NFTs (non-fungible tokens) are long past their role as simple JPEGs. Community and utility are fast becoming buzzwords associated with this humble little acronym, and the power of NFTs is slowly emerging to be their ability to engage audiences both online and offline. 

It seems every industry out there is currently discussing potential use applications for NFTs, but the force behind much of the fandom is in the NFT communities. While trust in an NFT project is built from a well laid roadmap, it's an engaged community and knowledgeable community manager that can make or break a project – which is why we don’t recommend giving the job to an intern. 😉

So, what’s the buzz about NFT communities, and how can you create your own? 🍯🐝🐝🐝

Build an audience

Have you heard of Discord? If you're not on it yet, now's the time to sign up. 

For anyone wanting to get started in the NFT world, this instant messaging app and social media platform is a hub for all things NFT. Discord is THE place to build a community around your NFT project, but how to get users to your channel? 

Start by making an account and dipping your toe in the digital waters of as many NFT projects as you can find. Nearly every NFT project communicates and releases drops via their Discord, so there are plenty of examples to see what’s working and what’s not to get the hype started. 

👀 Don’t miss out on the latest NFT talk. 🔥 Join Venly on Discord! 

Know your strategy 

Every NFT project needs a strong marketing strategy to be successful. Engaging with audiences via social media, especially Twitter, is a great place to start. Apps like Clubhouse and Telegram can also help expand your audience, but make sure to keep access to your project in one channel. However, don’t get stuck preaching to the choir or wasting your budget in an oversaturated market. 

Testing out marketing campaigns can lead to better results. You can always choose how much to spend depending on your budget, but rather than spend $100 on one method, you could try five $20 ideas for campaigns on a range of platforms. Look for areas of ‘underpriced attention’ and think outside the box to find untapped potential markets for your project. 

Are there any social media influencers or other projects and brands to collaborate with that could spark a cross-pollination of audiences? Less obvious platforms like Snapchat or TikTok or even an IRL billboard could also see unexpected returns on your campaign investment. Likewise, it can be worth trying the same visual content with a different written copy to be able to compare and contrast results. 

🤓 Ready to get minted? 📖🔍 Read our guide: How to Create and Sell NFTs for Beginners.

Find your utility 

Think about what makes your project unique and what you want to achieve with it. Your goals are more likely to align authentically with your mission in this case and mean you can find genuinely engaging applications for your NFT’s utility. NFT utility can come in many shapes and sizes, from royalties on projects to granting real-life access to an event. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach – and that’s what makes it fun. 

The online world is a space for innovation and experimentation, so don’t be afraid to try something unexpected. Thinking creatively will help keep your project interesting to new and experienced NFT owners looking to get involved. 

Keep it simple, though! Purchasing and accessing NFTs can still be intimidating for some, so don’t overcomplicate things unnecessarily. Equally, don’t underestimate the value of well-trained community managers who can respond quickly and accurately to users and keep the project on track. 

Knowing who you want your target audience to be will make it easier to set uses for your NFT that keep that community engaged in the long run. The utility of your NFT can have both tangible and intangible benefits. True believers in NFTs are just as likely to invest in a project for its emotional rewards as its physical ones. Building a solid community around both these aspects of your project will mean a greater likelihood of its success. 

Launch your NFT collection today by getting verified on Venly’s Marketplace!