We all gather in interconnected clusters. You’ve probably seen a cluster map somewhere. Think of it like social groups in a playground. Friends gather in circles of 8 to 12 people, but one of those people might have connections to another group of similar size.
There is a cluster of technology types here in London. If you attract a few of them, it’s much easier to attract the rest. They’re in the same cluster.
If you want to grow an online community, find a good-sized cluster of people. Appeal to 3 – 5 members, then invite their support to help attract the rest. Don’t randomly approach people, target specific clusters of people you want to join.
Once you have about 5 – 10 members of a cluster you can set up sub-groups, develop unique content and specifically appeal to that cluster of people.