Discord Beginner Guide: 9 Steps to Get Your Community Started

If you’ve ever explored online communities, you’ve likely heard of Discord—a platform that has grown from a gamer’s communication tool to a global hub for community interaction.

Launched in 2014, Discord now connects millions of users across countless interests, offering tools for casual chats, professional collaboration, and vibrant community engagement.

At its core, this platform allows you to create a profile, join servers, and add friends to communicate seamlessly. Beyond the basics, its advanced features—like customizable servers, moderation tools, and bot integrations—provide endless opportunities for building thriving online spaces.

While Discord might seem a bit overwhelming at first, it’s surprisingly intuitive once you dive in.

In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to get started, from setting up your account and joining servers to exploring its advanced features that can take your online interactions to the next level.

Let’s get started!

What is Discord?

Discord is a free communication platform that enables users to interact through text, voice, and video chat. Originally designed for gamers to coordinate during online play, it has since expanded to cater to various audiences, including social groups, educators, and businesses.

At its core, Discord revolves around servers, which are customizable spaces that house channels for text and voice communication. Users can join existing servers or create their own to organize discussions, share content, and connect with like-minded individuals.

With features like screen sharing, role management, and server-specific bots, Discord has established itself as a powerful platform for digital interaction.

Why Use Discord?

Discord offers numerous advantages over other communication platforms, making it a must-have tool for creators, streamers, or business seeking to grow their brand and manage their online communities. Here are some of the main reasons why you should step up your own Discord: 

Ease of Use

Discord’s intuitive design ensures that users, regardless of technical expertise, can quickly navigate its features. From organizing conversations into dedicated text channels to enabling seamless voice and video chat, the platform offers a smooth and accessible experience for both creators and their communities. This simplicity encourages fans to join and actively participate.

Direct Fan Engagement

One of Discord's standout benefits is its ability to create a space for real-time interaction. Creators can host live events, chat directly with fans, and gather feedback effortlessly. This level of access allows you to build a strong community among your followers, driving loyalty and encouraging fans to engage more deeply with the brand through the platform.

Customization

Creators can design their Discord server to reflect their brand and meet their specific needs. With customizable roles and permissions, creators can delegate moderation tasks, reward loyal fans, or offer exclusive content to subscribers. For instance:

• Tiered Membership Perks: Link Discord to platforms like Fourthwall or Patreon to automate role assignments and grant paying members access to special channels.
• Branded Experiences: Use custom emojis, channel banners, and themes to reinforce your brand identity.

Versatility

Discord isn’t just for gaming—it’s a multi-purpose platform that adapts to various needs. Content creators can use it to:

• Host Q&A sessions, live-stream events, or behind-the-scenes chats.
• Share announcements and updates about new content or products.
• Facilitate collaboration on creative projects with other creators or fans.

Integration with Creator Tools

Discord seamlessly integrates with popular platforms like YouTube, Twitch, X, and Spotify, allowing creators to:

• Notify subscribers of new content drops or livestreams automatically.
• Curate playlists for fans or share exclusive music during live sessions.
• Reward viewers and fans with unique roles for their support.

Cost-Effective Solution

Discord is free to use, with optional upgrades like Discord Nitro for advanced features. For creators, this means high-quality communication and engagement tools without a steep financial investment.

Community Growth and Retention

A well-managed Discord server acts as a hub where fans can connect with each other, creating a self-sustaining community that continues to grow through word-of-mouth. Loyal fans who feel part of a community are more likely to share your content, purchase merchandise, and support your projects.

Analytics and Feedback

With tools to monitor engagement and participation, creators can identify what resonates with their audience. Host polls, collect suggestions, and fine-tune your content or offerings based on direct input from your most dedicated supporters.

Discord’s ability to foster engagement through its unique blend of features makes it an essential tool for those looking to create and manage active online communities.

Navigating Discord’s Interface

Discord’s interface is built to be user-friendly while offering a wealth of features that cater to both casual users and community managers.

Whether you’re joining a server for the first time or managing a bustling online community, understanding Discord’s layout is key to making the most of this versatile platform.

The interface is divided into three primary sections: the Home Screen, Private Messages, and Servers. Let’s explore each one and its key elements.

1. The Home Screen

The Home Screen is your starting point when you open Discord. From here, you can navigate to servers, manage private messages, and adjust personal settings.

Key Features:

• Home Button: Brings you back to the main dashboard from any part of Discord.
• Server List: Displays a vertical list of all the servers you’ve joined. Click on any server to enter it.
• Add Server: Join a new server by clicking this button and entering an invite link or exploring public servers.
• Explore Public Servers: Browse and join servers from around the world based on your interests.
• Direct Messages: Access all your private and group conversations here.
• Profile Section: Click your profile picture to manage your settings, such as turning on/off your microphone, setting your status, or customizing your profile.
• Friends List: Organize and view your friends. Filter between online, offline, or pending friend requests.
• Inbox: A central location for notifications about mentions, replies, and updates across all your servers.
• Help Center: Provides quick access to FAQs and support if needed.

2. Private Messages

Private messaging allows you to communicate directly with other Discord users or small groups outside of servers.

Key Features:

• Direct Chats: Message individual users with text, files, or multimedia.
• Group DMs: Create private chat groups for up to 10 members.
• File Upload: Share documents, images, or other files with ease.
• Media Options: Include GIFs, stickers, and emojis to add personality to your messages.
• Upgrade Options: From this screen, you can also explore Discord Nitro, which offers premium features like enhanced file uploads and exclusive stickers.

3. Servers and Channels

Servers are the cornerstone of Discord, acting as hubs for communities to gather and communicate. Each server is further divided into channels, where conversations and activities are organized.

Server Features:

• Channel Bar: Located on the left side, it lists all text and voice channels within the server. Channels are typically grouped by themes or functions.
• Server Roles and Permissions: Admins can assign roles and permissions to members, creating tiered access to channels and features.
• Custom Emojis and Stickers: Servers often include unique emojis and stickers that reflect their identity.
• Pinned Messages: Important updates or rules can be pinned within channels for easy reference.
• Video Calls: Discord makes staying connected easy with video calls available in both voice channels and direct messages (DMs). Users can hop into a voice channel and start video chatting with friends or members. While in a video call, users can:
  • Chat over video.
  • Share their screen.
  • Combine video chatting with screen sharing.
  • Stay on voice-only while watching others’ videos.

Channel Types:

• Text Channels: For messages, announcements, polls, or links.
• Voice Channels: For real-time voice chats and group calls.

How to Create Your Discord Server

Creating your own Discord server is an exciting first step toward building a dedicated community. Whether you’re starting a space for fans, friends, or professional collaborators, Discord makes the process simple and intuitive. Follow these steps to set up your server and customize it to your needs.

Step 1: Sign Up or Log In

To begin, you’ll need a Discord account:

• Visit discord.com and sign up with your email address or phone number.
• Verify your account via email or text message and set a secure password.
• If you already have an account, log in to get started.

Step 2: Open Discord and Start the Server Creation Process

From the Home Screen, click the “+” icon on the left-hand server bar to begin creating your server.

A pop-up window will appear, offering the option to either Join a Server with an invite link or Create My Own.

If creating your own, you can choose from pre-designed templates tailored for purposes like Gaming, Friends, Study Groups, or Clubs and Communities.

Alternatively, select “Create My Own” to start from scratch and build a fully customized server for your unique needs.

Step 3: Identify Your Server

Once you've choosen the type of server for your community, Discord will ask you who specifically your new server is for. You'll have two options to choose from: 

• Club or Community: Ideal for larger, public groups where you plan to engage a broad audience or manage a professional community. This option unlocks features like community settings and moderation tools to maintain a structured and safe environment.
• Yourself and Friends: Perfect for smaller, private groups designed for casual interaction, such as gaming sessions, study groups, or hobby-based chats.

Choose whichever fits your needs best. After selecting your option, you’ll proceed to customize your server with a name and an optional icon to make it uniquely yours.

Step 4: Name Your Server and Add an Icon

Enter a unique name that represents your community. Optionally, you can upload a server icon or logo for branding. This his image will be displayed next to your server name in the sidebar. When uploaded, click Create to finalize the setup.

Step 5: Set Up Channels and Categories

Channels are the backbone of your server and help organize discussions. By default, Discord will create a general text and voice channel, but you can add more:

• Text Channels: For written discussions, announcements, or polls.
• Voice Channels: For live conversations, streaming, or gaming sessions.
• Categories: Group similar channels together (e.g., “Announcements,” “Community Chat,” “Support”).

To add a channel, click the “+” icon next to the category or channel list.

Step 6: Customize Roles and Permissions

Roles allow you to assign specific permissions to users, helping you manage your community efficiently.

• Navigate to Server Settings (click your server name in the top-left corner).
• Go to Roles and click Create Role.
• Customize the role name, color, and permissions (e.g., moderation, managing channels).
• Assign roles to users by right-clicking their name and selecting Roles.

Step 7: Add Bots for Enhanced Functionality

Adding bots to your Discord server is an effective way to automate tasks, improve moderation, and provide engaging features that enhance your community’s experience. Bots are versatile tools that cater to a variety of needs, from maintaining order to adding entertainment options.‍

How to Add Bots:

• Find the Right Bot: Visit trusted bot directories like top.gg and search for bots that fit your server’s requirements.
• Invite or Add to Server: Click the Invite or Add to Server button and follow the prompts to authorize the bot for your server.
• Set Permissions: During setup, assign the bot the necessary permissions for its intended functions, such as moderating chats or creating polls.

Step 8: Adjust Server Settings

Fine-tuning your server settings is essential for creating a well-organized, user-friendly, and secure community space. Discord offers a variety of customizable options to ensure your server fits your specific needs. Below are the main features you can manage in the Server Settings menu:

• Server Overview: Edit your server name and icon to reflect your brand or community identity. You can also adjust default notification settings to prevent users from being overwhelmed by alerts.
• Moderation Settings: Control who can join your server by requiring email or phone verification. Content fiters and audit logs help you scan messages for explicit content and monitor your sever activity to ensure transparency.
• User Management: Assign roles with specific permissions, such as moderation, content posting, or channel creation. You can also view and manage all server members, including banning or kicking users if necessary.
• Apps and Integrations: Link external apps like YouTube, Twitch, or Spotify for seamless community engagement. Add third-party bots to automate moderation, host games, or provide additional utilities.
• Community Settings (Available for Community Servers): Enable Community Mode for advanced tools, such as server rules screening and welcome screens. Create a Welcome Screen to introduce new members to your server’s rules, guidelines, and key channels. Use Insights to track server growth and engagement statistics.
• Monetization Options: Use Discord’s Server Subscriptions to offer paid membership tiers with exclusive perks, such as private channels or custom roles. You can even integrate platforms like Fourthwall, Patreon, or Ko-fi to provide additional monetization avenues.
• Server Boost Status: View your server’s current Boost Level, which enhances server features like improved audio quality, larger file uploads, and custom banners. Encourage members to boost the server for additional perks by explaining the benefits in a dedicated channel.
• User Management: Generate and customize invite links with expiration dates, usage limits, or specific channel landing pages. Use these links strategically to promote your server on social media, websites, or other platforms.

Step 9: Invite Members and Promote Your Server

Once your server is set up, click Invite People at the top of the server sidebar to generate an invite link. You can share this link via email, social media, or your website to bring in members.

To enhance onboarding, leverage Discord’s integration features to connect with platforms like YouTube and Twitch, making it easy for your existing audience to join your community.

Congratulations! You’ve created your first Discord server. Now it’s time to foster engagement, set clear community guidelines, and watch your server grow into a thriving hub for your audience.

4 Tips for Managing a Discord Server

Managing a server effectively is crucial for creating an engaging and welcoming community. Following these tips below will help you maintain structure and encourage growth while ensuring a positive user experience.

1. Organize Channels by Category

To avoid clutter and improve usability, group channels into relevant categories that align with your community's needs.

• Create Clear Categories: Use categories like “Announcements,” “General Chat,” “Support,” or “Events” to organize channels logically.
• Set Descriptive Channel Names: Use concise, descriptive names to help members quickly identify the purpose of each channel (e.g., "fan-art-gallery" or "tech-support").
• Utilize Pinned Messages: Highlight important messages in specific channels, such as rules or FAQs, to ensure critical information is easily accessible.

2. Set Clear Rules and Guidelines

A well-structured server relies on clear expectations to maintain harmony and ensure respectful interactions.

• Define Community Standards: Outline acceptable behavior, prohibited content, and consequences for rule violations.
• Create a Rules Channel: Dedicate a channel for rules that all members must read upon joining. Use Discord’s rules screening feature for community servers to enforce this step.
• Implement Bots for Moderation: Add bots like MEE6 or Dyno to automate rule enforcement, such as warning or muting users who break guidelines.

3. Engage with Your Members Regularly 

An active and engaged community is more likely to grow and thrive. Build relationships with your members by staying present and fostering interaction.

• Host Events: Organize regular activities, such as game nights, livestreams, or themed discussions, to bring members together.
• Create Polls and Surveys: Use polls to gather feedback or engage members in fun, lighthearted discussions.
• Recognize Contributions: Highlight standout members with shoutouts, custom roles, or badges to encourage active participation.
• Encourage User-Generated Content: Ask members to share artwork, memes, or content related to your community’s theme.

4. Use Analytics Tools to Monitor and Improve

Tracking server activity helps you understand your community better and refine strategies to meet their needs.

• Monitor Engagement Metrics: Use Discord’s built-in server insights or bots like Statbot to analyze user activity, channel popularity, and member growth.
• Identify Inactive Channels: Review engagement data to remove or repurpose underused channels to keep the server relevant and clutter-free.
• Test New Features: Introduce new bots, emojis, or activities based on feedback and analytics to keep your server fresh and exciting.
• Gather Feedback: Regularly check in with members to learn what they enjoy and what they’d like to see improved.

Remember, the more effort you put into managing your community, the more rewarding the experience will be for both you and your members.

Maximize Your Discord Server with Fourthwall

Fourthwall elevates Discord server management by seamlessly integrating e-commerce capabilities and member engagement tools, enabling you to monetize your community like never before.

By combining Fourthwall’s robust features with Discord, you can unlock new revenue streams while fostering a highly interactive and engaging environment for your Discord users. 

With Fourthwall, you can:

• Sell Merchandise and Manage Memberships: Integrate your Discord server with Fourthwall’s membership tiers to offer custom perks like discount codes or exclusive content. You can also sell branded merchandise directly through the platform, turning fans into loyal customers.
• Enhance Engagement with Custom Roles: Use the Fourthwall Memberships x Discord integration to assign special roles to your members based on their membership tier. Roles can be tied to exclusive benefits, such as VIP channels or early access to content, creating a sense of exclusivity and value within your community.
• Automate Role Management: Once set up, the Fourthwall bot automatically assigns roles to authenticated members, streamlining the process and ensuring an organized server.
• Leverage Analytics: Gain insights into member behavior and engagement, allowing you to refine your offerings, identify trends, and optimize for success.
• Boost Community Engagement: Host events, polls, and giveaways to keep members active and connected while tying these activities to monetization opportunities.

To set up the integration, select "Discord" as the perk type when creating a new membership tier on Fourthwall.

After connecting to your server, the Fourthwall bot will handle role assignments, ensuring seamless integration and a professional touch. 

Members can authenticate via the "Perks" tab in their supporter area and instantly gain access to their assigned benefits.

Take advantage of Fourthwall's Memberships x Discord integration and start monetizing your community today! Sign up with Fourthwall now and unlock exclusive tools and integrations that take your server and community to the next level.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Join a Discord Server?

Joining a server on Discord is quick and straightforward, whether you're using the Discord app on mobile or accessing it on your desktop. 

Simply use an invite link provided by the server admin or browse public servers to find communities that match your interests. Once inside, you can participate in text chat, voice chat, or even video calls depending on the server’s setup.

For a seamless experience, ensure you have a verified Discord account, and take advantage of features like direct messages (DMs) and group chat to connect with members.

If you're using Discord Nitro or Nitro Classic, you’ll also unlock enhanced perks like higher-quality screen sharing and custom emojis, adding more value to your interactions.

Can I Use Discord for Professional Communication?

Yes, Discord’s voice, video, and text channels make it an excellent tool for team collaboration, webinars, and project management.

Discord users can create dedicated servers for their teams, organize conversations by projects or departments, and utilize tools like screen sharing to present ideas or troubleshoot in real time.

Direct messages (DMs) and group chat options allow for quick communication, while features like moderation tools and discord bots can automate tasks.

Accessible on desktop, mobile, or browser, Discord ensures seamless connectivity, and upgrades like Discord Nitro provide additional perks such as higher-quality video streaming and file sharing.

What Are the Best Bots for Beginners?

For beginners looking to enhance their server on Discord, MEE6, Dyno, and Carl-bot are excellent choices due to their ease of use and versatility.

• MEE6: A popular bot for automating moderation tasks, such as filtering spam and managing roles, while also engaging users with level-based rewards and custom commands.
• Dyno: Offers robust moderation tools alongside useful utilities like automated announcements and timed events. 
• Carl-bot: This bot shines with its advanced role management, reaction-based commands, and moderation features, making it a powerful yet beginner-friendly tool.

These bots are easy to set up and can significantly improve your community’s functionality and engagement, whether you’re focusing on text chat, voice chat, or even group chat.