Engagement How do you keep your community engaged during slow periods?

[Cedric]

Every community has several times where you'll encounter slow periods. Slow periods are something we cannot avoid, but they don’t have to be a cause for concern if managed effectively. As a community leader, it’s good to have some strategies in place to keep your members engaged and maintain momentum, even when things slow down. So, how can you encourage participation when activity wanes?

Create Special Events or Challenges​

One way to re-energize your community is by organizing special events or challenges that bring members together. Whether it’s a themed discussion week, a friendly competition, a giveaway or a collaborative event, offering something fresh can draw members back to the platform and get conversations flowing.

Highlight Existing Content​

Sometimes, members simply need a little nudge to re-engage. Slow periods are a great opportunity to shine a light on past discussions, articles, or resources that newer members might have missed. Re-sharing this content can spark interest and lead to new conversations or insights. Don't be afraid to bump old topics. Most people won't notice it's old.

Personal Outreach​

As a leader, reaching out to members individually can work wonders. Whether through personal messages, shoutouts, or recognizing their contributions, a bit of one-on-one interaction reignites interest and make members feel valued. Sometimes, just knowing their presence is missed is enough to bring them back.

Experiment with New Features or Formats​

Use slow periods to test out new content formats or features, such as polls, surveys, or live Q&A sessions. Breathe life into conversations and give members something exciting to look forward to.

Encourage Member-Driven Content​

Consider handing the reins to your members by inviting them to start their own discussions or create content. User-generated content not only encourages participation but also gives members a sense of ownership over the community.

Final Thoughts​

Slow periods don’t have to signal stagnation for your community. With proactive strategies, you can keep engagement high, even when things quiet down.

What tactics have you found most effective for keeping your community active during these slower times? Share your experiences and insights below!