It's not enough to simply promote your products; cultivating your network and audience can strengthen your brand's impact. A thriving online community is a great avenue to foster passion among your followers and enrich their loyalty to your brand.

Any business can benefit from creating a thriving online community. A strong community is made up of members who're invested in your brand and products.

They are the ones who closely follow your business' social media, buy and use your products and services, and are more than willing to promote your brand to their family and friends.

Both local businesses and established companies can benefit from building community. It can provide resources to shape and refine their brand more through product feedback and customer reviews from the community members.

Set Community's Purpose and Identity

Before creating your community, start with establishing its purpose and identity. This is usually easy when you've found your brand's niche. It's important to focus on what sets your brand apart from others.

Let your brand's mission and vision guide you as you create your community. Setting your brand's voice and personality can also help in making your brand stand out.

You may also anchor your brand to a social mission as purpose-driven communities can help promote a deeper connection among your loyal customers. When you hone in on your brand's uniqueness, it can lead to passionate followers who'll heavily identify with your brand and services.

Go Where the People Are

Building a community starts with knowing who your customers are. Research what your target audience is like and the online communities they hang out in. You can create your online community in a forum, social media sites, or other third-party platforms, such as Slack and Discord. You can also utilize social media by managing an online page or group, such as a Facebook group.

Private Groups

Community begins with community leaders like you inviting people into your private group. Make the sign-in process to your brand community easy, but be consistent in facilitating and connecting with your audience. Different platforms have their strengths and weaknesses so consider what features or tools will be most valuable to your community's purpose.

Consistently Connect with Community Members

A brand community fosters meaningful connections among its members. This is made easy by the fact that communities are usually made up of like-minded people having shared interests and purposes. Make the members realize the benefit of your brand community.

Make sure to consistently interact and respond to your audience's requests or questions, even if it's just small talk. This is where a community manager is crucial whose job is to keep new conversations flowing among community members. The community manager facilitates all aspects of the community and hiring someone experienced for the role can go a long way.

Connection

A thriving community happens when the members feel connected and valued. Create opportunities for your community members that enable them to share resources, have meaningful conversations, and keep up with related news about your brand and products. Help them create deeper relationships and bonds, which can be through an event, contest, or Q&A sessions with them.

You can use free community platforms to help build community

Listen to your Community

Your audience can help you refine your brand. Create a safe space for them to interact with each other and take notes on their product feedback.

Make sure to address important concerns from any community member and share how you dealt with them, which helps in elevating their trust in you.

Feedback Sharing

Share feedback and stories from your client and employees. Successful communities are built on trust; this helps promote your brand but also helps attract new community members.

Create Rewards, Affiliate, or Ambassador Programs

Referral and reward programs help strengthen your connection with your most brand loyal and active members. Encouraging referrals can be a source of a constant stream of new members.

You can give rewards, such as vouchers or discounts, to community members who consistently purchase your products. You can also incentivize those who lend their help with product innovation.

If you want to manage not only your communities but also your business, check out Habit Hero, which will equip you with the essential habits for any smart entrepreneur.