How to Build and Manage Awesome Communities

Build Your Tribe: How to Create a Thriving Online Community

Ever feel like social media engagement is nice, but you're craving something a bit deeper? That’s where an online community comes in—a space to connect, share ideas, and build real relationships. In a world full of likes and follows, a community is where we get to take it a level up.

As Seth Godin says in Tribes, “A tribe is a group of people connected to one another, connected to a leader, and connected to an idea.” A community doesn’t have to be big; it has to be connected. With a shared interest and a way to communicate, you’re ready to start something meaningful.

Let’s dig into what it takes to start and grow your own online tribe, along with some no-nonsense tips to keep it thriving.

Finding Your Tribe: Start with Social Listening

Great communities are built on connection, and connection starts with listening. The best way to find your people? Tune into what they’re already talking about! Use tools like Social Mention, Sprout Social, or Google Alerts to keep an ear to the ground. Set up keyword searches around topics you’re passionate about and notice where conversations are happening—Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook Groups, you name it.

Pro Tip: Be a little bit of a detective. Listen to what’s trending and see where you can add value or spark new discussions.

Why Start a Community?

Starting a community isn’t just about numbers; it’s about creating a space that feels like home for your people. Here are a few perks that make the effort worth it:

• Build Loyalty: Create a space where your brand fans can connect with you—and each other.
• Establish Authority: By sharing valuable insights and facilitating discussions, you’ll position yourself as the go-to expert.
• Spark Content Ideas: Let’s face it—community discussions are a goldmine for content inspiration.
• Generate Leads: Communities build trust, which leads to future clients. But remember, if your goal is leads, don’t build a group filled with competitors doing the same thing you are. Think bigger.

Start & Manage Like a Pro

Ready to dive in? Here are a few basics to set you up for success:

1. Pick the Perfect Platform
   Not all platforms are created equal. Facebook Groups are great for casual discussions, while LinkedIn Groups tend to attract more professional topics. Choose where your ideal members already are.
2. Set Community Guidelines
   A community is a bit like a puppy—adorable but a lot of work. Set guidelines upfront to keep things running smoothly. Spell out rules for posts, respect, and value-added content.
3. Bring in Co-Leaders
   Communities are a team effort. Find others who share your passion and invite them to help moderate. This isn’t about micromanaging—it’s about building a warm, welcoming culture that aligns with your goals.

The Golden Rules of Community

To keep your group dynamic and positive, set a few “golden rules” that make it clear what’s cool (and what’s definitely not):

• No Link Litter: No one loves a random link dump. Share value alongside your links.
• Post in the Right Categories: Guide members to share in the right sections, so conversations stay organized.
• Stay on Topic: Keep the community’s purpose front and center. Relevant content makes it easier to stay engaged.
• Respect Everyone: Encourage respect. It’s non-negotiable.

As Seth Godin says, “Great leaders don’t water down their message to make the tribe a bit bigger.” Set the tone from day one, and you’ll have a community that values quality over quantity.

Keep the Conversation Flowing

Communities need engagement to thrive. Don’t feel like you have to respond to every comment, but be sure to show up regularly, post relevant content, and let discussions develop naturally.

• Enable Notifications: Keep an eye on new activity to jump in where you’re needed.
• Filter Updates: If notifications overwhelm, set up a Gmail folder to filter community emails.
• Post Regularly: Share valuable content that sparks discussions, but don’t feel pressured to chime in on every single post. Let your members connect with each other too.

Ready to Grow Your Community?

Communities are a lot of work, but when done right, they’re more than worth it. You’ll find yourself with a network of engaged, enthusiastic members who love your brand and are eager to be part of the journey.

Take Action: Whether you’re building a fan base or crafting a mastermind of like-minded pros, there’s a community out there waiting for you. What’s the first step you’ll take to create—or find—your tribe?

Creating an online community is one of the most rewarding steps you can take for your brand. With a strong foundation and a bit of guidance, you’re on the path to building something that matters. Happy community building!