Champions are people who consistently share useful answers, practical experience and technical knowledge that helps other community members to get more from SmartBear products.

The program is also a way for SmartBear to build closer relationships with those contributors - creating opportunities to share feedback, join discussions with our teams, take part in selected activities, and help us improve the community experience over time.

 

How Members Become Community Champions

Community Champions are invited by the SmartBear Community Team. Invitations are based on the quality and consistency of a member's contribution to the community, rather than on a single points total.

As a guide, members considered for the program will usually have:

• Been active in the SmartBear Community for around six months, or quickly established themselves as a consistently valuable contributor.
• Reached at least the Frequent Contributor rank.
• Built a meaningful body of participation - for example, around 50 discussions, replies and accepted solutions combined.
• Shown a positive, constructive approach and a genuine interest in helping other members.
• Followed the SmartBear Community Terms of Service and contributed in a way that supports a welcoming community.

These are guidelines rather than a strict checklist. The Community Team may also invite members whose contribution stands out in other ways, including technical expertise, advocacy, helpfulness, or support for a specific product community.

What Champion Contribution Looks Like
Champion contribution can take different forms. Examples include:

• Starting useful technical discussions.
• Posting thoughtful replies and practical solutions.
• Receiving kudos or accepted solutions for helpful contributions.
• Writing technical articles, guides or blogs.
• Sharing product knowledge and real-world experience.
• Helping other members feel welcome and supported.
• Taking part in feedback sessions, office hours or other Champion activities.

Champion Levels

The program has three Champion levels. Each level is intended to recognize continued contribution and involvement over time. Progression is reviewed periodically by the Community Team and considers the overall impact of a Champion's participation, rather than relying on one activity or metric alone.

Staying Active in the Program

Champion activity is reviewed periodically so the program continues to recognize people who are actively contributing and supporting the community.

There is no expectation that Champions need to be active every week, and contribution will naturally vary over time. Where activity has reduced for a longer period, the Community Team may check in before making any change to Champion status or level.

New Champions can be invited throughout the year following Community Team review.

Rewards and Recognition

Recognition is an important part of the program, but it is not intended to be the reason people contribute. The aim is to acknowledge the time, expertise and support Champions give to the community in ways that feel useful and meaningful.

The Community Team is currently reviewing the rewards approach and will continue to develop it with input from Champions. This may include a mix of recognition, access, experiences, opportunities to collaborate with SmartBear teams, and occasional physical or digital rewards.

More Opportunities to Get Involved

The Champion program will continue to grow. Over time, the Community Team plans to create more regular ways for Champions to connect with each other and with SmartBear teams, including office hours, feedback sessions, product conversations, community content, events and other opportunities to contribute.

Contact the Community Team

Questions, ideas and feedback about the Community Champions program are always welcome.

Contact: [email protected]