10 Slack Community Guidelines Prompts for Better Engagement

Why Strong Community Guidelines Matter for Slack & Discord

Imagine joining a new online community—maybe for work, hobbies, or learning. You’re excited, but after a few days, things feel messy. People argue in threads, spam fills the chat, and no one seems to know the rules. Frustrating, right? This is why every Slack or Discord community needs clear guidelines. Without them, even the most well-meaning groups can turn chaotic.

Good guidelines do more than just stop bad behavior. They set the tone for how people interact, making sure everyone feels welcome and respected. Think of them like the rules of a game—when everyone knows how to play, the experience is fun for all. In online communities, this means less drama, more meaningful conversations, and members who actually stick around.

Slack vs. Discord: What’s the Difference?

Not all platforms work the same way, so your guidelines shouldn’t either. Slack is often used for professional or work-related groups, where people expect a more structured, business-like environment. Discord, on the other hand, leans toward casual, interest-based communities—gaming, art, or tech, for example. This means:

Slack guidelines might focus on professionalism, avoiding off-topic chats, and keeping discussions in the right channels.
Discord guidelines often need to address voice chat rules, meme etiquette, and how to handle fast-moving conversations.

Even the tools are different. Slack has threads and workflows, while Discord has roles, bots, and voice channels. Your rules should match how people actually use the platform.

Common Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Many communities make the same errors when setting up guidelines. Here’s what to watch out for:

Vague rules like “Be nice” or “No spam.” What does “nice” even mean? Instead, say: “No personal attacks—disagree with ideas, not people.”
No enforcement. Rules are useless if no one follows them. Assign moderators and explain how violations will be handled.
Ignoring culture. A gaming community will have different norms than a startup founders’ group. Tailor your rules to your audience.

The worst mistake? Writing guidelines just to check a box. Good rules aren’t just a list—they’re a living document that grows with your community.

What You’ll Learn in This Article

By the end of this post, you’ll have 10 ready-to-use prompts for crafting your own community guidelines. These aren’t just generic templates—they’re designed to help you:

Write a warm, clear welcome message that sets expectations.
Define what’s allowed (and what’s not) in simple terms.
Create rules for handling conflicts, spam, and off-topic posts.
Make sure your guidelines feel like yours—not a copy-paste job.

Whether you’re starting a new community or fixing an old one, these prompts will save you time and headaches. Let’s get started.

The Welcome Message: Setting the Tone for New Members

First impressions matter—especially in online communities. When someone joins your Slack or Discord group, the welcome message is their first real interaction with your space. It’s your chance to make them feel excited, not confused. A good welcome message does more than say “hello.” It explains what the community is about, sets expectations, and invites people to participate. But how do you write one that actually works?

Think of it like inviting someone into your home. You wouldn’t just open the door and walk away. You’d greet them, show them where things are, and make sure they know the house rules. The same goes for your Slack community. A warm, clear welcome message helps new members feel comfortable right away. It also reduces the chances of them lurking in silence or leaving because they don’t know what to do next.

What Makes a Welcome Message Effective?

A great welcome message has a few key ingredients. First, it should be friendly but not overly casual. You want to sound approachable, not like a robot or a salesperson. Second, it should explain the purpose of the community. Why does this group exist? What can members get out of it? Third, it should include a simple call-to-action—something like, “Introduce yourself in #introductions!” This gives new members an easy way to start engaging.

Here’s what to include in your welcome message:

A warm greeting – “Welcome to [Community Name]! We’re so glad you’re here.”
The purpose of the community – “This is a space for [target audience] to [main goal, e.g., share tips, ask questions, network].”
Core values or rules – “We value [respect, collaboration, etc.]. Please keep conversations [positive, on-topic, etc.].”
A call-to-action – “Say hi in #introductions and tell us a little about yourself!”
Where to go for help – “If you have questions, check out #help or DM an admin.”

Generic vs. Engaging: Which One Would You Rather Read?

Let’s look at two examples. The first is a basic welcome message you might see in many communities:

“Welcome to the group! Please follow the rules and be respectful. Introduce yourself in #introductions.”

It’s not wrong, but it’s forgettable. Now, compare it to this:

*“Hey there! 👋 Welcome to [Community Name], a place where [target audience] come together to [main goal]. Whether you’re here to learn, share, or just connect, we’re happy to have you!

Before you dive in, here’s what you should know: ✅ We’re all about [core value, e.g., collaboration, support, creativity]. ✅ Keep conversations respectful and on-topic. ✅ Say hi in #introductions—we’d love to meet you!

Got questions? Check out #help or DM an admin. Enjoy your stay!”*

The second version feels more personal and inviting. It tells new members what to expect and makes them feel like part of something special.

Personalizing Your Welcome Message for Different Communities

Not all communities are the same, so your welcome message shouldn’t be either. The tone and details should match the group’s purpose. For example:

Professional networks – Keep it polished but friendly. Highlight networking opportunities and industry insights.
Hobbyist groups – Be more casual and enthusiastic. Mention fun activities or shared interests.
Support communities – Show empathy and warmth. Let members know they’re in a safe space.

Here’s how you might adjust the message for a hobbyist group:

*“Welcome to [Community Name]! 🎨 Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this is the place to share your [hobby] projects, ask for feedback, and geek out with fellow [hobbyists].

A few quick tips: 🎉 Share your work in #showcase—we love seeing what you’re creating! 💡 Need advice? Ask in #help-and-tips. 🤝 Be kind and supportive—we’re all here to learn and grow.

Ready to jump in? Introduce yourself in #introductions and tell us what you’re working on!”*

Final Tips for a Standout Welcome Message

Keep it short but meaningful – No one wants to read a novel when they first join.
Use emojis sparingly – They can make the message feel more friendly, but too many look unprofessional.
Update it regularly – If your community evolves, make sure the welcome message reflects that.
Test it out – Ask a few members for feedback. Does it feel welcoming? Clear? Engaging?

A well-crafted welcome message sets the tone for your entire community. It turns new members into active participants and helps them feel like they belong. So take a little time to get it right—your community will thank you for it.

2. Core Rules: Defining Acceptable Behavior

Every Slack community needs rules—but not the kind that feel like a strict teacher scolding students. Good rules should guide behavior, not scare people away. Think of them like traffic signs: they keep things moving smoothly without making drivers feel like criminals. The best communities have rules that feel fair, clear, and even welcoming.

So what makes a rule effective? It’s not just about what you can’t do—it’s about what you can do. Instead of saying “Don’t spam,” try “Share valuable content that helps others.” Instead of “No rude comments,” say “Be kind and respectful in all conversations.” This small change makes a big difference. People respond better when rules feel positive, not punitive.

The Must-Have Rules for Any Community

Every Slack group should cover these basics:

Respect others – No personal attacks, harassment, or offensive language. If you wouldn’t say it to someone’s face, don’t say it in the chat.
Stay on topic – Each channel has a purpose. If you’re not sure where to post, ask in #general first.
No unsolicited self-promotion – Want to share your work? Get approval from a moderator first.
Keep it professional – Even in casual communities, avoid controversial topics like politics or religion unless the group is built for that.
Report problems, don’t engage – If someone breaks the rules, flag it to admins instead of arguing in the chat.

These rules aren’t just about avoiding trouble—they’re about making the community a better place for everyone.

How to Handle Gray Areas

Not every situation is black and white. What if someone shares a helpful resource that also promotes their business? What if a joke goes too far but wasn’t meant to offend? This is where discretion comes in.

The best approach is to:

Set clear exceptions – Example: “No self-promotion unless it’s relevant to the discussion and approved by a moderator.”
Give moderators flexibility – Sometimes, a warning is enough. Other times, a temporary mute or ban is needed.
Explain decisions – If you remove a post, tell the person why. Example: “We removed this because it didn’t follow our self-promotion rule. Next time, check with a mod first!”

This way, members understand the rules aren’t arbitrary—they’re there to keep the community healthy.

Case Study: How Clear Rules Reduced Conflicts in a Tech Community

A mid-sized Slack group for developers had a problem: arguments kept breaking out in #general, and off-topic posts clogged up important channels. Engagement was dropping, and some members left.

The admins decided to rewrite the rules with two key changes:

They made the rules visible – A pinned post in every channel with a short version of the guidelines.
They added a “three-strike” system – First offense: warning. Second: temporary mute. Third: removal.

The results? In three months:

Off-topic posts dropped by 60% – Members started using the right channels.
Conflicts decreased by 80% – People thought twice before arguing.
New member sign-ups increased – Word spread that the community was well-managed.

One member said: “I used to avoid #general because it was chaotic. Now it’s actually useful!”

Final Tip: Keep Rules Simple and Visible

Rules only work if people remember them. Instead of burying them in a long document, try:

A short pinned post in every channel.
A welcome message that highlights the most important rules.
Regular reminders – Example: “Friendly reminder: Keep #help requests focused on coding issues!”

The goal isn’t to police every message—it’s to create a space where people want to participate. When rules feel fair and clear, the community thrives.

3. Channel-Specific Guidelines: Organizing Conversations

Ever joined a Slack or Discord community and felt completely lost? One minute you’re reading about marketing strategies, the next someone’s sharing their cat photos. Without clear rules, even the most active communities can turn into a messy chat room where no one knows where to post what.

That’s where channel-specific guidelines come in. They’re like traffic signs for your community—telling members where to go and what to do. When done right, they make conversations easier to follow, reduce clutter, and help people find exactly what they need. Let’s break down how to set them up so your community stays organized and engaging.

Why Channel Rules Make a Difference

Imagine walking into a library where books are stacked randomly. Fiction mixed with cookbooks, history next to sci-fi. Frustrating, right? The same happens in online communities when channels don’t have clear purposes.

Channel-specific guidelines solve this by:

Keeping discussions focused – No more off-topic rants in the #marketing channel.
Reducing noise – Members won’t have to scroll through 50 messages to find what they need.
Encouraging participation – When people know where to post, they’re more likely to join the conversation.

A study by Slack found that teams with well-organized channels are 32% more productive because they waste less time searching for information. That’s a big deal for communities where people come to learn, share, and connect.

Examples of Channel Guidelines That Work

Not all channels need the same rules. Some should be strict (like #announcements), while others can be more relaxed (like #off-topic). Here are a few examples to get you started:

#introductions

“Tell us your name, what you do, and one fun fact about yourself. Keep it short—no essays!”

Why it works: Sets a friendly tone while keeping intros manageable.

#resources

“Share useful links, but add a quick note on why it’s helpful. Example: ‘Here’s a great guide on SEO—saved me hours of research!’”

Why it works: Prevents spammy link-dumping and adds value for readers.

#off-topic

“Keep it light—no politics, religion, or sensitive debates. Think memes, hobbies, or weekend plans.”

Why it works: Gives members a space to relax without derailing serious discussions.

#help

“Ask questions, but be specific. Instead of ‘How do I grow my business?’, try ‘What’s the best way to get my first 100 email subscribers?’”

Why it works: Encourages clear, actionable questions that others can answer.

How to Enforce Rules Without Killing the Vibe

No one likes a community that feels like a police state. The key is to enforce guidelines in a way that feels helpful, not punitive. Here’s how:

Pin the rules – Slack and Discord let you pin messages at the top of channels. Do this for every channel so rules are always visible.
Use bots for reminders – Tools like MEE6 (Discord) or Workflow Builder (Slack) can automatically post reminders when someone breaks a rule. Example: “Hey! This channel is for introductions only. Try #off-topic for general chat.”
Give moderators scripts – Instead of writing the same warning over and over, create templates. Example: “Thanks for sharing! This belongs in #resources—would you like me to move it for you?”
Lead by example – If moderators follow the rules, others will too. No exceptions!

Pro tip: If someone repeatedly ignores guidelines, send a private message. Often, they don’t realize they’re breaking the rules. A quick nudge is usually enough.

Tools to Automate Channel Management

You don’t have to do everything manually. Here are some tools to save time and keep things running smoothly:

Slack Workflows – Automate welcome messages, reminders, and even move off-topic posts to the right channel.
MEE6 (Discord) – Set up auto-moderation for spam, profanity, or off-topic messages. You can also create custom commands (e.g., !rules to display guidelines).
Zapier – Connect Slack/Discord to other apps. Example: Automatically post new blog articles to #resources.
Carl-bot (Discord) – Advanced moderation features like reaction roles, which let members assign themselves to topics they’re interested in.

Final Thought: Less Chaos, More Conversation

Channel-specific guidelines aren’t about restricting fun—they’re about making sure the fun actually happens. When people know where to post, they’re more likely to engage, share, and build real connections.

Start small. Pick one or two channels to refine, then expand as your community grows. And remember: the best rules are the ones that feel invisible—until someone needs them.

4. Moderation & Enforcement: Keeping the Community Safe

A great Slack or Discord community isn’t just about fun conversations—it’s about trust. When people feel safe, they participate more, share ideas, and help each other grow. But how do you keep things running smoothly without turning into a police officer? The answer is clear rules, fair moderation, and a system that works for everyone.

Think about it: if someone breaks a rule, what happens next? Does the whole community see a public scolding? Do moderators act differently depending on who’s involved? Without a plan, chaos can take over fast. That’s why good moderation isn’t about control—it’s about creating a space where people want to follow the rules.

Who’s in Charge? Defining Moderator Roles

Not all moderators need the same powers. Some can just delete spam, while others handle serious issues like harassment. Here’s a simple way to structure it:

Basic Mods – Can mute members for short periods (e.g., 24 hours) and remove off-topic posts.
Senior Mods – Can issue temporary bans and handle disputes between members.
Admins – Can permanently ban users and update community rules.

Why does this matter? Because when everyone knows who can do what, moderators don’t step on each other’s toes. It also prevents power struggles—no one should have to guess who’s in charge of a problem.

What Happens When Someone Breaks the Rules?

A good enforcement system has steps, not just punishments. Here’s how most communities handle it:

First offense – A private warning (DM or Slack message) explaining the issue.
Repeat offense – A temporary mute (can’t post for 24-48 hours).
Serious or repeated violations – Temporary ban .
Extreme cases – Permanent removal.

The key? Consistency. If one person gets a warning for a rule break and another gets banned, people lose trust. That’s why it’s smart to document decisions—even just a quick note in a private mod channel helps.

“We removed your post because it didn’t follow our ‘no self-promotion’ rule. Next time, check with a mod first!”

This kind of feedback keeps things transparent. No one likes being called out, but if you explain why something was removed, people are more likely to adjust their behavior.

Handling Conflicts Without Drama

Not every disagreement needs a ban. Sometimes, people just need a nudge to cool down. Here’s how to de-escalate:

Step 1: Move the conversation to a private channel or DM.
Step 2: Listen to both sides before deciding.
Step 3: If needed, issue a temporary mute to let things settle.
Step 4: Follow up later to make sure the issue is resolved.

The goal isn’t to punish—it’s to keep the peace. Most people don’t want to cause trouble; they just need a reminder of how to communicate respectfully.

Legal Stuff You Can’t Ignore

Rules aren’t just about being nice—they’re about staying out of legal trouble. Here’s what to watch for:

GDPR (Europe) – If someone asks to delete their data, you must comply.
Harassment laws – Threats, hate speech, or doxxing can have real-world consequences.
Platform rules – Slack and Discord have their own terms of service. If you break them, your whole community could get shut down.

A simple way to stay safe? Add a line like this to your guidelines:

“We reserve the right to remove any content that violates laws or platform policies.”

It’s not exciting, but it’s necessary.

The Secret to Great Moderation? Balance

Too strict, and people leave. Too lenient, and chaos takes over. The best communities find a middle ground—rules that protect people without stifling conversation.

One last tip: Review your moderation system every few months. Ask yourself:

Are the rules still working?
Do moderators have the tools they need?
Are there new issues we haven’t addressed?

A community is like a garden—it needs care to grow. With the right moderation, yours can thrive for years.

5. Encouraging Engagement Without Spam

A quiet Slack community is like a party where everyone stands in silence. No one wants that. But how do you get people talking without turning your channels into a noisy marketplace? The secret is balance—give members clear ways to participate without feeling like they’re shouting into the void.

Think about your own experience. When you join a new group, do you jump in right away? Probably not. Most people wait to see how things work. That’s why structured prompts work better than open-ended questions. Instead of asking, “What’s everyone working on?” (which often gets crickets), try something like “Weekly Wins Wednesday: Share one small win from your week—bonus points if it’s work-related!” This gives people a clear reason to post and makes it easy to respond.

Structured vs. Open-Ended: What Works Best?

Not all engagement prompts are created equal. Here’s what to consider:

Structured prompts (e.g., “Feedback Friday: Drop a link to your latest project and ask one specific question”) work because:
- They remove the pressure of coming up with something “interesting.”
- They create a habit—members start looking forward to them.
- They make it easy for others to respond (e.g., “I like how you used color here!”).
Open-ended questions (e.g., “What’s on your mind?”) can work, but only if:
- The community is already active and comfortable with each other.
- You pair them with a specific channel (e.g., #random or #watercooler).
- You follow up with replies to keep the conversation going.

A good rule of thumb? Start with structured prompts, then mix in open-ended ones as the community grows.

Let’s be honest—most people join communities to promote themselves at least a little. The problem isn’t self-promotion; it’s bad self-promotion. No one wants to scroll through a feed full of “Check out my new course!” with no context.

Here’s how to make it work:

Set clear rules. Example: “One self-promotion post per week, and it must include a question or ask for feedback.”
Create a dedicated channel. A #collaborations or #showcase channel keeps promotional posts in one place.
Encourage value-first sharing. Instead of “Buy my ebook!” try “I wrote an ebook on X—here’s a free chapter. What do you think?”

The key is to make self-promotion feel like a conversation, not an ad.

Gamification: Make Participation Fun

People love rewards—even small ones. Gamification can turn passive members into active contributors. Here are a few ideas:

Badges or roles. Example: “Post 5 times in #help and earn the ‘Community Helper’ badge!”
Shoutouts. Highlight top contributors in a weekly roundup.
Leaderboards. Track engagement (e.g., most replies, most helpful posts) and celebrate the winners.

One community I know boosted engagement by 40% just by adding a “Top Contributor of the Month” award. The prize? A custom emoji and a shoutout in the #announcements channel. It wasn’t about the reward—it was about recognition.

Case Study: How One Community Grew by 40%

A small Slack group for freelance writers was struggling to keep members active. They tried a few things:

Weekly prompts. Every Monday, they posted “What’s your biggest writing challenge this week?” in #general.
Feedback threads. On Wednesdays, they ran “Feedback Friday” where members could drop links to their work.
Recognition. They started a “Writer of the Week” award for the most helpful member.

Within three months, engagement skyrocketed. Members weren’t just posting—they were replying to each other. The lesson? Small, consistent prompts + recognition = a thriving community.

Final Tip: Keep It Simple

Don’t overcomplicate things. Start with one or two structured prompts, set clear rules for self-promotion, and add a little gamification. See what works, then adjust. The best communities aren’t built overnight—they grow one conversation at a time.

6. Handling Sensitive Topics & Crisis Situations

Some conversations make even the best moderators nervous. Politics, religion, personal attacks—these topics can turn a friendly chat into a battlefield in minutes. But here’s the thing: your community will face these moments. The question isn’t if, but when. The good news? With the right plan, you can handle them without losing members or your sanity.

The key is balance. Too strict, and your community feels like a sterile office meeting. Too loose, and it becomes a free-for-all where people get hurt. So where’s the middle ground? Let’s break it down.

When to Allow (or Ban) Controversial Discussions

Not all sensitive topics are created equal. Some deserve space; others need firm boundaries. Here’s how to decide:

Allow with guardrails: Topics like mental health, diversity, or industry ethics can be valuable if framed respectfully. Example: A #mental-health channel where people share resources (not medical advice) or vent in a supportive way.
Ban outright: Hate speech, personal attacks, or conspiracy theories have no place. Example: If someone posts, “All [group] are lazy,” that’s a hard delete + warning.
Redirect or reframe: Some topics are too broad or heated for a general chat. Example: If a political debate erupts in #general, a moderator might say, “This is getting off-track. Let’s take it to #off-topic or move on.”

Pro tip: Write a short “escalation ladder” for your team. Example:

First offense: Friendly reminder of the rules.
Second offense: Temporary mute (12–24 hours).
Third offense: Permanent ban.

This keeps moderators consistent and fair.

Crisis Communication Templates: Your Emergency Toolkit

When things go wrong, speed matters—but so does tone. Pre-written responses help you act fast without sounding robotic. Here are three templates to adapt:

1. PR Scandal or Bad Press

“Hi everyone, we’re aware of [issue] and are looking into it. We’ll share updates in #announcements as soon as we have more info. In the meantime, let’s keep conversations respectful and focused on solutions. If you have concerns, DM me or [moderator name].“

2. Member Conflict

“Hey [name], I see this conversation is getting heated. Let’s take a step back—our goal here is to [core value, e.g., ‘support each other’]. If you’d like to discuss this further, I’m happy to chat in DMs. Otherwise, let’s move on.”

3. Platform Outage

“Slack/Discord is down for us too! We’re monitoring [status page link] and will let you know when it’s back. In the meantime, check out [alternative channel, e.g., Twitter or email] for updates.”

Why this works: These messages acknowledge the issue, set expectations, and redirect energy. No defensiveness, no vague promises—just clarity.

Supporting Mental Health in Your Community

Online spaces can feel safe until they’re not. A member might share a panic attack in #general, or a heated argument could leave someone feeling targeted. Here’s how to prepare:

Create a #mental-health-support channel: Pin resources like crisis hotlines, therapy directories, or self-care tips. Example: “If you’re struggling, text HOME to 741741 (US) for free support.”
Train moderators to spot distress: Teach them to look for red flags (e.g., “I can’t do this anymore”) and respond with care. Example: “I’m really sorry you’re feeling this way. Would you like me to share some resources?”
Set boundaries: Make it clear this isn’t a replacement for professional help. Example: “We’re here to listen, but for urgent needs, please contact a licensed therapist or crisis line.”

Case study: The r/Anxiety subreddit has a rule: “No ‘me too’ comments.” Why? Because when someone shares a struggle, a flood of “same!” replies can derail the conversation. Instead, they encourage members to upvote and move on. It’s a small rule, but it keeps the space focused on support, not competition.

What We Learned from a Major Conflict

Last year, our community faced its biggest test: a member accused another of stealing their work. The accusations flew in #general, and within hours, the chat was divided into “Team A” and “Team B.” Here’s what we did wrong—and how we fixed it:

Mistakes:

We waited too long to intervene. By the time we muted the conversation, sides had already formed.
We didn’t have a clear “evidence policy.” Members were posting screenshots without context, making things worse.

Lessons:

Act fast, even if you’re unsure. A simple “Let’s pause this conversation while we look into it” buys time.
Move private disputes to DMs. Public call-outs rarely end well. We created a private channel for the involved members and a moderator to mediate.
Update the rules. We added: “Accusations of theft or plagiarism must be reported to mods first. No public call-outs.”

The conflict took a week to resolve, but the community came out stronger. Members appreciated the transparency, and we gained trust by admitting our mistakes.

Your Turn: Prepare Before the Storm

You don’t need a 50-page crisis manual, but you do need a plan. Start with these steps:

Pick 2–3 sensitive topics your community might face (e.g., politics, mental health, conflicts of interest).
Write 1–2 template responses for each (use the examples above as a guide).
Train your mods. Run a 30-minute session on spotting distress, de-escalating conflicts, and using the templates.
Test it. Next time a heated discussion pops up, try your new approach. What worked? What didn’t?

Remember: The goal isn’t to avoid conflict entirely—it’s to handle it in a way that leaves your community feeling safe, heard, and respected. And when you do? Members will stick around because of how you handled the tough stuff, not in spite of it.

7. Onboarding & Offboarding: Smooth Transitions for Members

First impressions matter. When someone joins your Slack or Discord community, they decide in minutes if it’s worth their time. A messy onboarding process? They’ll leave before even saying hello. But a smooth welcome? That’s how you turn new members into active, loyal participants.

The good news? You don’t need fancy tools to make this work. Even small communities can create a warm, organized onboarding experience—without spending hours manually sending messages. Let’s break down how to do it right.

Automate Your Welcome (Without Losing the Human Touch)

Nobody wants to feel like they’re talking to a robot. But automation? That’s your secret weapon. Tools like Slack’s Workflow Builder or Discord bots (like Dyno or MEE6) can send welcome messages, share rules, and even answer FAQs—while still feeling personal.

Here’s what a great automated onboarding flow looks like:

Instant welcome DM – A friendly message with a quick intro to the community.
Rules and guidelines – A short, clear list of what’s okay (and what’s not).
FAQ or resource channel – Link to a place where new members can find answers fast.
Icebreaker question – Something simple like, “What brought you here?” to spark conversation.

Example: The “Indie Hackers” Slack community uses a bot to send new members a welcome message with a link to their rules and a prompt to introduce themselves. It’s simple, but it works—because it makes people feel seen right away.

Offboarding Gracefully (Yes, It Matters)

Not every member will stay forever—and that’s okay. But how you handle departures can leave a lasting impression. A bad exit? They might tell others to avoid your community. A good one? They might come back later.

Here’s how to make offboarding smooth:

Exit survey (optional) – Ask why they’re leaving. Was it too noisy? Not enough value? Use this feedback to improve.
Archive their contributions – If they were active, keep their posts (but remove their access).
Wish them well – A simple “Thanks for being part of the journey!” goes a long way.

Pro tip: If someone leaves because they’re overwhelmed, consider sending a “We miss you!” message later with a highlight of what’s new. Sometimes, people just need a nudge to come back.

Re-Engaging Inactive Members (Before They Forget You)

People get busy. Life happens. But if someone hasn’t logged in for weeks, don’t assume they’re gone for good. A little nudge can bring them back.

Try these strategies:

“We miss you!” message – A short, friendly DM with a highlight of what they’ve missed.
Exclusive content – Offer a free resource or invite to a special event for returning members.
Personalized check-in – If they were active before, ask if they need help getting re-engaged.

Case study: The “Nomad List” community has a 90% retention rate. Their secret? A simple onboarding checklist (welcome message, rules, intro post) followed by regular check-ins with inactive members. They don’t spam—but they don’t let people slip away quietly either.

The Bottom Line: Make It Easy, Make It Personal

Onboarding and offboarding don’t have to be complicated. The key is to automate the boring stuff (like sending rules) while keeping the human touch (like a friendly welcome or goodbye).

Start small. Pick one thing to improve—like adding a welcome bot or sending a re-engagement message. Test it, tweak it, and watch your community grow stronger.

Because the best communities aren’t just places people visit—they’re places people stay.

Conclusion: Putting It All Together

Creating good community guidelines is like building a house. You need strong foundation, clear rules, and room for people to feel at home. We covered 10 important prompts to help you make guidelines that work for your Slack or Discord community. Let’s quickly remember what we learned:

Prompt	Key Takeaway
Welcome Message	Make new members feel excited to join
Core Values	Show what your community stands for
Do’s and Don’ts	Set clear expectations for behavior
Moderation Rules	Explain how you’ll keep things safe
Self-Promotion	Balance sharing with community value
Conflict Resolution	Handle disagreements with care
Sensitive Topics	Create safe spaces for hard conversations
Onboarding	Help new members get started smoothly
Offboarding	Say goodbye with kindness
Feedback Loop	Keep improving based on member input

Make It Work for Your Community

Not every community needs the same rules. Before you finalize your guidelines, ask yourself:

What problems do we want to avoid? (Too much spam? Arguments?)
What makes our community special? (Is it professional? Fun? Supportive?)
How strict should we be? (Will we warn first, or remove members quickly?)

Think about what your members really need. A community for busy professionals might need short, clear rules. A creative group might want more freedom to share ideas. The best guidelines feel natural, not like a list of restrictions.

Tools to Help You Get Started

You don’t have to start from zero. Here are some useful tools and templates:

Free guideline templates: Slack’s community guidelines template or Discord’s moderation guide
Moderation bots: Tools like Dyno or MEE6 can help enforce rules automatically
Analytics: Use Slack’s built-in analytics or Discord’s server insights to see what’s working

Pro tip: Start small. Pick 3-5 rules that matter most, then add more as your community grows.

Your Turn to Build Something Great

Good community guidelines don’t just prevent problems—they help your community thrive. They make people feel safe, welcome, and excited to be part of something special. Now it’s your turn to take these ideas and make them your own.

What rules will you add to your community? Have you seen guidelines that worked (or didn’t work) in other groups? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear what you’re building!

** Why Strong Community Guidelines Matter for Slack & Discord**