avatarTrisha Dunbar (She/Her)

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="48b8">Here are 5 simple steps to start to build an engaging community…</p><h2 id="020d">1. Make time to network with other writers</h2><p id="5ba8">I am a reader, a really big reader and I have built a routine to check in and read at least 10–20 posts per day on weekdays. I will respond, highlight and clap for what I like. If you have followed me you can guarantee I have checked you out or at least getting round to it.</p><h2 id="2c41">2. Make a list of your favourite writers</h2><p id="3a75">Make a list of your favourite followers and check them out across social media, ensure you are responsive to the posts that interest you. I have used Twitter to do this.</p><h2 id="6c23">3. Write engaging content that starts conversations</h2><p id="4996">Ask questions at the end of your posts to get conversations started or more importantly leave them with a takeaway. For example, what one thing from this list will you start doing more of? When people respond take the time to reply back.</p><h2 id="43ce">4. Thank your Followers</h2><p id="f06b">Write a <a href="https://readmedium.com/how-to-publish-shortform-c059b5fda2d5">short-form post</a> to thank and welcome your newest followers. Acknowledge them and ask them what they would like to read more and less of.</p><h2 id="6754">5. Be Responsive</h2><p id="80e7">If someone has taken the time to write to you write back. Share the work of others and mention in posts the writers that inspire you the most.</p><p id="3f5f">Now here’s the ironic thing, when you start to see people as people and get

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more engagement on your articles in terms of claps and responses your community should start to organically grow. You will also get more enjoyment out of being a writer.</p><h2 id="4174">So, it’s time to stop focusing on follower count and start building a real, engaged community that is not just a meaningless gathering.</h2><p id="e4ca"><a href="https://trishadunbar.medium.com/"><i>© Trisha Dunbar</i></a></p><div id="cc37"><pre>👉 Check out my Lists for writing tips<span class="hljs-built_in"> and </span>challenges, discover other stories,<span class="hljs-keyword"> public</span>ations<span class="hljs-built_in"> and </span>awesome<span class="hljs-built_in"> new </span>writers too 🖤</pre></div><div id="0ccb"><pre>👉 Subscribe <span class="hljs-built_in">to</span> give my stories <span class="hljs-keyword">a</span> <span class="hljs-built_in">new</span> home <span class="hljs-keyword">in</span> your inbox 💌</pre></div><div id="f9c5" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/about-me-trisha-dunbar-she-her-d3286593a717"> <div> <div> <h2>About Me: Trisha Dunbar (She/Her)</h2> <div><h3>Descended from mudlarkers, Gypsies, West Indians, and maritime folk.</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/0*cX3P-h-Q2dlpNVsg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div></article></body>

Stop Focusing on Follower Count and Start Building a Meaningful Online Community

Helping you to build an engaging community of readers

Photo by Adam Jang on Unsplash

I have to say that no matter what platform you are on there seems to be some real obsession with follower count! There seem to be hundreds of articles regarding getting more followers, but by focusing on this metric we will miss out on something far more important — real human interactions.

It’s time to stop seeing people as just numbers and start building a real community. Be grateful for all the followers you have. Be it 5, 500, or 500K. Show real interest in others and engage with your community. If you have large communities you may need to be a little more creative in approach. It may not be possible to respond to all messages. What do others in your community have to offer…

I will be honest numbers are all helpful indicators of progress. They can show you what is working and what isn’t. The problem happens when you become too obsessed with numbers and start ignoring the people that support you.

5 ways to start building a community of readers

Here are 5 simple steps to start to build an engaging community…

1. Make time to network with other writers

I am a reader, a really big reader and I have built a routine to check in and read at least 10–20 posts per day on weekdays. I will respond, highlight and clap for what I like. If you have followed me you can guarantee I have checked you out or at least getting round to it.

2. Make a list of your favourite writers

Make a list of your favourite followers and check them out across social media, ensure you are responsive to the posts that interest you. I have used Twitter to do this.

3. Write engaging content that starts conversations

Ask questions at the end of your posts to get conversations started or more importantly leave them with a takeaway. For example, what one thing from this list will you start doing more of? When people respond take the time to reply back.

4. Thank your Followers

Write a short-form post to thank and welcome your newest followers. Acknowledge them and ask them what they would like to read more and less of.

5. Be Responsive

If someone has taken the time to write to you write back. Share the work of others and mention in posts the writers that inspire you the most.

Now here’s the ironic thing, when you start to see people as people and get more engagement on your articles in terms of claps and responses your community should start to organically grow. You will also get more enjoyment out of being a writer.

So, it’s time to stop focusing on follower count and start building a real, engaged community that is not just a meaningless gathering.

© Trisha Dunbar

👉 Check out my Lists for writing tips and challenges, discover other stories, publications and awesome new writers too 🖤
👉 Subscribe to give my stories a new home in your inbox 💌
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