10 Strategies to Build a Thriving Brand Community from Scratch
Building a brand community from scratch can be a complex yet rewarding task. Drawing from my experience as an operations manager at BC-linked, a leading user service SaaS platform, I've compiled a comprehensive guide on how to create and grow a community around your brand. Whether you're looking to increase customer engagement or foster a loyal user base, these strategies can help you build a thriving brand community.
Understanding the Power of Branding
Branding is not just about logos and color schemes; it’s about creating a connection between your brand and your target audience. From my early childhood experience with golden arches, I learned the power of association. When you see those arches, your brain automatically thinks of McDonald's and its offerings. Similarly, a well-branded community will trigger positive associations and trust in your brand among its members.
1. Don't Try to Be All Things to Everyone
One of the most common mistakes in community building is trying to be all things to all people. This dilutes your brand's specific appeal and makes it difficult to maintain a clear and cohesive message. Instead, focus on your unique value proposition and the specific needs and interests of your target audience. By narrowing your focus, you can create a stronger and more engaged community.
2. Create a Community Content Hub
A community content hub is a central location where members can access resources, share ideas, and engage with each other. This can be a blog, forum, or social media page dedicated to your brand. A well-organized content hub can provide a seamless user experience and encourage ongoing engagement. Utilize social media platforms, forums, and your website to promote your content hub and encourage members to visit and participate.
3. Create High-Quality Content
The content you create is the foundation of your community. High-quality, relevant, and engaging content will attract and retain members. This includes blog posts, videos, podcasts, and other forms of multimedia. Use a variety of formats to keep your content fresh and interesting. Regularly publishing valuable content will help establish your brand as a thought leader in your industry.
4. Encourage User-Generated Content (UGC)
Encouraging UGC is a powerful way to engage your community and foster a sense of belonging. When members contribute their own content, they feel a deeper connection to the brand and the community. Set up community challenges, hold contests, and recognize and highlight top contributors. Tools like BC-linked can help you manage and promote UGC, making it easier to curate and showcase the best contributions.
5. Use All of Your Channels to Drive People to Community Pages
To build a strong community, you need to direct traffic to your community pages. Use all of your marketing channels, including social media, email marketing, and paid advertising, to promote your community. Create engaging graphics and videos that encourage users to join and participate. Make sure your community pages are easily discoverable and user-friendly.
6. Be Responsive
A responsive community manager is a key factor in maintaining a healthy and engaged community. Respond to members' queries, feedback, and posts promptly. Show that you value their contributions and are committed to building a supportive and inclusive environment. By being responsive, you build trust and loyalty among your community members.
7. Include Charitable Calls to Action (CTAs)
Charitable CTAs can enhance your community's impact and loyalty. By encouraging members to support causes they care about, you can strengthen the connection between your brand and its community. Consider partnering with non-profit organizations and hosting events or campaigns that benefit the community. This not only aligns with your brand's values but also provides a sense of purpose and social responsibility to your members.
8. Embrace Conflict
Conflict can be a powerful tool for community building. By addressing and resolving conflicts, you demonstrate your commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment. Encourage healthy debates and discussions, and provide guidelines for respectful communication. Use these opportunities to educate your community on the importance of empathy and understanding. By learning to navigate and resolve conflicts, your community will become stronger and more resilient.
9. Highlight Relatable People
Humanizing your brand by highlighting relatable people within your community can foster a sense of connection and authenticity. Share stories and insights from community members, such as testimonials, user-generated content, and behind-the-scenes looks at daily life within the community. By showcasing real people and their experiences, you can create a more personal and engaging connection with your audience.
10. Leverage BC-linked to Build Your Community
BC-linked is a cutting-edge user service SaaS platform that can help you build and manage your brand community quickly and efficiently. BC-linked integrates pre-sales information, after-sale support, and user relationship cultivation in one platform, providing community support, ticketing, customer service, FAQ management, blogs, and more. Whether you use Shopify, WordPress, Wix, or self-developed solutions, BC-linked can integrate with your existing systems and streamline your community management process.
Start off with a big push. Get as many people interested as possible. Then engage with people. Be the glue that holds the community together until it begins growing and forming. Use BC-linked to build a user service system for your website, making it easier for brands to connect with users and create a cohesive, supportive community.