"Good content is not about good story telling. It’s about telling a true story well".- Ann Handley

Growing an online community requires a combination of strategic planning and consistent effort. Here are a few examples of ways to grow your online community:

1. Define your target audience

Identify the demographics and interests of the people you want to attract to your community. This will help you tailor your content and engagement strategies to appeal to your target audience.

2. Forego Control

As a community manager, you are vital, but ultimately the customers have the control – a benefit. It can be difficult to let go of control, but customers appreciate authentic communication. Rather than suppressing negative feedback, encourage open discussions and embrace new ideas. Feedback obtained from the community can greatly benefit the business, as 86% of Fortune 500 companies have stated that communities provide a deeper understanding of customer needs, leading to improved services.

3. Create valuable content

Provide content that is both valuable and appealing to your target audience. This can come in the form of blog posts, videos, podcasts, or social media posts. By delivering high-value content, you increase the likelihood of attracting and retaining an active community.

4. Be consistent

Regularly share content and engage with your community. Consistency helps to build trust and establishes your brand as a reliable source of information or entertainment.

5. Use social media

 Leverage social media platforms to promote your community and interact with potential members. This can include sharing links to your community on your social media profiles or using paid advertising to reach a larger audience.

6. Reach out to other communities, Host events, guest blogging and webinars

To grow your online community, consider collaborating with other communities through tactics such as: Hosting events like webinars or meet ups, which allow for interact ion with your community and attract new members. These events can be utilized to educate and foster relationships with your audience. Guest blogging by approaching other community leaders and offering to write a blog post for their site, expanding your community's reach and exposing it to a new audience. Cross-promotion by promoting other similar communities on your social media channels and reciprocating, increasing visibility for both communities.

7. Leverage advocates or Influencers

Identify influencers in your niche and collaborate with them to promote your community. Influencers can help you reach a larger audience and attract new members.

8. Always look for new member opportunities

Creating a welcoming environment for new members is crucial in growing your online community. One effective way to do this is by implementing an on boarding process, such as sending a welcoming message or providing a comprehensive community tour. Building connections between new and existing members can also be beneficial, such as connecting members with shared interests or those living in the same area.

9. Using User Generated Content to Promote Your Community

Utilize user-generated content to market your online community. It essentially refers to any kind of content created by members of your community, such as blog articles, videos, or reviews.

The benefits of using user-generated material to promote your members include:

• Free: There is no charge for you to use it.
• Authentic: When content comes from other community members, people are more likely to believe it.
• Engaging: Because user-generated content (UGC) is typically more intriguing than traditional marketing content, it can raise interest in your community.

10.Make it easy for members to submit their content

Simplify the procedure for members to submit their content, such as blog entries, pictures, videos, or info graphics, to boost involvement in your online community. Make sure the submission procedure is simple and provide precise instructions on what constitutes acceptable content. Promoting your community frequently also encourages participation.

11.Running Paid Advertisements

Using paid advertising is one strategy for growing your online community because it enables you to reach a larger audience and spark interest in it.

12.Setting up a community engagement strategy

Encourage member interaction by giving them a place to share thoughts, opinions, and experiences. This can be achieved by initiating discussions, hosting question and answer sessions, or establishing a private group for members. Encourage participation by offering incentives such as exclusive content, discounts, or other perks for active community members.

It's time to build and grow your online community

To establish a successful online community, it requires dedication, persistence, and effort. By following the steps outlined, you can start the process of creating a thriving community. Building a community is a time-consuming task, but the rewards such as increased engagement, strengthened brand loyalty, and potential revenue, make it well worth the effort. To learn more about Nblik Community and how it can help you build your online community, visit our website at https://www.nblik.com/. If you have any questions or would like to take advantage of their free trial, do not hesitate to reach out to them. 

Thank you for reading this guide, and they hope it was helpful in providing tips for starting and growing your online community.