Guide to having a Popular Club on Stardoll

   In this post I will explain how you can achieve and maintain a popular club. I will start from the beginning, because a popular club can only be as strong as it's foundation. If you have any questions, post them in the comments. 

Step 1: Creating the Club

Note: If you have already created the club you wish to be popular, use this step as a reference, as you can edit most of the options I discuss here.

   This is arguably the most important step to having a popular club on Stardoll. Although there are many factors, the club name is something you can never change, which makes choosing the right one essential.

Choose a Club Name:

Before picking a name, check out the main "Clubs" page. Notice that the popular clubs in each category have these things in common:

1. In many titles, only the first letter of important words are capitalized. If you want to find out more about title capitalization, click here to automatically capitalize your title correctly. For example: SavetheAnimals, EatLovePray or TheStoryClub.
2. There are very few titles that include symbols or numbers. I suggest only using them when it's relevant to the club's name. For example: Love2Swim or X-RayClub. If the club name you want is already taken, don't use numbers or symbols to make it original, think of a whole new name. Be completely original, not just as original as you have to be.
3. All of the titles are easily understandable. When you look at the title of a popular club, you should know exactly what it is about. Don't use acronyms, unless it's a well known one like "LOL" or "DIY".  For example: Do "MilkDrinkers", Don't "MooClub". 

Membership Type: 

A popular private club is possible, but it's really hard. This will be the easiest part of creating a popular club. Make it "anyone can join."

Step 2: Designing the Club

Note: A club's design is never complete. As your club evolves, so should the aspects that make it presentable. So even if you think your club is good is this aspect, you could still benefit in this step.

   The club design is easily the second most important part of a club, behind the name. It is also the most complex aspect. Your design should depend on the atmosphere and features you want to offer at your club. You want your design to be attention grabbing and impressive. If people like the design, they will join.

Club Presentation:

Bonus: For tips and advice on creating club rules, click here to view a previous post.

Every club needs a good presentation. It's a chance to win over potential members, as well as share important information with current members. If you need help learning how to get a presentation, click here to visit a detailed "how to" post on the subject.

When choosing a presentation, consider the following...

• If you plan on including a long body of text (About the Club, Club Rules, etc.), then you should consider finding a scroll-box for your presentation. Scroll-boxes save space and are more appealing to potential members.
• Choose a color theme that suits the atmosphere of the club. Always make the text and background high contrast so it's easy to read. For example: If you have a club called "LoveYourself", then you might want an uplifting/bright color palette. To learn more about how colors go together, click here.
• If you want to emphasize a certain part of the presentation, consider a different background color or flashing text. I suggest keeping the amount of emphasized text to as little as possible, because the more you emphasize, the less each individual part stands out.

While using a colored background or scroll-box, use "Shift" + "Enter" to move down a line.

Here are some possible features for your club presentation...

• Club Title, Owner Name, Date of Creation, Managers' Usernames (The basics.)
• About the Club/ Club History (This is where you say why they should join.)
• Current Events/ Open Contests and Recent Winners (Great way to recognize members.)
• Club Rules (Say what's specific to your club only. Don't recite Stardoll rules.)
• Pictures of club events/winners (Including pictures is a great way to break up the mass of text.)

Don't forget to give credit to whomever created the presentation format. This is important.

Club Description:

My advice for the club description is keep it short and sweet. Don't be afraid to brag about the club. Include the main purpose of the club and summary of the things that make it great. Make sure it's appealing to the eyes and when saved, make sure it's balanced evenly. Use proper grammar and always try to appear professional but approachable.

Club Poll:

The club poll is not something to ignore, take it seriously. Make sure to always use proper grammar and spelling in your poll. Make sure the question is clear and the answers represent all the possible responses. You can use the poll to get feedback on club events. You can also use it as a way to spark discussion. My personal favorite is using the poll to advertise club contests by asking if the members have entered yet. It's not the most fun, but it gathers attention.

Cover Scenery:

There are a few things you could use the scenery on the homepage for.

1. Make a scenery to welcome new members.
2. Make a scenery to advertise current events and contests.
3. Have a scenery contest and put the winning scenery on the homepage.

Remember to always use quality sceneries on the front page. If you don't feel confident about your presentation skills, click here to learn more about how to pose.

Step 3: Getting Popular

Getting New Members:

• Send Broadcasts - It's the most expensive method, but it usually has the best results.
• Ask your Friends - It's the fastest way, but the results are limited.
• Post in Guestbooks - It takes the most time, but it's free.

   I suggest posting in guestbooks. I have personally used this method and I find it most effective. You can post in any guestbook, but I suggest posting in the guestbooks of people who just broadcasted. Their pages are the most visited. To save time, copy and paste the same message each time. Add a symbol to the end to make sure the message can be posted repeatedly.

• Get Sponsored - Find popular Stardoll members to join your club. They can get your club more attention.
• Get Featured on Blogs - Find Stardoll blogs who are willing to feature your club in a post.

Keeping Current Members Active:

The following tips are from a previous blogpost. Click here for the complete list of tips to "Keeping Club Members Active".

1. Set a Good Example: The owner should be as nice, friendly and active as they want the members to be. Don't be afraid to add your members as friends, because if they like the owner then they'll want to do active things for their club!
2. Don't let them Forget: Don't be afraid to remind your members. Posting in their guestbook is easy. Remind them to continue a story or role play, tell them about a cool for event, or ask them if they've contributed to a topic yet.
3. Use Spot Topics Wisely: Lots of people say they visit a club by clicking on Spot Topics. That doesn't mean make random ones, it means make new Spot Topics they're be interested in, as often as possible. I also suggest delete old Spot Topics or moving them to normal topics.
4. Have Stuff for Members to do: Have lots of things for members to do when they come. If there are only 3 topics, they can't stay long. Make fun games, contests and encourage members to make topics too.

Bonus: For a secret trick to getting active members, click here to view a previous post.

Thank you for Reading!

If you have any questions or additional suggestions, post them in the comments below.