The Next Big Thing in Developer Community Management

I’m sorry if it seems I’ve been bitten by the web 3 frenzy bug, but if anyone had told me I’d be writing this article in 2021, I’d have asked them to shove it! It is however important as Community Managers to always be on the lookout for trends and the next big thing in your niche, and get partially, if not fully knowledgeable about them, and that is what this article is about.

Introduction

Web3 is community-oriented, community-focused, and in many ways, community-run — Consensys

I first heard about Web 3 last year, and from that point on began my immersion into the world of Web 3, one that I had become a part of only two months ago. Prior to this time, I had heard a lot of web 3 terms — Smart contract, crypto, NFTs, Ethereum … mostly on Twitter, and the idea that community was key to Web 3.

Web 3 is a lot if I’m to be very honest, and comes with a lot of hype, which could be quite discouraging for anyone to delve into. However, if we look away from the surrounding impediments, you’ll find that at the core of web 3, is community.

What is Web 3?

I can’t continue this article, without first, explaining briefly what Web 3 is, especially for the readers who may only be hearing about it for the first time. Web 3.0 is still evolving and being defined, and as such, there isn’t a canonical, universally accepted definition. What is clear, though, is that Web 3.0 is a term used to refer to the next iteration of the internet that promotes decentralized protocols and aims to reduce dependency on large tech companies like Youtube, Netflix, and Amazon, and make extensive use of blockchain-based technologies.

Web 3 is all about the Community

The idea that powers Web 3 — blockchain, is built on collective ownership, which is known as Decentralization. In Web 3, instead of large swathes of the internet being controlled and owned by centralized entities, ownership gets distributed amongst its builders. View it as a system, where power is given to the people (community).

Opportunities in Web 3 for Community Managers

Gartner predicts that 25% of consumers will spend at least one hour a day engaging with the metaverse for work, shopping, education, social or entertainment purposes by 2026. This means, more springing up of DAOs and Web 3 Communities.

As a Community Manager in the Web 3 space, you will not only manage the company’s relationships with its communities but will be expected to manage them on platforms like Discord, Telegram, or Twitter. In these spaces, you will be responsible for creating buzz for your Web 3 company. Essentially, you’ll help anchor the trust in the firm with customers and create awareness across the community to help onboarding enthusiasts.

Next Steps

If you eventually make up your mind to become a Community Manager in the Web 3 niche, Here are a few things you can do:

• Research: There are tons of resources — videos and articles that can get you started on the journey. Remember that it’s impossible to manage a community you don’t understand, so you need to get updated with Web 3 terms, information, and tools. LearnWeb3 and Moralis Academy are some Web 3 courses I recommend. For a more in-depth and hands-on tutorial, you can check out this course by Patrick Collins on Youtube.
• Join DAOs: Ethereum.org defines DAOs as an effective and safe way to work with like-minded folks around the globe. Think of them like an internet-native business that’s collectively owned and managed by its members. They have built-in treasuries that no one has the authority to access without the approval of the group. Decisions are governed by proposals and voting to ensure everyone in the organization has a voice. Here’s a list of DAOs you can join.
• Get active in the Web 3 community: You must have seen the gn, gm, WAGMI slangs fly up and down the internet. You may not know it yet, but it’s much easier to associate the person with such tweets with Web 3. In order to learn more about communities in Web 3, you need to also actively participate in the community. It could be via, joining/hosting Twitter spaces, answering questions on Discord, sharing Web 3 opportunities, and the regular gn greetings.

In summary, Web 3 is nothing to be frightened about. Yes, it does have a lot of moving parts, as it’s well into its infancy stage, however, you can always start from somewhere. The goal may not be to eventually become a full-time Web 3 Community Manager, but it’s worth, flowing with the tide of this 21st-century innovation.