1. Reach out to your friends before starting your server
If you’re starting from zero, even before you create your server, reach out to your friends (preferably those already on Discord) to tell them you’re thinking of starting a server and would love their thoughts.
By asking for opinions early, you enable your friends to get behind you, as they’ll naturally want to see you succeed. Your friends might also help to give you ideas on what type of server they’d like to see you create.
So set yourself a goal of asking for feedback from 50 people in your network. Capture feedback in a doc or spreadsheet and ask follow-up questions.
Keep your contacts in the loop as you build your server, especially if you’ve implemented their suggestions. These members will create a vibe and culture in your server before you open the doors to the general public.
If you’re struggling to find 50 people, spend more time being active in other Discord communities. Focus on forming genuine connections, and then when the time is right, ask them for feedback.
2. Make your Discord server branding memorable
Make a trust-worthy first impression by making your server organized and attractive. The four branding elements include your name, description, icon, and custom emotes. Let’s briefly break them down.
Name
Make your server name short, relevant, and easy to remember. If you’re starting a server for your business, include your company name. For example, famous tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee, better known as MBKHD, has a community Discord with the same name.
Description
Your server description is like a mini-elevator pitch and should give first-time visitors an overview of what your server is about. Keep your description under 100 characters, include relevant keywords (more on that later), and update it regularly to reflect changes in your server.
Avatar
Your avatar provides a quick way for members to identify your server. Use an icon relevant to your subject. Get creative with your avatar by adding text or making a gif.
Custom emotes
Emotes add excitement and personality to conversations. Many members will ask where they can get custom emotes like yours, which is a fantastic way to increase invites. Consider creating custom emotes using a free design tool like Canva.
3. Get creative with your content
You want to turn your server into a true community, the place that feels like a never-ending backyard bbq with your best friends. Easier said than done, right?
There’s no shortcut to this. However, vulnerability is an excellent approach to building trust. For example, you can encourage vulnerability by creating an “embarrassing stories” channel.
You can also take note of what your community is talking about. Are people discussing Extra Terrestrials or Anime? Then create channels for those topics.
4. Promote your most engaged members into moderators
Your moderators are the backbone of your community. They keep the peace, answer questions, and help new members feel welcome.
The best moderators are usually the most engaged members of your community. They’re the ones who are always talking in chat, participating in events, and helping others.
If you’re fortunate to have enthusiastic members, consider promoting them to moderators. Awarding responsibility to others is a great way to show appreciation for their help while creating a team environment.
5. Add your server on server lists
Server lists are like directories for Discord servers and can help you attract new members. There are many server lists on the internet, so it’s essential to choose the right ones to cultivate your community.
The most popular server list is Discord.me. We also recommend top.gg, Discord.io, Discords.com, and Disboard.org.(Disboard has some problems where servers take weeks to get accepted)
Create an account on these sites and add your server. Use your branding and SEO information to make your server stand out. Some of these directories give more exposure to listings with reviews, so ask your members to leave a review to boost your visibility.
How to get more discord members: final thoughts
Discord is an excellent platform for building a community. By following the tips in this guide, your server is set up for success.
Remember to focus on branding, SEO, and events to attract new members and keep them engaged. And using SweepWidget to host giveaways is a powerful way to drive even more excitement and growth on your way to your first 1,000 members.
Happy learning!
!