Engagement Should communities focus more on niche or general topics for growth?

[Cedric]

Should communities focus more on niche or general topics for growth? On one hand we have people who despise general / off topic topics on their niche forums. On the other hand, we have people who encourage it because it clearly generates engagement on their community and thus adding value to their community bonding.

So, what’s the right approach? Do niche communities risk stagnating if they don’t loosen up the conversation a little? Or does straying too far from the core topic dilute what makes a community valuable? And where do you stand - do you prefer to keep it focused, or are you all for mixing it up to boost engagement?

 

[Ravenfreak]

I prefer to see niche content, but off topic content isn't bad. Members need a place to talk about things other than your niche at times. Though I really wanted more niche content posted on RPG Haven which is why the off topic section is available to those who make over 10 posts.

 

[InMyOpinion]

I think it really depends on the community and its members! Some niches thrive on staying laser-focused, especially when people join with a clear purpose—like learning a skill or discussing a specialized topic. But if a forum feels too rigid, it can start to feel like work instead of a fun, engaging space.


I’m personally a fan of balance. A little off-topic chatter can be great for community bonding, making the space feel more welcoming and keeping people coming back. But if it overshadows the main niche, it can dilute the identity of the community. The sweet spot is having room for casual engagement while still keeping the niche front and center.

 

[Cpvr]

I think communities should focus on both niche and off topic content. You want to have a balance as off topic posts is where members form a bond and the niche areas is what your forum is all about.

The niche areas will strive just like the off topic areas as long as you focus on both areas.

There isn’t anything wrong with having an active off topic area and I believe community owners should embrace them more. Especially if your goal is to attract more members onto your community. It doesn’t dilute your forum unless you allow it to. Such as, if there’s more off topic forums than your niche areas.

 

[InMyOpinion]

I prefer to see niche content, but off topic content isn't bad. Members need a place to talk about things other than your niche at times. Though I really wanted more niche content posted on RPG Haven which is why the off topic section is available to those who make over 10 posts.

I think a post requirement before allowing members to post in the off-topic section can be a good idea, especially for niche forums. I also like that you reasonable threshold of 10 posts. I think if it was too high it may discourage new members and if it's too low it wouldn't be as effective.

It doesn’t dilute your forum unless you allow it to. Such as, if there’s more off topic forums than your niche areas.

Exactly! It’s all about balance. A little off-topic discussion can help build community, but if general chat starts overshadowing the niche content, that’s when it becomes a problem. Keeping the focus on the niche while allowing just enough general discussion to keep members engaged seems to be the best approach for growth.

 

[Senkusha]

As somebody who operates a more niche forum, I think it's a good idea to have a small section of off-topic or general discussion boards for people to get to know each other better. I'm a multi-faceted person with a variety of hobbies beyond anime and role playing, although my main focus is on these two subjects, sometimes I want to share a new recipe I found, or I just need a space to rant or rave about something.

Of course, when you're just starting out, or don't have anybody contributing to your forum, you can't be too picky about what gets posted... unless it's illegal... or outright SPAM. Then there's a problem! LOL

 

[Uptrendfinancialsignal]

If we focus too narrowly on niche topic there's every possibility that it will lead to stagnation and if we go too far as to having more niche in the community, it might be too overwhelming. It is advisable to do it in moderation and in a way that it will increase engagement.

 

[CTS]

My front page and most other pages are specific as a niche forum. I do feel off-topic areas are equally important and as such I have an area and mechanism that provides that.