In an era where digital connections are more important than ever, Esri stands out as a best-in-class example of innovative community engagement.
As the global leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, Esri has long been committed to harnessing the power of geographic science and technology to create a sustainable world. With a rich history dating back to 1969, Esri continues to demonstrate how geographic approaches can provide insightful solutions to complex problems. The Esri Community—a platform designed to facilitate knowledge-sharing and foster collaboration, amplifies success stories through their innovative storytelling program.
The Heart of the Esri Community
At the core of Esri’s community storytelling initiative are two multimedia series that showcase the tangible benefits of community participation.
1. Esri Community Member Spotlights: Launched in September 2022, this series spotlights customers and partners demonstrating the positive impact of the Esri Community. Featuring monthly stories tailored for both external and internal audiences, this initiative helps to cultivate recognition of the community’s value while fostering deeper connections among members. The stories are not just inspirational; they provide practical use-cases and model behaviors that resonate with a wide range of users.
2. Esri Community: Inside Success: This quarterly series kicked off in early 2023, focusing on Esri staff who successfully integrate the community into their daily work. By providing an internal perspective, these interviews aim to raise awareness among employees about the community’s benefits and encourage greater participation.
Goals of the Community Program
Esri’s primary goal with these series is to enhance education and awareness of the community’s value among current and prospective users. By leveraging real experiences from peers, they seek to create content that is not only engaging but also beneficial. These stories introduce various facets of the Esri experience, ensuring a broader audience can relate to and learn from them.
Positive Outcomes and Success Metrics
The impact of these storytelling initiatives has been significant. Since the launch of the Member Spotlights, there have been over 3,000 page views across nine published stories, reflecting a genuine interest in the community’s activities and insights. Notably, the inspirational narratives featuring teams like The National Interagency Fire Center have been adapted into major publications like ArcNews and ArcWatch, further expanding their reach. The Inside Success series was similarly well-received indicating a thriving internal dialogue around community engagement. The spotlighted members’ enthusiasm often translates into social media promotions, while Esri account managers utilize these stories as relationship-building tools during outreach efforts.
Creative Integration into the Broader Strategy
Esri has taken steps to creatively integrate these storytelling initiatives into its overall community strategy:
- Year-End Wrap Up Report: Early in 2023, a multimedia report using ArcGIS StoryMaps celebrated the previous year’s accomplishments, including a dedicated section for Community Member Spotlights, which highlighted the metrics and stories that defined 2022.
- Redesigned Quarterly Highlights Report: The Esri Community team has revamped its reporting structure to emphasize key information in a visually appealing format. This report includes dedicated sections for Member Spotlights and Inside Success features, thus reinforcing the metrics and engagement levels.
- Forum Re-engagement Strategy: Recognizing the need for consistent activity levels in community forums, Esri initiated an audit process followed by a resource-packed outreach to Place Managers. This strategy emphasizes the benefits of community participation, showcasing successful integrations by Esri staff that foster meaningful customer feedback and collaboration.
Through its innovative storytelling initiatives, Esri not only showcases the incredible value of its community but also embodies its commitment to fostering connections that lead to shared success. By amplifying voices, celebrating achievements, and encouraging collaboration, Esri is laying the foundation for a vibrant and engaged community that truly harnesses the power of “The Science of Where.”
Get advice from the Esri community team in the 2024 State of Community Management Report.
