What is Developer Relations and What are Common Roles?

Developer relations is a mindset focused on fostering genuine relationships with developers and ensuring their success on a platform, distinguishing it from traditional sales and marketing roles. Various roles within developer relations, such as Developer Evangelist, Developer Advocate, and Developer Experience Manager, serve different functions, from community engagement and technical advocacy to product management and marketing collaboration. A Developer Evangelist aims to raise awareness through public speaking and online content, while a Developer Advocate liaises between developers and internal teams to enhance platform usability. Developer Experience teams manage the technical aspects of a developer's journey, such as onboarding and documentation, whereas Developer Marketing focuses on content strategies and event sponsorship to attract developers without overtly selling to them. This holistic approach helps API-first and platform companies build authentic connections with their developer communities.