THE CONVOS BLOG

One of the biggest challenges with starting an online group is getting people on it.  Few group leaders and administrators anticipate adoption challenges and they usually expect an ideal uptake of group activity.  The reality is that people generally don't like change.  They don't want to change their current habits and they certainly don't want to spend time learning a new tool.  

It's becoming increasingly important for online group tools, like Convos, to focus on the user experience and make sure everything is as simple and convenient as they can be.  But aside from features and usable design, leaders and administrators must provide some encouragement to their members to join and use the online group.  

Here are a few tips to make adoption easier for your members so that you can get the most out of your online group. 

Set Expectations - Let all users know well in advance that the group is moving or adopting a new online tool.  And be sure to offer a chance to answer questions and concerns.  The more mentally prepared your members are for the change, the faster you'll get off the ground when it happens.

Showcase the Benefits - Members will always ask "Why are we using this?" or "What's so great about this that I can't do with [x]?"  It's important that you communicate the potential value of the new tool to your members.  If you can, tell them how members, leaders, and the overall group will benefit.  The more ways you can show value, the more excited they'll be to use the tool.

Select a Team of Champions - For large groups, it may be difficult for one person to communicate the new change to all the members.  Get a few people that understand the tool well and have them be your champions. Let them converse with members and share their perspectives.  Having influential champions will make it easier for members to "get it" and join the bandwagon.

Eliminate the Guesswork for Members - When you are ready to get everyone into your new group be sure to distribute clear steps on how to join and sign in.  The best online tools will make the sign up and sign in processes really quick and easy.  Here is how it works in Convos - Member Invites. 

Remind the Non-Adopters - It's highly likely that not all of your members will get on to the new group right away.  You may have a few stragglers that need simple reminders.  Perhaps the easier reminder is to let them know how well the transition went (e.g., "Over 80% of us have switched to the new group...").  Another type of reminder is to let them know that they will be missing out on certain messages or activities that require them to be on the new tool.  

Poor member adoption is usually a big problem in large groups and organizations.  By using some of the tips above and applying your own creative methods, you can eliminate the risk of having an inactive or defunct group.  If you have any questions about this or other organizational challenges you can easily contact us by email or through our website's online chat.