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Hi
Friend
,
For many small businesses, building a community is a vital component for success – so much so that everyone is trying to make one. But as with many major business decisions, it can go either way. Case in point: Vesta’s Big Online Community Brand Study found that the online community surrounding a brand affects brand perception for 84% of consumers. Meanwhile, 68% are likely to have negative feelings for a brand if they fail to deliver a true community experience.
So, what makes a community successful? We’re talking building connections, collaborations, and a sense of belonging for the members of your community – like how this mother-daughter duo built their business with the support of their community.
Here are some best practices to keep in mind as you get started in building your own community:
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💫 Define Membership Criteria
First things first, let's define what makes someone a perfect fit for your community. Outline the purpose, goals, and values that drive your community. By clearly defining these, you'll attract individuals who share your vision and create a stronger sense of belonging among members.
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💫 Implement an Application Process
A thoughtful application process helps you assess potential members' fit within the community. Ask questions to understand their interests, experience, and motivations. This way, you can evaluate candidates based on your criteria, ensuring positive contributions from new members.
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💫 Encourage Active Participation
Active participation is the heartbeat of a vibrant community. Encourage members to engage through discussion forums, social media groups, and events. Create a culture of collaboration, sharing, and support. Recognize and appreciate active members, inspiring others to join in.
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💫 Foster Communication and Networking
Communication is key! Provide platforms for members to connect and interact, online and offline. Organize virtual or physical events, workshops, and conferences that allow members to forge meaningful connections and share knowledge.
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💫 Continuously Evaluate and Adapt
Your community is constantly evolving, and so should your membership models. Regularly review your criteria, application process, and membership benefits. Seek feedback from existing members to identify areas for improvement and make necessary changes.
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That said, every brand is different and there are just some things that a founder learns as they go. Don’t be afraid to take a step back to reassess and work on how you can provide a better community experience for your members. For example, hitting that pause button on new member acceptance can be a game-changer. It allows you to:
🪄 Maintain Quality and Cohesion - Take this time to focus on nurturing and strengthening your existing member base. This ensures deeper connections and more meaningful interactions among members.
🪄 Build a Strong Foundation - A temporary pause allows you to refine membership models, assess community needs, and establish a stronger infrastructure, providing a better experience for when new members eventually join.
🪄 Preserving Community Culture - Community culture is shaped by existing members and their shared experiences. Pausing new member acceptance gives time for your community's values, traditions, and norms to solidify.
Managing a community successfully requires thoughtful membership models. By integrating these best practices and leveraging the benefits of pausing, you can cultivate vibrant and enduring communities that benefit everyone involved.
We’re actually taking a page from this – starting July 16th, Selfmade is hitting pause on accepting new applications and re-opening from a list of applicants in early September. So be sure to get in on your free trial, today!
– Selfmade
P.S. Don’t forget to check out these 6 community + self-care practices for small business owners.
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Want help with your biz?
If you’re feeling stuck on your entrepreneurial journey, check out our hotline and talk to one of our advisors to see if Selfmade is right for you. We’re always here to help!
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