The difference between audience & community

While watching "The Double-Duty Community Manager" with Lori Goldman and Max Pete at April's CMX Connect Denver event, Chris Miles mentioned how your audience and community are separate. Then, believe it or not, 10 minutes later, at the CLIX Spring Digital 2023, Kyle Hagge also mentions community vs audience in his session. Maybe it's the frequency illusion of it all, but now I want to discuss this concept a bit more.

As a community manager, one of the most important things we must keep in mind is the distinction between our audience and our community. While these two terms may seem interchangeable, they are different and require distinct approaches to manage them.

Your audience refers to the group of people who are interested in your product, service, or content. They are typically passive consumers who may engage with your brand by reading your blog, watching your videos, or following you on social media. However, they may not necessarily participate in conversations or engage with other members of your audience.

On the other hand, your community refers to a group of people who share common interests and actively engage with one another. They are typically more invested in your brand and may participate in discussions, provide feedback, and share their experiences with others in the community.

Understanding the difference between your audience and your community is essential as each requires a different approach to manage effectively. While your audience may require more passive engagement, your community needs a more active approach, including facilitating conversations, responding to comments, and creating opportunities for engagement.

To create a thriving community, tailor your approach for each group–create a space where members feel engaged and invested in your brand, but also be sure to curate content that your audience can enjoy and share.