How to Leverage Discord to Gain More Traffic

How to Leverage Discord to Gain More Traffic

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    Discord is a popular voice and text chat software with over 130 million registered users after only three years on the market. It, like Skype, has its origins in gaming. It’s also being used by businesses and marketers that want to meet customers where they are. Furthermore, Discord assists many businesses in developing their brand through its community.

    discord for seo

    Social media is listed as the primary channel for reaching out to online clients. Chat applications such as Discord have 20% more monthly active users than social media.

    Discord is free, secure, and available on desktop and mobile platforms. Private and public servers can be set up, and you cannot limit the number of servers you can run.

    It consumes fewer system resources than Slack or Skype (see screenshot below), and the customer support is outstanding. The development staff is accessible. The company’s marketing strategy is centered on listening to the requirements of its community.

    Internal communication is one of the many applications for your company. Today, we’ll look at how to create a Discord community. It’s an excellent platform for interacting with consumers. Discord marketing is the new social media marketing.

    Setting Up Your Discord Server for Success

    Discord has become one of the most popular platforms for communities, gaming, and professional networking. Setting up your server for success requires careful planning and execution. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your server thrives.

    Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Server

    1. Start with the Basics:
      • Open Discord and click the “+” icon in the server list.
      • Choose to create a server from scratch or use a template.
      • Name your server and upload a profile picture to give it a professional touch.
    2. Adjust Server Settings:
      • Navigate to “Server Settings” and configure key options such as region, verification level, and moderation preferences.
      • Enable community features if your server is public to unlock tools like announcements and welcome screens.
    3. Invite Members:
      • Generate invite links with appropriate expiration times and usage limits.
      • Share the link strategically across relevant platforms to attract your target audience.

    Designing a Professional and Inviting Server Layout

    The first impression matters, and your server’s layout plays a significant role. An organized, visually appealing design encourages members to stay and engage.

    1. Choose a Theme:
      • Select a consistent color scheme and branding that aligns with your community’s purpose.
      • Use emojis in channel names for a friendly yet professional touch.
    2. Set a Welcome Channel:
      • Create a dedicated welcome channel with a warm message and an overview of the server’s purpose.
      • Include instructions for new members on how to navigate the server.

    Organizing Channels Effectively

    Channels are the backbone of any Discord server. Proper organization ensures smooth communication and user satisfaction.

    1. General Channels:
      • Start with a “General” channel for casual conversations and interactions.
    2. Information Channels:
      • Include an “Announcements” channel for updates and a “Rules” channel to set expectations.
      • Add a “Resources” or “FAQ” channel for quick access to important links and answers.
    3. Engagement Channels:
      • Create specific channels for Q&A, feedback, or user suggestions to encourage participation.

    Customizing Categories for Targeted Communication

    Categories group related channels, making navigation intuitive.

    1. Define Main Categories:
      • Examples include “General,” “Support,” “Events,” and “Private.”
    2. Subdivide Further:
      • Under “Support,” you could have “Technical Help” and “Account Issues.”
      • Group gaming-related channels under a single “Gaming” category.
    3. Restrict Access:
      • Use permissions to make certain categories accessible only to specific roles, ensuring privacy and focus.

    Creating Clear Server Rules to Maintain a Healthy Environment

    Rules set the tone and help prevent conflicts. Place them in a prominent channel labeled “Rules” or “Guidelines.”

    1. Write Concisely:
      • Use simple language to avoid confusion.
      • Examples: “Be respectful,” “No spam,” and “Use appropriate channels.”
    2. Highlight Consequences:
      • Clearly state the repercussions for breaking rules to maintain order.
    3. Pin or Lock the Channel:
      • Ensure members read and acknowledge the rules before participating.

    Using Server Roles to Enhance User Engagement and Moderation

    Roles are essential for assigning responsibilities and creating a hierarchy within your server.

    1. Create Core Roles:
      • Examples include “Admin,” “Moderator,” “Member,” and “Guest.”
    2. Define Permissions:
      • Customize each role’s permissions based on responsibilities.
      • For example, moderators might manage messages, while admins can adjust server settings.
    3. Gamify Engagement:
      • Use bots like MEE6 to assign roles based on activity levels, encouraging participation.
    4. Highlight Special Members:
      • Create unique roles for contributors or VIPs to recognize and motivate valuable members.

    Discord’s Role in Your Digital Marketing

    The community-oriented attitude of Discord is the key to realizing its full potential. Your community may contribute real-time product feedback and insights into optimum messaging.

    Discord has many marketing uses. Here are some of the simplest methods to reach your target demographic with no infrastructure effort:

    • Customer Community Groups

    • Live Streams and Events

    Customer Community Groups

    You can manage fantastic customer marketing from a branded location by using Discord’s channels, threads, and roles.

    Discord helps you to maintain a branded environment. It also offers the same flexibility as Facebook and LinkedIn groups.

    Among Discord users, brands may identify active prospects/customers and tag them for VIP events such as product feedback, discounts, etc.

    The decline in email marketing reporting and the unpredictability in social network tagging are two major reasons organizations may wish to transition to this.

    Unlike Facebook or LinkedIn, Discord allows businesses to create personalized experiences with real-time pings. And you can do that without dealing with the reporting challenges of relying on open rates.

    Discord Events, based on Twitter Spaces, is wonderful because it allows users to interact and communicate without being limited by the device since people may take the stage and discuss without needing to be on a mobile device.

    Finally, the bots and integrations are top-notch. They provide first-party data tracking and other convenience features. These assist individuals in standardizing time zones, regulating content, and other automation.

    Discord has become a hub for communities ranging from gaming enthusiasts to professionals discussing niche topics. Building a thriving community on Discord requires strategic planning, consistent effort, and genuine engagement. Here are some actionable tips to help you attract, onboard, and retain members while maintaining a vibrant server.

    1. Tips for Attracting and Onboarding New Members

    Attracting new members starts with clearly defining your community’s purpose. Highlight what makes your server unique—whether it’s a specific interest, expertise, or type of interaction. Create an inviting landing page with a short, compelling description that conveys the server’s value proposition.

    Once members join, the onboarding process is crucial for setting the tone. Use a welcome channel to greet new members with a friendly message and a guide on how to navigate the server. Provide clear instructions on server rules and available roles. Automated bots like MEE6 or Dyno can streamline onboarding by assigning roles and sending welcome messages.

    A well-organized server structure with labeled channels helps new members feel at home. Create separate channels for different topics to encourage meaningful conversations. Use pinned messages and FAQs to address common questions and make it easy for newcomers to participate.

    2. Promoting Your Server on Social Media and Websites

    Visibility is key to growing your Discord community. Social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok are effective for showcasing your server’s highlights. Share snippets of engaging conversations, events, or unique content to pique interest.

    Leverage platforms like Reddit, Quora, or niche forums to promote your server to a targeted audience. Join discussions in communities that align with your server’s theme and share your Discord link when appropriate.

    If you have a website or blog, embed your Discord invite link prominently. Consider creating a dedicated landing page explaining the benefits of joining your server. Collaborate with partners or affiliates to feature your Discord server in newsletters or as part of a larger initiative.

    3. Collaborating with Influencers or Other Servers for Visibility

    Collaborating with influencers can bring significant exposure to your server. Identify influencers in your niche who resonate with your target audience. Partner with them for shoutouts, live streams, or giveaways to attract their followers to your community.

    Cross-promoting with other Discord servers can also be mutually beneficial. Look for servers with complementary interests and establish a partnership to share each other’s links. Joint events, such as game nights or Q&A sessions, can foster growth for both communities.

    4. Encouraging User Participation Through Events and Polls

    Active participation is the backbone of a thriving community. Organize events that align with your community’s interests, such as gaming tournaments, trivia nights, or live discussions. Schedule events at times convenient for your members to maximize turnout.

    Polls are a simple yet effective way to engage members. Use them to gather opinions on server improvements, event ideas, or general preferences. Not only do polls encourage interaction, but they also make members feel valued by involving them in decision-making.

    5. Recognizing and Rewarding Active Members

    Acknowledging your community’s most active members fosters loyalty and motivates others to participate. Assign special roles or badges to members who consistently contribute. Highlight their achievements in a dedicated “Hall of Fame” channel or give them shoutouts during events.

    Rewards don’t have to be extravagant. Simple gestures like custom emojis, priority access to events, or exclusive channels can go a long way in making members feel appreciated.

    6. Maintaining Engagement with Regular Updates and Fresh Content

    To keep your community lively, provide regular updates on server activities, new features, or upcoming events. Share fresh content relevant to your community’s interests, such as articles, videos, or curated resources.

    Consider rotating channel themes or introducing limited-time activities to keep the server dynamic. Seasonal events or contests can add a festive vibe and encourage participation. Regular communication—through announcements or newsletters—ensures that members stay informed and connected.

    Live Streaming And Events

    The event function in Discord is a goldmine for live streaming events.

    Discord outperforms many webinar systems because of its pop-out screen-share, user audio options, and ability to draw people into a new server or swap channels on the fly.

    While the resolution won’t be flawless till the server is upgraded to the third level (or you’re a full Nitro user), the moderator has significantly more control than virtual event tech.

    Channels can function as sponsor centers and networking places. You can assign guests responsibilities based on their passes.

    Livestreams may be integrated into events or daily communications.

    Is It Possible To Advertise On Discord?

    Discord presently does not have a native advertising platform like Facebook or Twitter.

    Some servers, however, already advertise themselves as Discord Growth Experts.

    Discord As A Content Marketing Tool

    Ø To monitor your audience:

    You will discover that you can utilize Discord to advertise your material and then monitor the results. You will be able to monitor how much interaction each piece of content produced and where it was shared by employing this strategy, allowing you to recreate the procedure in future campaigns.

    Ø By holding live Q&As:

    To reach out to your consumers more engagingly, you may want to try organizing a live question and answer session on Discord. Furthermore, you will be able to learn what customers desire and how you can improve your content marketing approach in the future.

    Ø Using Discord as a Community:

    Another fantastic way to utilize Discord is to convert it into a location where people from all over the world can get together to discuss various subjects of interest. This strategy, once again, provides for improved audience interaction. It also opens the door to more word-of-mouth exposure.

    Ø Through giveaways:

    You can also use Discord to conduct your giveaway to enhance engagement and brand recognition. Users will frequently participate in any contest or promotion, which means you’ll be able to reach a larger audience than ever before!

    Ø Using music bots:

    You may also utilize Discord’s various music bots to publish links that people can listen to directly within the chat window, eliminating the need for them to leave their screens. This is also an excellent strategy to attract visitors to Discord.

    Ø Using a live chat feature:

    You may also utilize Discord’s built-in live chat tool to increase user interaction. It lets you and your consumers have an open dialogue about any issue, which means they’re far more likely to participate with the material you supply them, geometrically extending its reach.

    Ø Using badges:

    Another useful tool you can use on your Discord server is badges, which allow users who have been active or have made specific achievements within the community to help promote their content and bring in new people by crossing over to other social media platforms such as Twitch or YouTube.

    Ø Using the tagging systems:

    Another fantastic approach to utilize Discord for content marketing is to leverage their tags and channels system, which lets you publish a link in one location while enabling users to filter that same material into multiple categories based on how they want it shown. This ensures that your company gets the most out of its content by making it available to the proper audience, which leads to more views and shares.

    Strategies to Integrate Discord with Your Marketing Plan

    Discord, initially created for gamers, has evolved into a versatile platform that businesses are leveraging for marketing, customer engagement, and community building. Here’s a detailed guide on strategies to integrate Discord into your marketing plan.

    Embedding Discord Server Links into Your Website and Blog

    One of the easiest ways to promote your Discord server is by embedding server links directly into your website and blog. This allows visitors to join your community seamlessly.

    • Add Visible CTAs: Place call-to-action buttons or widgets on your homepage, blog posts, or contact pages. For example, a button reading “Join Our Community” can encourage clicks.
    • Content-Specific Links: Include server invitations in blog posts or webpages that discuss relevant topics. For instance, if you’re writing about product updates, include an invitation to join the server for real-time discussions.
    • Pop-ups or Sidebars: Use non-intrusive pop-ups or sticky sidebars to remind visitors about your Discord server.

    This approach helps convert casual visitors into engaged community members who can actively participate in discussions about your brand.

    Cross-Promoting Your Discord Server on Other Platforms

    Expanding your Discord server’s reach involves promoting it across various social media platforms and email campaigns.

    • Social Media Posts: Share the server link on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn with compelling captions that highlight the value of joining, such as exclusive content or direct brand interaction.
    • Email Newsletters: Incorporate Discord invitations into your email marketing campaigns. Use enticing phrases like “Get Exclusive Access” to draw attention.
    • Collaboration with Influencers: Partner with influencers in your niche to promote your Discord server. Their audience can bring fresh, engaged members.
    • Community Widgets: Add Discord widgets to platforms like Twitch or YouTube to attract followers from those channels.

    The goal is to integrate Discord into your existing promotional channels, turning them into conduits for community growth.

    Encouraging Discord Discussions Around Your Brand’s Products/Services

    Discord thrives on interaction, making it an excellent platform to spark conversations about your brand’s offerings.

    • Create Topic Channels: Set up dedicated channels for various products or services where members can ask questions, share reviews, or give feedback.
    • Host AMA Sessions: Organize Ask Me Anything (AMA) sessions with your team members or industry experts to discuss your brand and its value.
    • Feature User-Generated Content: Encourage users to share how they use your products or services. Highlight their contributions on your server or other platforms.
    • Gamify Engagement: Use bots to reward active participants with badges, ranks, or giveaways, encouraging meaningful discussions.

    These strategies position Discord as a hub for genuine engagement and brand advocacy.

    Using Discord for Exclusive Offers or Early-Bird Access to Content

    Reward your Discord community with exclusive perks, fostering loyalty and sustained engagement.

    • Exclusive Discounts: Share promo codes or special offers only available to Discord members.
    • Early Access: Provide members with sneak peeks of upcoming products, services, or features before they are publicly announced.
    • Community Contests: Run contests or challenges with appealing rewards, ensuring that participation is exclusive to Discord users.
    • Content Previews: Share behind-the-scenes content, such as product development updates or team activities, to create a sense of inclusivity.

    These exclusives not only attract new members but also keep existing ones actively engaged with your brand.

    Useful Discord Tips And Tricks:

    One of the best things about Discord is how simple it is to learn how to use it. Gamers and non-gamers may utilize it, but certain things should be kept in mind while utilizing Discord for business.

    • Establish a business-related account:

    Registering a business-related account rather than a personal one is critical. This will be the name that appears on any conversations and postings you make. This guarantees that visitors recognize it as a page from the get-go. Furthermore, it will assist you in avoiding future problems.

    • Make a channel:

    It is critical to establish a channel for your company. This is where you will share material and communicate with individuals in your target demographic. Click “+” within the app, pick “channel” from the drop-down menu, and then name it accordingly. Make this channel public so that anybody may discover it.

    • Create a community:

    Building a community on your Discord channel is crucial, just as on any other social media site. You may communicate with others via text chat or audio calls. This also allows you to receive feedback from them, allowing you to better the information they view in the future. Even if your postings are not receiving the attention they deserve, you should know that building a community takes time.

    • Host giveaways:

    You may achieve two goals by employing simply one contest: more eyeballs on your website and a stronger community. Consider having a giveaway if your company has items or services that can be readily given away as a prize. You could even conduct this across various social media channels and refer the winners to your Discord channel to claim prizes.

    Final Thoughts

    Discord has proven itself as a powerful tool for businesses to build vibrant communities, foster customer engagement, and amplify marketing efforts. By setting up professional servers, organizing channels effectively, and leveraging roles, businesses can create a structured and inviting environment. Integrating Discord with broader marketing strategies, such as embedding links on websites, collaborating with influencers, and offering exclusive perks, enhances visibility and engagement. The platform’s interactive features like live events, polls, and Q&A sessions further enrich user participation. With careful planning, Discord can drive traffic, strengthen brand loyalty, and create lasting connections.

    Tuhin Banik

    Thatware | Founder & CEO

    Tuhin is recognized across the globe for his vision to revolutionize digital transformation industry with the help of cutting-edge technology. He won bronze for India at the Stevie Awards USA as well as winning the India Business Awards, India Technology Award, Top 100 influential tech leaders from Analytics Insights, Clutch Global Front runner in digital marketing, founder of the fastest growing company in Asia by The CEO Magazine and is a TEDx speaker and BrightonSEO speaker.