Episode #1: Ryan Hoover and David Spinks on Communities
Dec 11, 2017
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Ryan Hoover, founder of Product Hunt, and David Spinks, CEO of CMX Media, dive deep into community building. They explore the differences between online and offline communities, discussing pitfalls and successes. Intriguingly, they highlight the paradox of connectivity in the digital age leading to loneliness. Strategies for creating authentic online spaces that stand out against giants like Reddit are emphasized, including the need for community market fit and mutual support. Their insights on redefining startup success through community-focused models are both timely and thought-provoking.
Building authentic connections within communities fosters unique experiences, enhancing member engagement and loyalty compared to replicated platforms.
Community-driven products leverage the inherent bonds between members to provide a competitive advantage that larger companies struggle to replicate.
Understanding the distinction between communities and community platforms is crucial for maintaining core user values while accommodating growth and new audiences.
Deep dives
The Organic Nature of Great Communities
Communities are often most successful when they develop organically rather than through direct replication of existing platforms. Building a great community requires an authentic connection between its members and the founders, and a focus on unique experiences is essential. For instance, creating an audio-based community could differentiate from text-heavy platforms like Reddit. Attempting to replicate existing successful communities directly can be less effective than fostering unique aspects that resonate with a target audience.
Defensibility Through Community
Communities can provide significant defensibility against larger competitors, as established players may replicate products but struggle to replicate culture and community ties. While big companies like Facebook can create similar features, they cannot duplicate the inherent value that comes with an engaged community. The relationship between community members often fosters a sense of obligation to support one another, enhancing loyalty and retention. Community-driven products can thrive on this connection, providing a distinct advantage in competitive sectors.
Understanding Community Versus Community Platforms
A clear distinction exists between communities and community platforms, with the former focusing on a specific audience and the latter facilitating multiple audiences. Many successful platforms began as niche communities but eventually expanded to accommodate broader user bases. For example, Product Hunt sought to integrate multiple verticals but faced challenges maintaining its original identity and engaging its core users. Exploring the differences in user expectations and creating tailored experiences can lead to more effective community engagement.
The Challenge of Scaling Communities
Scaling communities often presents a unique set of challenges, particularly when initial users no longer feel served by an evolving community. Successful platforms maintain their core values and user expectations while allowing new groups to develop organically. For instance, an initial product-centric community might shift into a utility-based model over time, diminishing the intimate connections formed at the outset. Maintaining the delicate balance between growth and user engagement is crucial to preserving the essence of a community.
The Evolution of Online Connections
As technology continues to shape social interactions, there is a noteworthy trend towards seeking deeper connections and smaller group dynamics over larger networks. People today are increasingly inclined to form intimate discussions in private messaging platforms rather than broad public forums, reflecting a desire for meaningful interactions. Communities that manage to provide a space for authenticity and connection often see strong user engagement as individuals wish to contribute back after deriving personal value. This return to depth in online interactions may signal a broader cultural shift towards more substantive relationships in digital environments.
Ryan Hoover, CEO and founder of Product Hunt and David Spinks, CEO and founder of CMX Media talk all things community with Village co-founder and partner, host Erik Torenberg (@eriktorenberg). They talk about creating a business around a community, the differences between communities online and in real life, the pitfalls that have befallen some online communities and how to keep a company focused on its community as it expands.
Ryan Hoover (@rrhoover) is founder of Product Hunt (sold to AngelList) and investor at Weekend Fund. He was formerly an EIR at Tradecraft and has also written over 150 essays, many of which have been featured in TechCrunch, Forbes, Pando, Fast Company and The Next Web.
David Spinks (@davidspinks) is founder and CEO of CMX Media and above all else, seeks to help and empower community builders. He's been studying and building online communities since he was 13 years old. Before CMX, David co-founded an online cooking school called Feast (part of 500 Startups) and BlogDash, a platform to help businesses with blogger outreach.
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