Growing an online community is not much different from growing an online business. Rallying people around a shared mission and engaging them fruitfully is the key to success. However, over the past few years, “growth hacks” have taken center stage, which have led to people building online communities and businesses on shaky grounds.
Unlike artificial growth strategies, organic growth is vital for building authentic, long-lasting, and vibrant communities. It’s about nurturing an environment where members actively contribute, engage, and grow together, creating a strong foundation for the community’s future.
Defining Organic Growth in Web3
Organic growth in web3 and blockchain communities refers to natural, member-driven development. It contrasts with inorganic methods like paid promotions or artificial incentives, which lead to transient engagement. Organic growth focuses on building a community from the ground up, where each member's contribution is valued and integral to the community's evolution. This approach ensures a more engaged, loyal, and active community, setting the stage for lasting success and relevance.
Key Elements of Organic Community Growth
Authenticity
Genuine interactions and authentic content are the heartbeats of organic growth. Communities that foster trust among members and encourage authentic sharing see higher engagement and loyalty.
Member Engagement
Active participation by members in discussions, decision-making, and community activities is crucial. The goal is to establish a feeling of belonging and ownership among community members. Members must feel like their opinions count.
Value Creation
Providing value to members, whether through knowledge, resources, or networking opportunities, is key to retaining and attracting new members organically. Using tools such as perpetual campaigns to reward members is shown to help in organic community growth.
A Three-Pronged Strategy for Organic Growth
a) Encourage Community Collaboration and Contribution
Cultivating an environment where members can collaborate and contribute to community projects or discussions is essential. This approach not only harnesses the collective intelligence of the community but also deepens members' investment in the community's success. Get your members to discuss key community decisions and set up contribution pathways accordingly.
b) Leveraging Decentralized Technologies for Community Empowerment
Making use of concepts such as DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations) empowers members by giving them a voice in governance and decision-making. This sense of empowerment encourages active and sustained participation. If the DAO structure is too far-fetched for you, you can try tools such as Snapshot or implement a simple reaction-based system for your community to further empower your community members.
c) Providing Educational Resources and Support
Offering educational resources and support, especially for newcomers to the blockchain space, helps in building an informed and engaged community. This could include tutorials, webinars, and mentorship programs. Premia Finance, a decentralized options platform, runs an academy where users can learn more about options trading. They have bolstered the strength and attractiveness of their academy program by layering Rep3’s onchain incentives on top of their course modules.
The Future of Community Building in Web3
The future of community building in web3 is likely to see even greater emphasis on organic growth strategies. As the blockchain space matures, the value of authentic, member-driven communities becomes increasingly clear.
Challenges will persist, especially in maintaining engagement and adapting to the evolving needs of community members. However, the focus will remain on creating environments where members feel valued, empowered, and part of something bigger than themselves.
In conclusion, and at the risk of being repetitive, we would like to state say that future of vibrant and active blockchain communities lies in fostering organic growth. By prioritizing authenticity, member engagement, and value creation, and employing strategies that nurture collaboration, empowerment, and education, communities can start realizing their true potential.
Thinking about building a custom organic growth strategy for your community? Hop on a quick 15m call with us and get a community strategy audit for free.