How to Grow Your NFT Community in 2024 (With Examples)
In this article, I’ll show you how to grow your NFT community in 2024 using the best strategies and examples from successful projects.
You can build an NFT community by defining a clear vision, embracing platforms like Discord, and creating exclusive content.
You should also drive participation through contests and events, partnering with influencers, being transparent, and offering membership perks.
A thriving community is the foundation of every successful NFT project. As an NFT creator, you need an engaged community to promote adoption, provide feedback, and add credibility to your project.
But growing a community isn’t easy. It takes dedication over time.
So, to help you build an NFT community in 2024, here’s what I’ll show you:
What Is the Most Important Trait of a Successful NFT Community?
Active engagement is the key trait in a successful NFT community. It’s not just about having a large audience. You need active participants who contribute to and participate in your project to leverage the full potential of your community.
There are several other important traits that I’ve noticed are common to the majority of successful NFT communities. They include:
- Inclusivity
- Supportive Culture
- Communication
- Shared Values
- Trust and Credibility, and
- Long-Term Sustainability.
How to Build an NFT Community Step by Step
Building a thriving NFT community is a structured endeavor that unfolds over different phases, each crucial for the sustained growth and engagement of the community.
Here’s a succinct step-by-step outline to guide you through this process:
- Establish a Strong Online Presence: Engage on social platforms where your target audience resides, direct traffic to community platforms like Discord or Telegram, and share engaging content that narrates your NFT project’s story.
- Promote Your Community: Collaborate with influencers and host exclusive events, engage in partnerships with other NFT projects or platforms, and utilize paid advertising and PR outreach for broader visibility.
- Build a Loyalty-Driven Community before Launch: Clearly communicate your project’s vision and values, offer exclusive benefits and rewards to early supporters, and foster a sense of ownership through community input and recognition.
- Build Your Community Post Launch: Deliver on pre-launch promises and continue adding value, support community-led initiatives and collaborations, and explore branching into traditional business ventures for added benefits to NFT holders.
How to Establish a Strong Online Presence
Building a robust online presence is pivotal in the journey of creating and nurturing your NFT community. Being where your target audience is, engaging them with relevant content, and then funneling this engagement into community platforms is a streamlined approach to establishing an online presence.
Here’s how to go about it:
Be Where Your Audience Is
Your target audience is likely to hang out on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and Reddit. Establishing a presence on these platforms enables you to interact with potential community members right where they are.
- TikTok and YouTube: Create entertaining and informative videos that tell the story of your NFT project or explore recent trends that resonate with your community.
- Twitter and Instagram: Share updates, memes, and visuals that reflect the ethos of your community, and engage with followers through comments and direct messages.
- Reddit: Participate in discussions, share your content, and engage with the NFT and broader crypto communities.
Direct Traffic to Community Platforms
Once you’ve garnered attention and interest on social platforms, direct this traffic to community-focused platforms where deeper engagement can occur.
- Discord: Create channels for various discussions, updates, and support, fostering a space for community interaction and support.
- Telegram: Establish a group for real-time chat, updates, and more informal discussions.
Craft Engaging Content
Creating a blend of entertaining and educational content around your NFT story and recent trends can keep your audience engaged and informed.
- Trending Content: Jump on recent trends, creating memes or videos that pass down your community vibes.
- Educational Content: Occasionally craft content based on new trends that align with your community and NFT project to educate your audience.
Stay Top of Mind with Email Newsletters
Regular updates via email can help keep your community engaged, informed, and foster a sense of belonging.
- Share updates on your NFT project, upcoming community events, and curated content that adds value to your community members.
Monitor Growth through Analytics
Understanding the growth and engagement metrics of your online presence is crucial for making informed decisions.
- Utilize platform-specific analytics to monitor engagement metrics on your social media platforms.
- Collect feedback from your community to continuously improve your strategies.
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How to Grow Your NFT Community
Effective promotion of your NFT community goes beyond establishing an online presence. It involves targeted strategies to create awareness, generate interest, and attract members to your community.
Here are tailored approaches to growing your NFT community:
Engage with Influencers and Thought Leaders
- Collaborations: Partner with influencers and thought leaders in the NFT and blockchain space for joint content creation or community events.
- Influencer Spotlights: Host influencers in AMAs (Ask Me Anything) or feature interviews to bring their audience into your community.
Host Exclusive Events and NFT Drops
- Exclusive Access: Offer early or exclusive access to new NFT drops or community events to create buzz and incentivize joining your community.
- Virtual Launch Events: Host virtual events around major releases or milestones, creating anticipation and engagement.
Further Reading:
What does NFT drop mean – NFT drops explained
Partner with Other NFT Projects or Platforms
- Cross-Promotions: Collaborate with other NFT projects or platforms for mutual promotion, sharing each other’s communities and reach.
- Joint Events or Drops: Organize joint events or NFT drops with partnering projects to leverage each other’s audiences.
Utilize Paid Advertising Campaigns
- Targeted Advertising: Run targeted advertising campaigns on platforms relevant to your audience to promote your community and NFT project.
- Retargeting Campaigns: Utilize retargeting ads to re-engage individuals who have interacted with your content or community.
Engage in PR and Media Outreach for Social Proof
- Press Releases: Issue press releases around significant project milestones or events, targeting crypto and NFT-focused publications.
- Media Pitches: Pitch story ideas related to your project or the broader NFT space to journalists and editors in relevant publications.
Encourage Community Referrals
- Referral Programs: Implement referral programs that reward community members for bringing in new members.
- Community Contests: Organize contests with prizes for members who promote the community or contribute to its growth.
Seek Speaking Opportunities
- Industry Conferences: Seek speaking opportunities at NFT and crypto conferences to share your project’s vision and invite attendees to join your community.
- Webinar Host: Offer to host webinars or participate in panel discussions to showcase your project and community.
Monitor and Optimize Promotional Efforts
- Analytics: Use analytics to track the effectiveness of your promotional efforts, understanding which channels and strategies are driving the most engagement and growth.
- Feedback Loops: Establish feedback loops with your community to understand what promotional activities resonate most and adjust your strategies accordingly.
Building a Loyalty-Driven Community Prelaunch
Creating a loyalty-driven community is central to the long-term success and sustainability of your NFT project.
A loyal community not only supports your project during its ups and downs but also actively contributes to its growth and development.
Below are key strategies to foster loyalty within your NFT community:
Define and Communicate Your Vision
- Clear Vision: Clearly define and communicate the vision, mission, roadmap, and values of your NFT project.
- Alignment: Ensure your community members align with and are excited about your vision.
Create Value and Exclusivity
- Exclusive Benefits: Offer exclusive benefits such as early access to new NFT drops, special discounts, or unique digital and physical merchandise to reward loyal community members.
- Membership Tiers: Consider creating membership tiers with increasing benefits to incentivize loyalty and long-term engagement.
Foster a Sense of Ownership
- Community Input: Allow community members to have a say in major decisions, or contribute to the project in meaningful ways.
- Recognition: Recognize and celebrate the contributions of community members to foster a sense of ownership and belonging.
Build Trust through Transparency
- Open Communication: Maintain open and honest communication with your community, especially during challenging times.
- Regular Updates: Provide regular updates on the progress of your project, upcoming events, and answer community questions in a timely manner.
Encourage Community Interactions
- Community Events: Host regular community events, AMAs (Ask Me Anything), and other interactive sessions to foster connections among community members.
- Discussion Platforms: Utilize platforms like Discord or Telegram to facilitate discussions, share updates, and support community interactions.
Reward Long-Term Engagement
- Loyalty Programs: Implement loyalty programs to reward long-term engagement, such as special badges, exclusive content, or other perks for loyal community members.
- Community Contests: Organize contests and competitions with attractive rewards to keep the community engaged and motivated.
Provide Educational Resources
- Educational Content: Create and share educational content to help community members better understand your project, the NFT space, and the value of their involvement.
- Learning Events: Host webinars, workshops, or tutorial sessions to educate your community on relevant topics.
Nurture Community Advocates
- Advocate Programs: Identify and nurture community advocates who passionately support and promote your project.
- Empowerment: Empower these advocates with the necessary tools and information to effectively promote the community and bring in new members.
Monitor and Adapt to Community Feedback
- Feedback Channels: Establish channels for collecting feedback and actively seek community input to continually improve.
- Responsive Actions: Show that you value community feedback by acting on it and making necessary adjustments to better serve your community.
Building a loyalty-driven community is a dynamic and ongoing process. By implementing these strategies, you can foster a culture of loyalty, engagement, and co-creation that propels your NFT project to long-term success and creates a vibrant community ecosystem.
How to Build an NFT Community Post-Launch
Engaging and growing your community post-launch is pivotal for the continued success of your NFT project.
The emphasis should be on delivering value, enabling community members to derive more from their NFT holdings, and fostering a thriving ecosystem around your project.
Here are strategic steps and initiatives tailored towards a customer-loyalty approach:
Deliver on Promises and Extend Value
- Fulfill Commitments: Ensure all pre-launch promises are fulfilled to build trust and credibility within the community.
- Value Addition: Introduce mechanisms for community members to earn more from their NFTs, like IP right ownerships or revenue-sharing models.
Foster Community-Led Initiatives
- Community Projects: Encourage and support community members in initiating projects that add value to the ecosystem.
- Collaboration Platforms: Create platforms or forums where community members can collaborate on initiatives, share ideas, and contribute to the project’s growth.
Branch Out to Traditional Business Ventures
- Diversified Ventures: Explore branching out into traditional business ventures that can provide returns for NFT holders, similar to how Pudgy Penguins launched Pudgy Toys.
- Revenue Sharing: Establish revenue-sharing models where returns from these ventures are distributed among NFT holders.
On this day, Web3 enters a Brave New World.
— Pudgy Penguins (@pudgypenguins) September 26, 2023
Pudgy Toys, with Pudgy World, are now available in 2,000 Walmarts in the USA. pic.twitter.com/UP8npUxCr3
Collaborate with Other Projects
- Strategic Collaborations: Engage in collaborations with other NFT projects or platforms that provide mutual benefits and add value to your community members.
- Cross-Promotions: Run cross-promotions to expose your community to new opportunities and bring in fresh perspectives.
Encourage Education and Participation
- Educational Resources: Provide resources and educational content to help community members understand new features, collaborations, or business ventures associated with the project.
- Interactive Sessions: Host interactive sessions to discuss new developments and gather feedback from the community.
Explore New Collection Launches Wisely
- Community-Centric Launches: If necessary, launch new collections with the aim of onboarding new members and providing additional value to existing members. Ensure these launches are in the best interest of the community and not merely for profit.
Celebrate Achievements and Milestones
- Community Celebrations: Celebrate significant milestones, successful collaborations, and other achievements together with your community to foster a sense of belonging and pride.
Monitor and Adapt to Community Feedback
- Feedback Channels: Establish channels for collecting feedback to understand community satisfaction and areas of improvement.
- Responsive Adjustments: Adapt your strategies based on feedback to ensure the community continues to receive value and feel valued.
Maintain Open Communication
- Regular Updates: Keep the community informed about new developments, collaborations, and how these efforts contribute to the overall value proposition for NFT holders.
Case Studies of Successful NFT Communities
To gain further inspiration, let’s look at a few successful NFT communities and their growth strategies:
1. Bored Ape Yacht Club: Growing an NFT Community through Exclusivity and Active Engagement
Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) shows the profound impact of blending a unique NFT collection with an exclusive owners’ club and granting IP (intellectual property) ownership rights to its members. This approach created a strong sense of belonging and opened up diverse avenues for creative monetization and engagement.
Strategies and Results:
Engagement Channels:
Utilizing platforms like Discord for real-time engagement and organizing physical gatherings nurtured a vibrant community.
Strategic Partnerships:
Collaborating with brands like A BATHING APE, integrating streetwear with Web3, and potentially opening up a new community of fashion enthusiasts.
They also partnered with other entities that allowed for the monetization and expansion of BAYC’s IPs.
Individual Monetization:
BAYC holders monetized their NFTs by opening theme-based restaurants, making music videos, launching products, and even forming a virtual band that signed with Universal Music Group.
Community Monetization:
Major IP holders collaborated to launch new NFT projects, showcasing the potential for community-driven monetization initiatives.
2. CryptoPunks: Nurturing a Robust NFT Community through Innovative Strategies and Notable Events
CryptoPunks did a great job of building a community around the collection. They combined early grassroots involvement, creative launch strategies, and clever use of trends to create a strong, active community.
Here’s how they went about it:
Strategies and Results:
Early Community Involvement:
Created a small, close-knit community on Discord called “Punks TV” for daily interactions, like a neighborhood cafe. CryptoPunks grew as the NFT area did, with early closeness seen as real community-building.
Innovative Launch:
CryptoPunks’ 2017 launch plan let anyone claim a CryptoPunk for free, making interest and community buildup.
Unique Artistic and Technical Value:
CryptoPunks brought artistic and technical value with its 10,000 randomly generated 8-bit pixel art characters with unique traits.
The 1970s London punk scene and cyberpunk inspired a group of collectors and fans.
Marketplace Creation:
The development of dedicated marketplaces like CryptoPunks.eth gave a platform for fans to trade and interact, encouraging a stronger community.
Major Sales and Endorsements:
Large auction sales and endorsements like Visa’s purchase of a CryptoPunk raised the project’s profile, bringing in more community members and increasing daily sales.
Docuseries and community roundtables
like “Punks As Told By CryptoPunks,” explored CryptoPunks’ history, values, and impact, encouraging community growth and involvement.
Financial Milestone:
Going past $100M in total loan amount on NFTfi highlighted the community’s financial involvement and trust in the project’s long-term value.
3. Pudgy Penguins: Building a Strong NFT Community through Innovative Products and Community Empowerment
The Pudgy Penguins NFT project’s creative offerings, big licensing deals, and focus on member input have made it a lively online community. These smart moves have brought more people into the Pudgy Penguins community and made it a well-known brand in Web3.
Pudgy Penguins has created a unique, enjoyable ecosystem for NFT fans and regular people. They did this by combining the appeal of owning a digital collectible with real-world products.
Strategies and Results:
Innovative Products and Experiences:
Offered live events, content creation, NFT-based monetization, and Pudgy Penguins-branded toys, books, and merchandise.
Major Licensing Opportunities:
Pioneered in offering major licensing opportunities to holders, positioning Pudgy Penguins as one of the first Web3 brands to do so.
Community Empowerment:
Built brand awareness and established Pudgy Penguins as a Web3 leader by empowering communities and ensuring seamless onboarding.
Social Media Engagement:
Introduced Web3 IP to a wider audience and built an inclusive community with over 3 billion GIF views and 500,000 Instagram followers.
Physical Merchandise:
Released a toyline, Pudgy Toys, bringing Web3 IP and blockchain technology into everyday consumers’ homes, promoting the brand to a wider audience.
Community-Driven Brand:
Embraced creative ideas and collaborations, positioning Pudgy Penguins as a community-driven brand that redefines digital asset IP and builds a unique and engaging community.
Tight-Knit Community and IP Utilization:
Led the way in creating a culture of tight-knit community and IP utilization, which has been key to the growth in the Web3 space around Pudgy Penguins.
Accessible IP for Everyday Consumers:
Made IP accessible for everyday consumers globally, not just crypto-natives, as a part of building a strong community and a mass-adoptable brand.
Why Are Communities Important in NFTs?
Having a strong community for your NFT project would increase its value and credibility, attracting new participants. Here are some additional reasons why communities are an essential part of the NFT ecosystem:
It helps in fostering support and engagement
Creating a community for your NFT project provides a valuable space for creators, collectors, and enthusiasts to connect and engage. A strong community can help you garner support and enthusiasm for your project. Additionally, community members, when managed effectively, can become ambassadors who promote your NFTs and actively participate in events.
It creates a sense of belonging among your audience.
Tribe mentality is a human tendency that most successful NFT artists exploit when building communities. Take, for example, the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC), which created an exclusive community for NFT holders.
Having a warm and inclusive environment fosters a sense of belonging, loyalty, and active participation, resulting in a vibrant and connected community.
It gives your project more value and credibility.
The community behind an NFT project is crucial metric potential buyers use to assess the value of the project. An active and engaged community creates a positive perception among NFT collectors and enthusiasts. Additionally, a strong community adds credibility to your project, demonstrating trust and validation from a collective group of individuals.
It serves as a platform to get quality feedback about your project
An NFT community is a gold mine for valuable feedback and insights, which you can extract with the right engagement. One creative way you can do this is by involving your audience in the development process of your project. This collaboration will give the creator useful feedback that can help you align your project with their needs and preferences.
Conclusion
Knowing how to grow your NFT community in 2024 and beyond is vital for the long-term viability of your NFT project. By defining your vision, creating compelling content, fostering participation, and engaging with existing communities, you can cultivate an inspiring NFT community.
Additionally, take inspiration from successful projects such as Pudgy Penguins and CryptoPunks, adapting their strategies to suit your unique needs.
Remember, community building requires dedication and time, but the rewards are immense in the dynamic and ever-evolving world of NFTs.
