Ideas for adding network effects to content sites?
Not viral growth techniques, but network effects. The “adding more users increases the value for all the users” idea.
It’s easy to see for businesses like Facebook or even AT&T. More users is more people to talk to.
But what about simple content websites? Any ideas for adding network effects to them?
medium.com you mean?
In a way, you're right -- yes. At the time I posted this I was thinking more along the way of how to enable readers to share/promote the content without resorting to all the "old" tools like FB like buttons, etc...
Thanks!
mmm, maybe something like this https://storychief.io/product ?
Two vanilla examples are CrossFit.com and mrmoneymustache.com. The forums are both great, but the comments section of articles are usually very engaged.
All the users drive the value of each website way up. CrossFit has "official" trainings around the country and MMM has MeetUps. Simple content (daily exercises or personal finance) has networked to massive value.
The key IMO is consistency, actionability, depth, and personability/encouragement. CrossFit is (almost) every day. MMM has hundreds or articles. Both directly ask and even expect you to try out what they say. Each goes into deep detail on each topic. CrossFit often has a daily video example from a different gym. Finally, each will likely have a person that is older or poorer you can relate to that just keeps trucking. Very inspiring.
Idea: Daily (or weekly) full stack coding projects. Provide live code examples. Ask various dev teams to contribute (think open source). Put a time limit and tech limit. I'm sure there are 1,000 CRUD web apps that can be built 1,000 different ways. Big fcc and Code w/ me community out there. Similar to IndieHackers, just provide the platform, message, and encouragement.
What do you mean by simple content websites?
Like a blog. Something where the author, or team of authors, are creating content to bring value to the reader and don't have other product offerings -- just content.
For example, my new curated content site: https://tokyospark.com
As you put it, a network effect means the product will become MORE valuable with more users.
For your content site, one way to start this simply is to allow browsers to submit links for approval to be added to the list. This means that 1) with more users you will 2) get more content and if you filter that content then you will 3) have more content to share thereby making the product better.
You could make the network effect even stronger by adding some kind of reward or callout to the people who submit and then are published for sharing something of quality.
For example, someone at a cool restaurant who also has a blog submits their restaurant to get in front of your audience, you think this one is cool so you approve it and then show the person who promoted it and let them include a link to their blog.
User generated content with a shoutout... definitely one good angle to pursue. Thank you!