In today’s technology-driven world, developers play a crucial role in creating and maintaining software solutions. As the demand for digital products and services continues to grow, it’s more important than ever for companies to establish a strong relationship with developers. This is where developer relations, or devrel, comes in. Devrel focuses on building strong relationships with developers to create a thriving community around your products and services.

If you’re a software company or any organization that relies on developers to create products or services, focusing on devrel can provide significant benefits. Here are some reasons why you should make devrel a priority.

Access to a wider talent pool

The developer community is vast and constantly growing. By establishing strong devrel programs, you can connect with a wider talent pool of developers who can help you create innovative solutions. You can also leverage their skills and knowledge to improve your existing products or services.

Enhanced product development

Developers are often the first to identify issues or potential improvements in your products or services. By building a strong devrel program, you can solicit feedback and suggestions from developers, which can help you create better products and services that meet the needs of your users.

Improved customer satisfaction

By providing developers with the tools and resources they need to create solutions using your products or services, you can improve overall customer satisfaction. Developers who are satisfied with your products are more likely to recommend them to others, which can increase your customer base.

Brand recognition

Devrel programs can help establish your brand as a leader in your industry. By providing developers with the tools, resources, and support they need to create innovative solutions, you can build a strong reputation as a company that values its developer community. This can help attract new customers and partners who want to work with a company that prioritizes innovation and collaboration.

Community building

Devrel programs provide an opportunity to build a community around your products and services. By engaging with developers and providing them with a platform to connect with each other, you can create a sense of belonging and foster collaboration among developers. This can lead to new partnerships and opportunities for innovation.

Now that we’ve discussed the importance of devrel, let’s dive into the different roles and responsibilities within a devrel program. Here are three key roles you’ll find in most devrel programs:

Developer Advocates

Developer advocates are the voice of the developer community within a company. They serve as the bridge between the company and the developer community, ensuring that the needs of developers are heard and addressed. Developer advocates often attend conferences and events, engage with developers on social media, and create content to help developers succeed with the company’s products or services. They also work closely with product teams to ensure that developers have the tools and resources they need to create solutions using the company’s products or services.

Developer Evangelists

Developer evangelists are responsible for spreading the word about a company’s products or services to the developer community. They attend conferences and events, create content, and engage with developers on social media to raise awareness and generate excitement about the company’s offerings. They also work closely with developer advocates and product teams to ensure that developers have a positive experience with the company’s products or services.

Community Managers

Community managers are responsible for building and nurturing the developer community around a company’s products or services. They engage with developers on social media, moderate online forums, and create events to bring developers together. They also work closely with developer advocates and developer evangelists to ensure that the needs of the community are being met.

Overall, devrel is a multifaceted discipline that requires a variety of roles and responsibilities to be successful. Developer advocates, developer evangelists, and community managers are just a few of the key roles you’ll find in most devrel programs. By working together, these roles help build a strong relationship between a company and the developer community, leading to improved products and services, enhanced customer satisfaction, and increased brand recognition.

In conclusion, investing in devrel can have a significant impact on your business. By establishing a strong relationship with developers, you can access a wider talent pool, improve your products and services, enhance customer satisfaction, build brand recognition, and foster a community of collaboration and innovation. By making devrel a priority, you can ensure that your business is well-positioned to succeed in today’s technology-driven world.