Lurkers still have value
While getting more lurkers active can be a challenging aspect of online community building, it's important to recognize that they still have value, as they are interested in your community and may be engaging with it by logging in and reading existing discussions.
They feel intimidated/shy/vulnerable
That being said, a successful online community does require a sufficient number of contributing members. If your lurkers aren't contributing, it's important to figure out why. One possibility is that they don't know where to start or feel intimidated, shy, or vulnerable. To address these issues, you can prompt new members to take action, offer guidance and support, and create a separate area for newcomers to ease them into the community.
Your community may be boring
It's not uncommon for some online communities to be a bit dull. Even though someone may join with high hopes and expectations for your community, they may become bored quickly if there's nothing that interests them. Not all members want to participate in every discussion - some are looking for topics they're truly passionate about.
It's important to remember that every member is unique. Some may enjoy lengthy discussions while others prefer quick and informal chats. If you notice that many members aren't getting involved, don't be afraid to reach out to them and ask what topics interest them. Getting to know your members and their needs can help you create a more engaging and personalized experience for everyone.
They haven’t found anything of interest
Another possibility is that they haven't found anything of interest, in which case you can try contacting them to learn more about their interests and cater to their needs. Additionally, negative precedents in the community, such as failed threads or lack of response to contributions, can discourage members from participating. To prevent this, ensure that new discussion topics receive replies and that members feel valued and supported.
They forget
Finally, it's important to recognize that members may simply forget about your community or get distracted by other priorities. Sending community newsletters can be a helpful way to remind members of your online community and encourage them to participate. By addressing these factors and actively encouraging member participation, you can build a thriving and successful online community.
Why aren’t lurkers getting involved in your community and what are you doing to encourage member participation?
