How to reach out to local organisations to grow content on your community platform
If you’re managing a community platform, you might notice people searching for activities, services or topics that don’t yet have much content on your site. These “unmet searches” are a valuable signal. They tell you what people want—what they expect to find—and give you a focused way to reach out to local organisations that could help fill the gap.
Gather your search insights
Start by reviewing platform data and search terms.
Look for patterns like:
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Frequent searches with no results (e.g. “bereavement support,” “youth theatre,” “gardening clubs”)
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Seasonal or time-sensitive interest (e.g. “school holiday activities,” “warm spaces”)
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Services for specific groups (e.g. “carers’ advice,” “men’s mental health,” “help with transport”)
Aim to create a shortlist of keywords or topics people are looking for but not finding.
Find out how to download your search statistics here.
Map local groups to keywords
Next, connect each search term to potential contributors.
Think about:
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Community groups, charities or voluntary services already working in these areas
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Statutory services or health providers who deliver relevant support
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Venues, hubs or networks that might be aware of relevant activities
Example:
| Search Term | Potential Contributors |
|---|---|
| "warm hubs" | Local councils, village halls, food banks |
| "free counselling" | Local mental health charities, NHS outreach teams |
| "creative workshops" | Arts groups, libraries, adult education providers |
Draft your outreach message
When reaching out, make it personal, positive and purposeful. Explain:
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What the platform is and how it helps people find support
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What people are searching for (based on your keyword data)
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Why you’re getting in touch (inviting them to add their content)
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That it’s free and easy to get started
Example message:
Hi (Name),
I help manage a local community platform that connects people with activities and services in the area.
We’ve seen quite a few people searching for (e.g. “free counselling”), but there isn’t much content listed yet. I thought of your organisation as a key provider in this space.
We’d love to invite you to create a free profile and share your services so more local people can find the support they need. It only takes a few minutes to get started.
Let me know if you’d like help setting up or want to chat through what’s involved.
Best regards,
(Your Name)
You can also attach a one-page explainer or link to an onboarding video for extra clarity.
Follow up with support
Many groups appreciate a little guidance.
Be prepared to:
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Offer to help them register and post their first listing
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Suggest copy based on what users are searching for
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Highlight successful examples from other organisations
If you have capacity, consider hosting a short workshop or drop-in session to help multiple groups get started at once.
Keep reviewing search trends
Platform search data is an ongoing feedback loop. Check it regularly to spot emerging needs or seasonal patterns—and continue your outreach accordingly.
For example:
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In winter, you might reach out to groups running warm spaces or financial advice.
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Around school holidays, look for family-friendly events and childcare listings.
The goal isn’t to add content just for content’s sake. It’s to connect real people to real services—and that starts with showing local groups how their listings matter. When you show that users are already looking for them, it becomes easier to build those partnerships and grow the platform together.
Free templates for Made Open admins
If you are an admin of a Made Open community platform, sign in or register to this platform (different account to your own platform) and download these resources for free.
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