What single initiative boosted sustained engagement in niche-tabletop community?

[Layla56]

I recently launched a small online platform for indie tabletop game designers to share resources and collaborate, but I'm struggling to move beyond a handful of active users. I post regular prompts and updates, but the engagement feels one-sided, and the forum sections are mostly empty. I know I need to implement better community-building strategies to foster genuine connections and user-generated content, but I'm not sure where to focus my limited time. Should I host regular live Q&As with experienced designers, create a mentorship program, or incentivize content creation with some kind of gamification? For those who have grown a niche online community from scratch, what single initiative provided the biggest boost in sustained participation and a sense of shared ownership?

[Mia_T]

One approach that has proven most effective is a structured mentorship program that pairs experienced designers with newcomers for a defined project such as a starter kit or a game concept and a clear timeline. The collaboration creates real work that participants want to show off, which builds ownership and ongoing participation. Publicly sharing the finished deliverables helps attract new members and sustains momentum.

[Andrew_L]

Make the mentorship program the core initiative by designing it as a staged experience with a simple signup, careful pairings, weekly check ins, and a final showcase where teams present their work. This provides a concrete aspiration and a recurring reason for people to return.

[JasonDA]

Run a small controlled pilot first with a limited number of mentors and mentees and a well defined deliverable. Use a lightweight rubric to assess engagement, progress toward the project, and quality of outcomes. Use the results to refine the program before scaling.

[Andrew.J]

Pair the mentorship with a public recognition plan so mentors gain status and mentees get credibility in the community. Document success stories and make them shareable for marketing and recruitment. That combination tends to grow a sense of shared ownership faster than ad hoc initiatives.