Micah_hoffmann, newly installed as admin, seeks advice on launching a community, asking where to share the link and what key features (like Gmail login) improve retention. HAWK advises against randomly dropping links, stressing the need for a focused concept, a clear problem to solve, and an existing audience before launching. NateDhaliwal suggests listing the forum on Discourse Discover as a starting point. rosiesherry recommends mapping the community’s ecosystem—identifying relevant people, topics, and platforms—and engaging authentically within those spaces rather than spamming links. She also suggests using SEO-friendly phrasing to attract interest organically. Micah agrees, noting that people won’t click random links and appreciates the ecosystem mapping idea Micah_hoffmann. The consensus is: build value and audience first, then invite—don’t just drop links.
I’m installed and logged in as admin 
I want to focus on finding the right people to discourse with.
In your experience, what are good ways and where are good places to drop your community link?
Also, I don’t want to spend too much time on technical functionality, but what are the key things to add (gmail login) quality of life things that help retain people.
Thanks
Hi Micah,
I would recommend reading widely on Rich's Online Community Blog | FeverBee – in my experience dropping your community link around the place is not the way to go. You need a solid audience well before you begin the community. You need a laser focused concept and you need to be solving a problem for people.
Unless I’m misunderstanding the question, you can put your forum up on Discourse Discover.
For dropping your link, this would very dependent on your community. I’d recommend mapping out your ecosystem (who, what and where is relevant to your work) and looking for ways and places to get involved in.
You could take interesting ideas you know of, or have found across the ecosystem and then start those conversations within your Discourse. If you lack an audience, consider wording things in favour of SEO.
It’s very easy to get classed as spammy when dropping links, so be careful!
Thanks!!
I like the map idea, map out where potential like minds.
But like you said, people don’t like and won’t just click a random link.