Build a Community Worth Building: 3 Simple Steps
The reason your account is not growing might be for a different reason than you think.
Spending hours creating content without seeing significant growth or consistent engagement can be discouraging. The path to building a loyal and engaging community is not just about effort; it’s about strategy.
With the right approach, you can cultivate a community that thrives. Today we talk about how we can make it happen!
The Struggle: More Than Just Content
Many content creators invest substantial time and energy into their Instagram and/or TikTok presence, only to experience stagnant follower growth and inconsistent engagement. This is where I found myself, before I understood I was wasting my time!
The main reasons you follow someone other than your close friends and family is that you gain something from following them. Common reasons communities gain a following is because…
They inspire you
They teach you something
They help solve your problems
They save/make you money
They make you healthier
They entertain you
The reality is that simply posting content isn’t enough to foster a thriving community. The challenge lies in connecting with an audience that resonates with your message and values your content.
The Power of the Right Followers
Attracting and retaining the right followers is essential for building an engaged community. These followers are not just numbers; they are individuals who genuinely care about your content, who interact, share, and amplify your message. Building a community with the right people leads to meaningful connections and sustained engagement.
My content used to follow the natural arch of the seasons - my followers and overall engagement did the same.
Spring giveaways drove followers through “follow for a chance to win” brand partnerships.
Summer hiking and swimming activity posts led to engagement boosts from the outdoor crowd.
Fall and holiday shopping lists had followers clicking my links, but follower growth and post engagement was down.
Common Solutions: Why They Often Fall Short
Typical strategies like follow-for-follow, viral trends, or buying followers may offer a quick boost in numbers, but they rarely result in lasting engagement. Likewise, having an inconsistent approach to the type of content you produce (like me above) leads to inconsistent follower growth and engagement.
The reason being that both of these methods attract followers who are not truly interested in your content, leading to a hollow community that lacks real interaction.
The truth is, building a loyal following requires more than shortcuts; it demands a thoughtful, strategic approach.
A Better Community in 3 Simple Steps: The Framework for Success
1. Identify Your Niche: Defining Passion and Purpose
Clarify Your Passions: Reflect on what truly excites you and drives your content. Your passions should be the core of your niche.
Define Your Identity: Consider how you want to be perceived by your audience. Your identity should align with your passions and resonate with your followers.
Attract Like-Minded Individuals: Focus on creating content that speaks directly to those who share your interests and values. This will naturally attract a community that’s aligned with your vision.
2. Participate in the Community: Engaging Beyond Content
Engage with Intent: Actively participate in conversations within your community. Respond to comments, join discussions, and show genuine interest in others’ content.
Ask Thought-Provoking Questions: Encourage engagement by posing questions that invite discussion and reflection. This helps build a deeper connection with your audience.
Offer Unique Perspectives: Share your own opinions and insights, especially those that challenge the status quo. A distinctive voice will help you stand out and spark meaningful conversations.
3. Solve People’s Problems: Becoming a Valuable Resource
Share Practical Solutions: Offer solutions to the common challenges your community faces. These can be based on your experiences and what has worked for you.
Be Transparent About Your Journey: Open up about your own struggles and successes. Authenticity builds trust and makes your content more relatable.
Provide Useful Tools and Tips: Create and share resources like templates, guides, or tips that can help your community achieve their goals. Providing tangible value encourages loyalty and engagement.
The Path to Building a Meaningful Community
This framework—identifying your niche, participating in the community, and solving people’s problems—provides the foundation for building a community that’s not only engaged but also genuinely connected to your brand.
With a focus on long-term growth and meaningful interactions, you can build a community that’s truly worth your time and effort.
Now is the time to take action and start building a community that matters!