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5 key tips for building thriving developer communities

Simple, actionable advice from Community Leader Danny Thompson on growing meetup groups.

Building a thriving developer community is both challenging and rewarding. In this talk, Danny Thompson, Director of Technology at This Dot Labs, shares his journey of community building—from Memphis to Dallas. Over the years, he’s crafted impactful communities and learned valuable lessons along the way. Here are five key tips to help you build a successful and sustainable developer community.

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5 community building tips

Focus on connection

The key to a thriving community is connection. Don’t just focus on technical content—create opportunities for people to engage early on. Networking sessions or icebreakers help build relationships that keep people coming back. Attendees should return not just for the content, but because they feel part of something bigger.

Value people’s time

Respecting attendees’ time is crucial. Start events on time and keep them organized. People will appreciate your punctuality and the effort you put into making their time worthwhile, which will encourage them to return for future events.

Feed the need of the community

To build a successful community, tailor your content to the specific needs and interests of your members. Focus on what truly matters to them, rather than trends or generic topics. Listen to their feedback and adjust to meet their expectations.

Make networking comfortable

Networking should feel natural, not forced. Use casual conversation prompts and activities to help people connect. When attendees feel comfortable, they’ll engage more, fostering genuine relationships that strengthen the community.

Create consistent opportunities

Consistency is key. Hold regular events or meetups that provide value and keep people engaged. Whether in-person or online, maintaining a predictable schedule gives members something to look forward to and builds loyalty within the community.

Conclusion

Building a thriving developer community requires more than technical knowledge. By focusing on connection, valuing time, meeting the community’s needs, creating comfortable networking opportunities, and maintaining consistency, you can build a community that will thrive for years.

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