Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
HOW TO BUILD YOUR NATIONTaking tips from Stephen Colbert and the Colbert Nation to build community among your readers
Presented by :
DB FergusonWebmaster, NoFactZone.net
@dbferguson
XKCD on Community
@dbferguson
What is community?
Community ≠
Audience
Community =
InteractiveConversation
@dbferguson
What makes the Colbert Nation unique?
Focal point is always Stephen Colbert Our name – the Colbert Nation Call to Action Bestowing the “Colbert Bump” Treating the fans with respect and
attention Using the internet to grow the fan base
@dbferguson
Defining your blog
YOUR FOCAL POINT
@dbferguson
Defining your blog
YOUR FOCAL POINT
@dbferguson
YOUR COMMUNITY – Questions to ask
What kind of communities already exist in your niche?
How is your community going to fill a need that is not being met?
What will be the structure of your blog – key defining points and attitudes of content?
What will your community standards be?
What kind of community do you want?
Shiny Happy Community Sad Stressful Community
@dbferguson
Give identity to your community
Naming your community
Colbert Nation
Deadheads
Little MonstersBrowncoats
Clouds
@dbferguson
Define your possible reader base
@dbferguson
Where to find readers
Friends Message boards Official site communities Twitter
Build your own culture
No Fact Zone vocabulary Zoner – A reader/community member of No Fact Zone Completist – Staff member of No Fact Zone Geoffrey why?! – From “Strangers With Candy”, an
exclamation of disbelief or unhappiness *HEADDESK* - Zoner equivalent to *FACEPALM* in Lulz
speak Colboarder – community member of ColbertNation.com
boards *Balloon Drop* - exclamation of happiness or celebration
@dbferguson
Encouraging readers to be active in your community
CALLS TO ACTION
@dbferguson
Why the Nation is so rabid
Hungarian Bridge
Hockey Mascot Wikipedia
Green Screen
Challenge
Lessig Remix
NASA Node 3
INTERACTION!!
@dbferguson
Three words:
MakeIt
Easy!!
Activities for your community
Encourage readers to submit content
Live meetups Blog suggestion
posts Contests Off-topic posts Polls and Surveys Message boards
@dbferguson
Featuring content from your readers and from other blogs
Bump your readers
@dbferguson
Ways to feature readers
Blogroll Guest posts Reaching out to primary sources of news Invite readers to become staff Better Know a Staffer/Reader/Community
Member
@dbferguson
Gratuitous Eye Candy Slide
@dbferguson
Treat your readers with respect and kindness to win their loyalty and devotion
Loyalty Through Kindness
@dbferguson
Connecting with your readers
Social Networking (Twitter/Facebook) E-mail commenters and thank them
Comment Reply Notification plugin Participate in other communities IM with people who have e-mailed you in
Gmail Offer your help to other bloggers/readers
@dbferguson
Using online blogging tools to build your community
THE INTERNET IS YOUR FRIEND
@dbferguson
WORDPRESS TOOLS
Threaded comments Contact forms Social networking plugins Shout Out (Hey!) - Comment Rater plugin Unique and prominent
RSS Feed button Woopra – Trending Topics
@dbferguson
What makes your community unique?
Distinct focal point of blog and direction in your community
Your community name and culture The activities within your community Recognition of readers Treating the readers with respect and
attention Using WordPress tools to grow your
community
