. This insight is invaluable for community managers, social media strategists, and digital platform designers seeking to cultivate vibrant and sustainable online ecosystems.
Here are several strategies you can employ:
1. Welcome Messages: Personalize the experience with welcome messages. This can be automated but should feel warm and inviting, perhaps including a brief introduction to the community and its values.
2. Introduction Threads: Encourage new members to introduce themselves in a dedicated thread. This helps in creating a sense of belonging and allows existing members to welcome the newcomers.
3. Guided Tours: Offer a virtual tour of the online platform, highlighting key features and how to use them. This can be in the form of video tutorials, interactive guides, or simple step-by-step instructions.
4. Ice-Breaker Activities: Organize online ice-breaker activities or games once in a while. This can be something simple like sharing a fun fact about themselves or more interactive games relevant to the community’s interests.
5. Mentorship Programs: Pair new members with more experienced community members. This mentor-mentee relationship can help new members feel more connected and supported.
6. Q&A Sessions: Host live Q&A sessions or just a thread where new members can ask questions and get immediate responses, either from community leaders or from other members.
7. Engagement Incentives: Provide incentives for engagement, like badges, special status, or rewards for completing certain actions within the community.
8. Feedback Opportunities: Give new members a chance to provide feedback on their onboarding experience. This not only helps them feel heard but also provides valuable insights for improving the process.
9. Regular Check-ins: Have regular check-ins or follow-up messages to see how the new members are doing and if they need any assistance.
10. Community Guidelines: Make sure to clearly communicate the community guidelines and expectations to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all members.
Remember, the key to successful onboarding is making new members feel welcomed, valued, and part of the community. Tailoring these strategies to fit the unique culture and needs of your community will yield the best results.
How to Build a Vibrant Community
In today's world, the essence of community extends beyond traditional definitions, influencing numerous aspects of our daily lives, both online and in person. Such communities often become thriving centers of inspiration and cooperation, distinguished by their high level of engagement and motivation. They provide a unique platform where individuals can …
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study sheds light on the often-underestimated power of community management in shaping the digital social landscape. It underscores the need for thoughtful and strategic onboarding processes to foster robust and dynamic online communities. As we delve deeper into the digital age, such insights become crucial in guiding the evolution of our online interactions and communities.
References
Cottica, A., Melançon, G., & Renoust, B. (2017). Online community management as social network design: Testing for the signature of management activities in online communities. Applied Network Science, 2(1), 1-22. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41109-017-0049-9