Community Playbook · From my video notes
Build the community first. The product follows.
The resource list behind my video on growing AI products through community. Identity and belonging come before promotion. These are the guides, data and tools behind that approach.
By Koki · October 2026
Guides, data and tools
Read the guides first. The tools are where the community actually meets.
CMX Guide to Building a Community
CMX's step-by-step guide: define the community's purpose, pick the platform, recruit the first members, keep them active.
Data · FreeCMX Community Industry Report
CMX's annual survey of community professionals: team sizes, budgets, platforms and what is working. Use it to benchmark your own community plan.
Events · FreeLuma
Where Silicon Valley tech events live now. Host a page in minutes, collect RSVPs, and let subscribers carry your next event.
Events · FreePartiful
The invite tool for social gatherings. One link, phone-number RSVPs, no app required for guests. Good for dinners and small meetups.
Groups · Free to joinMeetup
The long-running group platform. Thousands of local groups by interest and city; the default place to find a recurring room of people.
Guides · FreeSubstack Writer Resources
Substack's own resources for writers: starting a publication, recommendations, Notes and growth loops. A newsletter can be the community's home base.