By now you recognize super users, give them meaningful ways to contribute, and you build trust, loyalty and a sense of belonging.
The next principle applies to every part of your community:
Lead by example
Your community wins or loses based on how you, as a community team, live its values. Personal relationships cannot be automated; building an inviting, trusting and healthy community takes constant manual effort.
Users can only give you back what you are willing to put in. You lead by example.
In the long run, users will be loyal to you if you are loyal to them. They will trust you when you prove that you are trustworthy. They will feel that they belong when you make them feel welcome.
Give users the conditions to participate
If you want users to help each other and themselves, give them the information and tools they need. Get to know them so you can connect the right people. The relationship works the other way around, too: when users know you, it is easier for them to connect with you.
Close the loop openly
If you want users to give product feedback, be open about what happens to it and mean what you say. When the relationship feels like a one-way street, motivation fades and fewer users are willing to give you their time.
If you want users to be understanding when something does not work as expected, explain transparently why it is not working. If you want them to advocate for you and your products, be ready to hear honest feedback.
Next step: Apply these principles when your community becomes a trusted place for product experiences and recommendations.