What It Takes To Move Your Followers From Audience Level To Supportive Community

Community building has become a powerful marketing strategy for businesses and brands worldwide today.

Yet, it's easy to mistake a digital audience or fandom for a true community.

?? In this article, you're going to understand:

1. What a community means and why it matters
2. If your business needs a community
3. Steps you can follow while building a community that boosts profits and impact

-- Have you ever wondered why men love drinking or watching football together? or else why do most ladies go shopping together?

We are human beings; we love being loved, cared for, and to feel a sense of belonging. - Ivan N. says.

?? Now the question is -- As a founder/leader do you need to build a community to achieve your mission???

That's what inspired my discussion with Ivan N. , a community-building expert and the brain behind ISHURI and Rwanda Business UK on #InGrowthLive

What is a community anyway? ??

According to Ivan N. , A community is a platform that brings together people with shared interests, values and goals in such a way they all feel connected, valued and empowered.

Here are 3 things you can benefit from a community

• ?? Loyalty and a high customer retention rate.

• ?? It cuts down the marketing budget by providing free word-of-mouth
• ?? It provides the support and an opportunity to co-create alongside your target market hence staying relevant to their needs.

Does every business need a community? if yes when?

?? Who wouldn’t want a free supportive hand that passionately promotes their mission?

Even at the earliest stage of business like inception and market test, having a supportive community can save you huge amounts of money and time.

Do you still wonder if you need a community?

I guess what you've just read above led you to a clear conclusion.

Let's now move to steps to build a community

Step 1: Define your mission

• Define your mission and communicate it clearly

Step 2: Give value:

• Posting is not enough, go beyond your input and allow community members to participate and contribute their value toothers

Step 3: Create Environment:

• Establish a sense of belonging by creating spaces where people feel involved, engage and share their stories and experiences.

Step 4: Collaboration and co-creation:

• Allow people to share their perspectives and help them do what you do and that's how they feel involved in your mission.

Step 5: Empowerment:

• Make members feel capable of contributing. Remember a community should be about people.

"Communities thrive when members find value in it" - Ivan empahises the need for brands to priortize vlaue giving when building communities

Are you ready to look beyond numbers and start a journey of building a supportive community that trusts you and contributes towards your mission?

The time is now. If you haven't done much in marketing and branding yet. It's better you start by clearly defining and communicating your mission and the value you're offering to the community.

If you're a growth-focused leader or professional interested in joining like-minded individuals who will inspire you to be the better version of yourself, you're welcome to our growth community and be part of our transformational events. Join now