Top 10 Techniques for Building Strong Online Communities

Imagine transforming your business into a thriving hub of engaged customers, loyal advocates, and enthusiastic supporters. What if I told you that building a strong community is the key to making this a reality?

In 2008, Ivan Misner, in Episode 36 of his podcast, shared the theme of “Changing the Way The World Does Business.” The idea of community building and connection has always resonated with me—even before I joined BNI myself.

In today’s digital age, and in a post-COVID world, the power of community cannot be overstated. For small business owners, fostering a vibrant online community can lead to increased customer loyalty, enhanced brand awareness, and invaluable word-of-mouth marketing.

Year in, year out, trusted referrals and trusted referral sources always come out on top as the preferred way people want to do business. We’re talking about as high as 90% of people looking to trusted referral sources.

You need your community because this community becomes your trusted referral partners—those who will recommend you in their own circles.

But how do you go about building such a community?

Here are 10 tips that have worked for me. If you have your own suggestions, I’d love it if you could share them below.

1. Understand Your Audience

Community can mean different things to different people. You’ll have strong connections and some that are more on the fringe. You need to connect with referral partners and customers. Understanding your audience includes understanding their motivations and what will drive meaningful engagement with them. This can come through 1-1 conversations and surveys, but also by tracking different data and information you may collect.

2. Create Valuable Content

I try to create content that is educational and entertaining. Sometimes I like to share content that solves an immediate problem, and sometimes content that makes you think. With this piece, I’m hoping to make you think. High-quality content fosters trust and keeps your community engaged.

3. Be Authentic

Authenticity breeds trust. Be genuine in your interactions, share your journey, successes, and even failures. Transparency helps build a loyal and trusting community. It’s easier to be you than it is to be someone else. You can’t hide behind a facade anymore, so stop pretending. The internet extends your network, so you will find your community without having to pretend.

4. Encourage Engagement

Foster a two-way conversation. Ask questions, encourage comments, and respond to your audience. Engagement increases when people feel heard and valued. Get to know your community and let them talk about themselves too. If someone makes the effort to reply to something you have said, reply to them and keep the conversation going. This has two benefits: one, it alerts the algorithm to interesting content, and two, it can encourage others to join the conversation.

5. Utilize Social Media

Leverage platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn to create a space where your community can interact, share ideas, and support each other. You may even want to create your own group online. Groups can enhance a sense of belonging and loyalty. I have my own group for local business owners in my area, and it has helped me grow my business immensely.

6. Host Events and Webinars

I’ve been hosting a local networking breakfast monthly for over 10 years (I’ve been in BNI for longer). During COVID, I held weekly Zoom meetings just as a check-in to maintain connection. Give people the opportunity to connect in ways other than by text, and you’ll see massive growth in your community.

7. Reward Your Community

Recognize and reward active members of your community. Offer exclusive content, discounts, or other incentives to keep them engaged and motivated.

8. Collaborate with Influencers

Partnering with influencers who resonate with your brand can amplify your message and bring in new community members. Influencers can provide credibility and reach.

9. Monitor and Measure

Regularly monitor your community’s growth and engagement metrics. Use tools to track what’s working and what needs improvement. Data-driven decisions can help you refine your strategy.

10. Utilise CRM Tools

Keep track of your contacts and interactions with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools. CRMs help you organize information, streamline communication, and build stronger relationships with your community members.

Building a strong online community isn’t just about numbers; it’s about creating meaningful connections and providing value. Start implementing these techniques today and watch your online community thrive.

If you’d like to chat further, please reach out. I’d love to connect with you and find out if there are ways I can help you. I am always happy to share what has worked for me.