All the best content creators know that building a community is essential to growing your following. Because going viral is cool, but that’s not what keeps people coming back. It’s taking the time to engage with our followers and build a community around your content. It’s not as easy as it sounds, and there are some guidelines you should follow. In this article, we’re sharing the 10 commandments for building community as a content creator.
The 10 Community Commandments for Content Creators
No matter your niche, your expereince, or your goals, the following 10 commandments will help you create a fun, engaging community. From content strategy to connecting with your followers, the 10 commandments of community building will guide you every step of the way.
Thou Shall Not Create In Isolation 🌟
Think of your content and profile like a new third space or community. Ask questions and invite your followers to do the same. Respond to comments and engage with the people – both on your videos and theirs.
Thou Shall Remember: Community is a Conversation, Not a Broadcast 🌟
Community isn’t speaking at people. Because eventually, if they aren’t able to engage or talk back, they’ll stop listening. Invite them to share their opinions in the comments or allow them to give their feedback. And actually engage with them!
Thou Shall Not Chase Virality at the Expense of Trust 🌟
Going viral can be great. But when all you’re focused on is virality, just trend-hopping, it doesn’t contribute to community building. And if you get one viral moment from a shocking or dishonest video, the community you spend so much time on might crumble.
Thou Shall Show Up Consistently (But Not Perfectly) 🌟
People are looking for human, imperfect content. And they’ll be more drawn to you or interested in your content if you’re habitually posting. Prioritize consistently creating content, and don’t worry about making every video perfect.
Thou Shall Protect the Culture of Thy Space 🌟
The energy in your comment section or Group chat is an extension of you. If you let followers fight, bully, or disrespect each other, people will notice. Set boundaries and intentionally moderate your communities.
Thou Shall Celebrate Thy People 🌟
When people feel appreciated or noticed, they’ll continue to show up. Respond to comments, check out your followers and their content, and even shout them out. They support you, so give some support back.
Thou Shall Not Build on Extraction Alone 🌟
The creators who are only asking for people to follow or like without giving any value don’t have longevity. You have to give something in return. That could be education, laughs, inspiration, or even insight. Do something authentic to earn a like.
Thou Shall Be Clear About What Thou Standest For 🌟
Make your values, your tone, and your perspective visible. Not only will your principles guide you as you create content, but people often seek out creators who are aligned with their interests. And, as some of you may remember from a musical, “if you stand for nothing, what will you fall for?”
Thou Shall Invite Belonging, Not Just Attention 🌟
Community is about more than attention. Find ways to bring your followers into the content. Create inside jokes or rituals. Even using language like “we” and “us” brings your followers in. Make them feel like they belong, like they’re participating.
Thou Shall Play the Long Game 🌟
Communities aren’t built in day one. It takes repeated connections, evolving conversations, and a consistent presence. Don’t be discouraged if your community and platform don’t explode right away. Keep at it, and you’ll find your community.
The 10 commandments for building community all boil down to authenticity and consistent connection. If you’re being yourself and finding ways to engage with your followers too, you’ll grow your community.
Want more ways to build a community? Check out this article on community-building content ideas, and this article on why community is more important than virality. Learn more about being your authentic self on social media in this article.
