It’s not just musicians who achieve this level of Phone number library customer loyalty. Brands like Apple and Nike maintain their competitive edge by cultivating a strong sense of identity among their customers.
It’s no longer enough to offer competitive pricing or create eye-catching content on social media—many businesses do this. To set yourself apart, you must create deep connections with your customers.
In this article, you will learn how building an online community strengthens customer relationships and drives business growth.
What is an online community?
An online community is a digital space where like-minded people meet to discuss topics of interest, share news, collaborate on projects, or learn from each other. Digital communities revolve around common interests or goals. The point is to cultivate a sense of belonging.
For example, an anime cosplayer may create a private Facebook group for fellow cosplayers to organize events, showcase their transformations, and share tips.
In fact, if you’re on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or Reddit, you may already be part of an online community. These social media platforms are one of several digital spaces where like-minded people can connect and create brand communities.
Keep in mind that a community isn’t the same thing as an audience. Here’s how Brendan Hufford, Founder of Growth Sprints and All In community, explains the difference between the two:
I want to punch myself in the face every time somebody conflates “audience” with “community.”
Your “audience” is everybody who buys a ticket to your movie.
Your “community” exists when you can post a random 37 year old picture of Cameron’s father’s garage (from Ferris Bueller) and everybody instantly recognizes where it’s from.
Big difference.
I see so many paid marketing “communities” that give my email to their sponsors (when then SDR me to death – yuck).
That’s audience.
Audience is you helping them.
Community is them helping each other with you in the background.
