A Guide to Curation in Community: Unlocking Value for Members and Community Builders

A Guide to Curation in Community: Unlocking Value for Members and Community Builders

Curating content within a community is more than just creating a resource for members to access. It is a powerful exercise that brings immense value to both the community builder and its members. While the value for members is clear - the ability to access trusted and hand-picked information quickly - the true value for community builders lies in the act of curation itself.

When we curate, we are forced to process and understand the content our members are sharing. It becomes an opportunity for us to learn and gain a deeper understanding of the community we serve. As we sift through the vast amount of information, new ideas often emerge and spread. This allows us to not only expand our knowledge but also share these insights with our community, fostering growth and engagement.

However, community curation should never be solely for the benefit of members. It is equally important for community builders to find value in the content they curate. Before saving anything, ask yourself if it is worth saving. By making this evaluation, you are deciding whether something is truly valuable. Remember, if everything is special, then nothing is special. Be selective in what you save and share, ensuring that it truly adds value to your community.

The power of curation lies not only in the repository of information but also in the ability to connect the dots. A curated collection of resources can be helpful for anyone in a business, but it is the ability to make connections and provide insights that truly sets community curation apart. As a community builder, your role is to help your people - not just your members, but potentially every employee in your company. By curating content that is relevant and insightful, you can bridge gaps, foster collaboration, and ultimately drive success within your community.

Let's take a look at a real-life example of effective curation - Pinterest. In a recent interview with CNN Business, CEO Ben Silbermann emphasized that Pinterest is not about following the news or celebrities. Instead, it is about personal interests and productivity. This unique approach has resonated with its user base, with two-thirds of Pinterest users being women. The platform has become a go-to resource for "eight out of 10 moms" in the US, who are often the primary decision-makers when it comes to buying products and services for their household.

Pinterest's success can be attributed to its curation model, where users can create boards and save content that aligns with their personal interests. This curated content not only serves as a source of inspiration but also provides valuable recommendations and ideas. By focusing on personal interests and productivity, Pinterest has tapped into a niche market, connecting users with content that truly adds value to their lives.

So, how can you apply the power of curation within your own community? Here are three actionable pieces of advice to get you started:

1. Understand Your Community: Take the time to truly understand the needs and interests of your community. What kind of content would be valuable to them? What are their pain points? By having a deep understanding of your community, you can curate content that resonates and provides real value.

2. Be Selective: Remember, quality over quantity. Don't fall into the trap of saving everything. Be selective in what you curate and share. Only save content that is truly valuable and aligns with the interests of your community. This will ensure that your curated content remains special and impactful.

3. Foster Engagement: Curation is not a one-way street. Encourage your community members to actively engage with the curated content. Create discussions, ask for feedback, and encourage them to share their own insights and recommendations. By fostering engagement, you can create a thriving community where members feel valued and connected.

In conclusion, curation in community is a powerful tool that brings value to both community builders and members. By curating content, we not only learn and understand our community better but also have the opportunity to share valuable insights and ideas. The ability to connect the dots and provide curated resources is where the true power of curation lies. By implementing the three actionable advice provided, you can unlock the full potential of curation within your own community, driving engagement, growth, and success.