Back in 2016, Women in Product was just a small LinkedIn group. The idea? To connect and support women in product management. Simple, right? But the reality was anything but. For months, they struggled to gain traction. Posts barely got likes, conversations fizzled out, and finding members felt like yelling into the void.
Fast forward to today: Women in Product is a global movement with over 60,000 members, thriving local chapters, and a reputation for sparking real change in the tech world. So, what changed?
They figured out what so many of us grapple with: running a community is about navigating the chaos that comes with it.
If you’ve ever felt like running a community is more juggling flaming torches than throwing a party, you’re not alone. Let’s unpack every community’s challenges and how others have turned their struggles into success.
1. Finding Members: The Abyss of No Responses
Let’s face it: putting yourself out there is tough. You’ve got a killer idea, a vision for impact, and a catchy name. But when you hit “post,” the response is… crickets. 🦗
This is where communities like Women in Product shine. They didn’t just spam the internet with invites; they built their foundation by asking one key question: What do people need from this space? Their focus on creating niche, meaningful discussions is what drew members in—slowly but surely.
Takeaway: Speak directly to your audience’s pain points. People join communities when they feel seen, not sold to.
2. Keeping Engagement Alive: Silence is LOUD
Picture this: You’ve planned a webinar. The topic is on point, the invites are out, and the RSVP list looks solid. But on event day? Half the attendees vanish, and the group chat goes quiet. Sound familiar?
Even giants like Reddit have been there. Take r/Fitness, for example. Once an all-over-the-place forum, they turned their engagement around with structured weekly threads like “Moronic Monday” and “Flex Friday.” The predictability brought members back and made participation feel effortless.
Takeaway: Engagement is about consistency. Give your members something to look forward to.
3. Generating Income: When Passion Meets Reality
Passion projects are amazing—until you realize they need funding to survive. Many communities hit a wall when making money without compromising their values.
Enter The Quilt, a community for female entrepreneurs. They were struggling to cover costs, let alone thrive until they pivoted to premium programs and intimate paid events. The shift didn’t just bring in income—it deepened member connections and reinforced their value.
Takeaway: Instead of chasing external sponsors, look inward. What unique value can your community offer that people would pay for?
The Big Picture
Building a community is never a straight line. It’s messy, unpredictable, and sometimes downright exhausting. But every challenge is a chance to learn and grow.
Whether you’re figuring out how to recruit members, spark engagement, or make your passion project sustainable, remember: you’re not alone. Even the most successful communities started where you are now.
What About You?
What’s been your biggest challenge in building or managing a community? Let’s swap stories—drop yours in the comments, or DM us if you’d rather share in private.