As a community manager, you probably know that managing a community can be both rewarding and challenging. You’re the one who keeps the community vibrant, engaged, and growing. But with great power comes great responsibility, and there are some common challenges that every community manager faces.
Dealing with difficult people
One of the biggest challenges is dealing with difficult customers. No matter how well-moderated and well-behaved your community is, there will always be a few people who cause trouble. They might be trolls who enjoy causing disruption, or they might be well-intentioned customers who need help understanding the community rules. Either way, it’s up to you to handle the situation and keep the peace.
To overcome this challenge, the key is to have clear rules and guidelines in place. Make sure that your customers know what is and isn’t acceptable behaviour, and enforce those rules consistently. If someone violates the rules, don’t hesitate to take action, whether that means issuing a warning, a temporary ban, or even a permanent ban if necessary. It’s also important to be fair and even-handed in your enforcement, so that your customers know that you’re not playing favourites.
Keeping the community engaged
Another challenge is staying engaged and active. As the community manager, you’re the one who sets the tone for the community. If you’re not active and engaged, the community will likely follow suit. But being active and engaged can be tough for managing both small and large communities. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and burnt out, especially if you’re doing it alone.
To overcome this challenge, it’s important to take care of yourself. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, exercise, and downtime. It’s also a good idea to delegate tasks to other customers or moderators so that you’re not shouldering all the responsibility yourself. And don’t be afraid to take a break if you need to. A little bit of self-care can go a long way in helping you stay active and engaged.
Managing member expectations
In any community, there will be a wide range of expectations and opinions about what the community should be and do. Some customers might want a highly active and engaged community, while others might prefer a more laid-back and relaxed atmosphere. As the community manager, it’s your job to find a balance that works for everyone.
To overcome this challenge, it’s important to communicate with your customers regularly. Let them know what you’re doing to make the community a better place, and ask for their feedback and suggestions. You can also use surveys or polls to gauge the community’s mood and get a sense of what people want. By staying in touch with your customers and responding to their feedback, you can help manage their expectations and keep the community running smoothly.
Managing a community can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.
By staying on top of common challenges, such as dealing with difficult customers, managing expectations, and staying engaged and active, you can keep your community thriving and growing. And remember, a little bit of wit and humour can go a long way in making your job as a community manager a little bit easier.
Need a hand when it comes to overcoming these challenges? Get in touch with us today and see how we can help you build and maintain a thriving community.