8 Key Strategies to Create an online community around your Name

Sep 15, 2022

Every one of us has a brand or two which we are in love with. We're proud of displaying the logos of these brands on our T-shirts. We engage with them on social media. We drink their coffee or purchase laptops, or enjoy donuts on their menus. We wouldn't think of an alternative! We talk about them with our friends and families and are also happy to join in the rewards programmes they provide.

What is the reason? Do their services or products really that much better than other competitors? Maybe. Or maybe it's because we feel valued, engaged and felt loved.

Building the kind of customer who is loyal will take time, however the benefits are well worthwhile. Once you've created a community which is focused on the brand, you will have a pool of customers who purchase repeatedly as ambassadors of your product as well as become deeply invested in the development of your business. It's a great thing.

What are the best ways to build a community?

1. You must be aware of your audience.

Get to know your target market. your target audience, also known as your the community. Find out more about who who they are, what they are doing with their spare time and what they are looking for as well as what they dislike about.

This should be an element throughout everything you do whether it's in the products you design to the language that you employ for your website, or even in your marketing plan. You can't satisfy your clients requirements and create a sense of belonging in the absence of knowing their identity.

2. Don't spend more than you are given.

What can you do to create an engaged community? Give more than you get. Make sure you provide the greatest value for each client. The creation of quality content is one method to achieve this. Blog posts, create video, publish photos and create product guides that answer questions from customers and to keep them up-to-date.

In this instance, for example, if you're a retailer of fishing equipment , you may write an article about choosing the appropriate bait or upload a brief video of how to care for a reel. In the event that you roast coffee, it is possible to offer tips for making coffee and even provide a step-by-step manual on how to choose the right coffee maker.

3. Provide unique products, and ensure consistent customer care

Naturally, to keep your customers happy must be able to comprehend the basics. If your products aren't exactly what consumers want or want or are poorly made, you won't get the trust of your clients.

4. Utilize social media

Social media is an invaluable method to build the feeling of being part of a community since it allows you to connect with both existing and potential customers in an area that they are already spending their time. There are a number of methods to do it:

 Keep active and active

Be sure to post relevant material on your social media accounts frequently. It is also possible to post promotional offers and news on new products as well as discount coupons. Offer useful information, such as tips on how to get best value for your product. If someone leaves a comment to a piece of content, regardless of whether the comment is positive or negative be sure to respond in a thoughtful manner.

 Create a Facebook group

Based on the items you offer, you may consider establishing the Facebook group for your customers. This can be a platform where you can share your information however, it may also be a platform in where people are able to connect with you and one another.

Do not focus on selling here. Instead, you should focus on providing value to your customers. Aid them in their inquiries. Involve them in conversations. Use daily themes, games, or even test questions. There are many possibilities!

Take a look at our very own Community's Facebook Page to get some suggestions.

Get customers engaged

One of the major benefits of social media is its involvement. If users are actively involved, they are more likely to feel an emotional connection to the brands you promote and your products. It makes them feel appreciated.

There are many fun ways to engage your audience. It is possible to include quizzes or polls to your posts, or host giveaways every month. Encourage people to upload their images and videos so that they are capable of appearing on your profile, or become the prize winner.

As for the other Instagram accounts, Daelmans Stroopwafles is devoted to dedicating an whole portion of its Instagram posts to photos of recipes, as well as videos created by their fans, which makes their clients feel extra special.

#BAMSTAND section on the website showing photos of people doing handstands
Photo (c) https://bambooclothing.co.uk/

BAM Bamboo Clothing has created a contest that requires followers to post photos of themselves performing handstands in a unique location or following an important goal. The company showcases all the photos on their website as well as their own hashtag: BAMSTAND.

What new and exciting events are you able to create for your brand?

5. Create an online forum

Forums are a great opportunity to form communities to serve many different reasons:

  • To provide support. If you sell an item that is based on technology as well as any other product which requires regular support, forums could provide a great way of providing this. Apart from answering user queries, you might want to invite others users do the same so they feel more involved. You can also think of giving reward badges to people who offer the most useful answers. However, providing support with a clear and easy-to-access method makes customers happy and keeps them returning.
  • To encourage interaction. Forums allow people to discuss about issues and exchange ideas. Do you sell food? Do you have a website where customers can post recipes with the items you sell. Are you selling T-shirts? The customers can upload photos of how they're styling your clothes. It's a great opportunity to create a lasting experience that makes customers feel more involved.
  • So that your customers feel unique. If your forum is only open to users who already are members, they will believe that they are unique in a way most other users don't. It's like they get some kind of incentive!

There are many of forums, bbPress is one of the best. It was developed in members of the WordPress community.

6. Members can enjoy advantages that are exclusive for members.

Memberships are, by nature, unique. Membership is special and that feeling is what draws people back.

Imagine what benefits your customers would love to enjoy. You can allow them to log into your forum? Free shipping? Unique designs? Unique content, videos, or courses?

landing page about the Crafty Beer Club
Photo (c) https://craftcan.directory/

7. Reward loyal customers with a loyalty program

You're probably familiar with the concept behind loyalty programs. You earn points with every purchase . You can then redeem those points for rewards like a complimentary product, free shipping or discount vouchers. In awe and delighting your clients with rewards it makes your brand about more than just products. You turn it into an experience one that is connected to your customers' emotions.

Sand Dollar Rewards club landing page
Photo (c) https://atlanticpatio.com/

In this instance, Atlantic Patio, a furniture retailer for patios, operates an Sand Dollar Rewards program. Every dollar spent earns the customer points which can later be exchanged for cash to make a future purchase. Additionally, users are capable of earning points by contributing photos for their Inspiration Gallery, connecting with the photos of someone who is not a member, evaluating the item, sharing it on social media or different similar actions. This keeps them entertained and also makes it an enjoyable game!

8. Embrace your local community

The majority of people are interested in giving back to the community and becoming an integral part of their community and prefer to do business with businesses that are doing similar things. This doesn't mean that you must only be involved as a marketing tactic and people are able to detect it from a mile away. However, don't be afraid of talking about the things you're already doing within your local area.

charity work page highlighting various nonprofits
Photo (c) https://hydratem8.com/

HydrateM8 includes a webpage that is dedicated to charity efforts. They also have an ongoing partnership with a charity that gets a portion of the transactions made. So when someone makes purchases on their site you can be confident about where their money is going and feel like theyare also doing something to help.

The possibility of donating a percentage of your sales to your favourite charity. Create neighborhood (or virtual) gatherings that brings people together. Encourage your customers and employees to participate and be part of the event as well.

Concentrate on your community's needs for the long term.

Whatever method you choose to use, always make sure you're serving your users first. Let them have a voice through each blog post you write, every image you share and product that you design, or question you answer.

Don't be concerned If you aren't seeing immediate results The process of creating an online community can be slow process. But, it is worthy of the time and effort!

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