The Ultimate Guide to Business Communities: Which Type Fits You?

Communities are the hottest trend in business right now, and for good reason—they create deeper connections, build trust, and, yes, even drive revenue. But here’s the catch: not all communities are built the same. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, SaaS founder, or creator, choosing the right type of community is crucial for your business success.

This guide breaks down the four types of communities you can create, how to pick the right one, and tips for starting without the overwhelm. Ready? Let’s dive in!

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Why Build a Community?

Think of a community as more than just a tool for customer engagement—it’s a space where your audience can connect, learn, and grow. Done right, communities can:

• Support your business goals (think lead generation, customer retention, or product feedback).
• Create recurring revenue streams through paid memberships or subscription models.
• Strengthen your brand by cultivating loyalty and trust.

But the golden rule? Focus on creating value for your members first. Revenue is a great byproduct, but a thriving community is rooted in genuine connection and purpose.

The 4 Types of Business Communities

To keep things simple, let’s break communities into four categories based on their purpose and pricing model:

1. Transformative Communities

• Purpose: Education-focused, time-bound experiences that deliver a clear transformation.
• Pricing: Paid.
• Example: A cohort-based bootcamp where participants go from Point A to Point B together.

These are perfect if you’re in the business of teaching or coaching. Think workshops, courses, or challenges. Members join for a specific learning journey and leave with actionable results.

?? Pro Tip: Keep it simple by limiting the timeframe. A 3-month bootcamp or a 4-week challenge offers members value without feeling like an endless commitment.

2. Networking Communities

• Purpose: Connection-focused, where members gain value from each other.
• Pricing: Paid.
• Example: Peer mastermind groups or industry-specific membership networks.

Here, the magic lies in facilitating relationships. Members are there to connect, collaborate, and share expertise. While this community type requires more thoughtful design, the result is often a highly engaged and invested group.

?? Pro Tip: Start small with 10-12 members. Offer a kick-off event where everyone joins together, creating an instant sense of community.

3. Nurturing Communities

• Purpose: Education-focused but free to join, supporting a product or service.
• Pricing: Free.
• Example: HubSpot’s learning forums or Etsy’s seller community.

These communities are about providing resources and support to help members succeed with your product or service. Think of it as a value-add that builds loyalty and keeps people coming back.

?? Pro Tip: Regularly add content like tutorials, Q&A sessions, or templates that directly tie into your product's use case.

4. Collaborative Communities

• Purpose: Connection-focused, free to join, where members collaborate around a shared purpose.
• Pricing: Free.
• Example: Facebook groups or Lego Ideas, where users contribute to product development.

These communities thrive on the creativity and interaction of their members. They can be tricky to manage, but when done well, they build strong brand advocates.

?? Pro Tip: Encourage user-generated content. Offer recognition or incentives for contributions, such as featuring top ideas or rewarding active participants.

How to Choose Your Community Type

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry—here are three simple questions to help you decide:

1. What’s the main goal of your community?
2. What’s your budget and bandwidth?
3. What does your audience want?

Tips for Starting Without Overwhelm

1. Pick ONE type to start with. Don’t overcomplicate things by trying to be all things to all people. Focus on one community type and nail it before expanding.
2. Put a time limit on it. Test your concept with a short-term offering, like a 3-month challenge or a seasonal cohort. This creates urgency for members and keeps the pressure manageable for you.
3. Launch with a bang. Create a kick-off event where all members join together. This makes the community feel vibrant and full from Day 1.
4. Leverage your existing audience. Your email list, social media followers, or past customers are your best starting point. Begin there to get your first members on board.

Wrapping It Up

Building a community doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or risky. By choosing the right type for your business goals and starting small, you can create a thriving, engaged space that benefits both your members and your bottom line.

Ready to take the plunge? Start by asking yourself which of these four communities fits your vision best, and then put those wheels in motion.

Want to dive deeper into the strategies behind successful communities? Check out the masterclass by Brie Lever, a brilliant community strategist, to learn more about planning, launching, and sustaining your own community (link in the show notes).

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