Starter Packs vs. Custom Feeds: Which Builds Better Communities?
Want to build better online communities? Here’s the quick answer:
- Starter Packs are perfect for onboarding new users and quickly introducing them to relevant groups.
- Custom Feeds offer personalized content and keep users engaged over time by tailoring what they see.
The best strategy? Use both together to grow and sustain vibrant communities.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Starter Packs | Custom Feeds |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Group accounts for easy discovery | Personalize content recommendations |
| Best For | Onboarding and launching communities | Long-term engagement and niche focus |
| Ease of Use | Simple and curated | Requires setup, customizable |
| Growth Stage | Early-stage communities | Mature or growing groups |
Starter Packs help users get started fast, while Custom Feeds keep them coming back for more. Both tools are essential for building thriving communities on Bluesky.
Starter Packs Basics
What is a Starter Pack
A Starter Pack is a ready-made collection of accounts centered around a specific theme. It helps users quickly find and connect with communities that share their interests.
Creating a Starter Pack
Choose accounts that are actively engaging and fit your chosen theme. TheBlue.social makes this process easier with its Starter Packs feature. It provides tools for browsing, analytics, and managing these curated lists, making it simple to keep them up-to-date and relevant. These lists help communities kick off with meaningful interactions right away.
Benefits of Starter Packs
Starter Packs bring several perks:
- Quick access to active, themed communities
- Handpicked lists of accounts that match specific interests
- Easy ways to find and connect with like-minded groups [1]
For community builders, Starter Packs are a helpful way to welcome new members and create thriving networks.
Custom Feeds Basics
What is a Custom Feed
Custom feeds are personalized content streams that let users control what shows up in their timeline. They work by applying specific filters based on user-defined criteria, such as regex patterns or programmatic rules tied to engagement metrics or semantic analysis [3][5].
Building Custom Feeds
There are three main ways to create custom feeds:
- Skyfeed Interface: A visual tool designed for beginners to easily set up basic feeds.
- Feed Generator Service: A more technical option that lets users create feeds programmatically.
- Hybrid Solutions: Combines automated filtering with manual curation for a balanced approach.
For developers and community managers, TheBlue.social offers tools like analytics integration to monitor engagement and fine-tune feed performance, ensuring the content stays relevant to the audience.
| Implementation Method | Technical Skill Needed | Update Frequency | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skyfeed GUI | Basic | Manual/Daily | Small Communities |
| Feed Generator | Advanced | Automated/Hourly | Large Networks |
| Hybrid Approach | Intermediate | Semi-automated | Growing Groups |
Each method provides a solid foundation for improving engagement within communities.
Custom Feed Advantages
Custom feeds are proven to increase community engagement. For example, users with personalized feeds see 50% higher engagement rates compared to those using default options [6].
Better Content Discovery
- Users find up to three times more relevant content thanks to targeted filters [6].
- Session durations are 42% longer for custom feed users compared to those using pre-set options [4].
Simplified Community Management
Custom feeds support features like automatic NSFW content detection and enforcement of community guidelines [2].
Proven Results
Real-world examples highlight their impact. Take the Dungeons & Dragons community feed, which gained 15,000 subscribers in just three months by using hashtag-based curation [3].
Direct Comparison: Starter Packs vs Custom Feeds
Feature Comparison
Here’s a quick breakdown of how Starter Packs and Custom Feeds differ based on community-building goals:
| Aspect | Starter Packs | Custom Feeds |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Quickly find communities with shared interests | Personalize and refine content discovery |
| Best For | Welcoming new members and launching communities | Engaging users with customized content |
Best Uses for Starter Packs
Starter Packs are perfect for situations where users need to quickly find relevant communities. They offer a curated selection of groups and content, giving new users a clear sense of what a community is all about. These work especially well for:
- Fast onboarding
- Launching new communities
- Discovering content by interest
Best Uses for Custom Feeds
Custom Feeds are all about personalizing the user experience as members get more comfortable with Bluesky. They help surface trending topics and create focused spaces within larger groups. Use Custom Feeds for:
- Fine-tuning content recommendations
- Highlighting popular discussions
- Building niche sub-communities
Choosing the right tool depends on your community’s goals and growth stage. Using both together can offer a well-rounded, engaging experience. Up next, find out how combining these tools can boost engagement even further.
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Using Both Tools Together
Getting Started with Starter Packs
Starter Packs lay the groundwork for building active Bluesky communities. These curated lists of accounts help new members get started quickly and smoothly. Organize Starter Packs around clear, specific themes.
For example, if you're creating a photography community, you might design packs tailored to different photography styles:
| Photography Theme | Recommended Pack Contents |
|---|---|
| Street Photography | Top street photographers, gear discussions, urban exploration |
| Nature Photography | Wildlife photographers, landscape artists, outdoor tips |
| Portrait Photography | Studio setup guides, lighting experts, posing techniques |
Once members are onboarded, you can use Custom Feeds to keep them engaged and connected.
Building Engagement with Custom Feeds
Custom Feeds are essential for keeping your community engaged over time. These feeds let users dive deeper into topics they care about and connect with others who share their interests.
Use analytics to see what content resonates most with your audience and adjust your Custom Feeds accordingly. Focus on creating feeds that:
- Highlight trending discussions within your community
- Feature active contributors who consistently share meaningful content
- Celebrate community milestones and achievements
Updating Your Community Tools
As your community grows, your tools need to evolve too. Regularly updating Starter Packs and Custom Feeds ensures they stay relevant and useful.
Keep an eye on engagement metrics to identify:
- Popular content themes that should be added to Starter Packs
- New topics that deserve their own Custom Feeds
- Outdated or inactive content that needs to be removed
Listening to community feedback is key to keeping your tools aligned with members' interests. Balance introducing fresh material with retaining elements that work well. Regularly review and refine your offerings to reflect what’s current and relevant in your community.
How to Use Bluesky | A Simple Guide to Starter Packs ...
Conclusion: Making Your Choice
Combine Starter Packs and Custom Feeds to align with your community's goals at every stage of growth. Your strategy should reflect both your objectives and where your community is in its development.
| Community Stage | Primary Tool | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Phase | Starter Packs | Easy onboarding and initial exploration |
| Growth Phase | Custom Feeds | Focused engagement and tailored discussions |
| Mature Phase | Combined Approach | Long-term growth and member retention |
These tools help you decide what works best for your community's current needs. Platforms like TheBlue.social can enhance this process with analytics that track engagement, giving you the insights needed to fine-tune your strategy.
Key Takeaways: Starter Packs are ideal for onboarding and early discovery, while Custom Feeds support more focused interactions and discussions. Using both together provides a flexible and evolving strategy for building a thriving community.
As Bluesky continues to grow, many successful communities begin with carefully crafted Starter Packs before transitioning to Custom Feeds. This creates a strong base for ongoing engagement.
Keep an eye on analytics to know when it's time to adjust your approach, ensuring your community stays vibrant and active throughout its growth.
FAQs
::: faq
How can Starter Packs and Custom Feeds work together to build stronger communities on Bluesky?
Starter Packs and Custom Feeds are complementary tools that can significantly enhance community engagement on Bluesky. Starter Packs help users discover and join communities quickly by offering curated lists of accounts to follow. This is especially useful for newcomers looking to connect with like-minded individuals. Custom Feeds, on the other hand, allow users to tailor their content experience by focusing on specific topics or interests, ensuring that their feed stays relevant and engaging.
By combining these tools, you can create a seamless onboarding experience for new members while also providing long-term value through personalized content. For example, you might introduce a Starter Pack to attract new users to a community and then recommend a Custom Feed to keep them engaged with niche discussions or updates. Together, they make it easier to build vibrant, connected communities that cater to a wide range of interests. :::
::: faq
What do I need to set up Custom Feeds, and how can beginners start using them?
To set up Custom Feeds, you'll need a basic understanding of how Bluesky organizes content and some familiarity with feed customization tools. Beginners can start by exploring existing starter packs to see how feeds are structured and which communities align with their interests. Once you're comfortable, you can use Bluesky's feed builder tools to create a personalized experience tailored to your preferences. Custom Feeds are a great way to curate specific topics and foster meaningful connections within your community. :::
::: faq
How can community managers keep Starter Packs and Custom Feeds relevant as their community grows?
To ensure Starter Packs and Custom Feeds remain effective as your community grows, regularly review and update them to reflect the evolving interests and needs of your members. Pay attention to trends, new topics, and feedback from your community to keep the content fresh and engaging.
Additionally, encourage members to contribute suggestions for feeds or recommend updates to Starter Packs. This collaborative approach not only keeps your resources relevant but also fosters a sense of ownership and participation within the community. :::