Members Welcome

Building a Community From Scratch: Member Acquisition & Engagement for B2B and B2C Communities

Episode Summary

In the most recent installment of 'Members Welcome,' hosts Andrew, Jen, Emily, and Lisi embark on a journey into the intricacies of cultivating and sustaining thriving online communities. This episode offers a deep dive into a wealth of strategies, insights, content creation techniques, essential tools, and practical tips that are essential for anyone seeking to start an online community from scratch and those looking to foster vibrant digital communities.

Episode Notes

First off, we're thrilled to announce the highly successful launch and sell-out of Lisi's inaugural digital art collection, "Breathing Everyday." Join us on a journey through Lisi's experience in cultivating a vibrant community of Chinese female creatives and the invaluable lessons she's gathered along the way. Learn how the art of revealing your true self and sharing your work can foster a supportive and engaged audience.

Now, at the core of our discussion is the pivotal role community-building plays in today's landscape. We delve into the nuances between cultivating a community versus addressing an audience, underscoring the importance of crafting captivating content that deeply resonates with your target audience, and the genuine connections that are especially paramount in lifestyle-oriented communities – Having an online community is not merely about introducing and selling the product you offer but the lifestyle it embodies. 

However, it's important to acknowledge that not all communities are cut from the same cloth. We dive into the intricate dynamics of both B2B and B2C communities, illuminating why B2C communities often thrive with vibrant engagement, while B2B communities typically pivot towards offering support and technical expertise.

In the realm of online communities, user experience reigns supreme. Selecting the optimal platform and understanding its limitations to ensure a seamless and user-friendly interface are pivotal steps before building your membership base. Our discussion underscores the significance of consolidating essential features into a unified software solution and the benefits of retaining ownership of your audience's data.

As we embark on this exploration of online communities, we draw parallels to social gatherings, emphasizing the potency of personal connections, the imperative need for customized experiences, as well as the importance of crafting content that transcends the boundaries of a specific community topic. 

Join us on this enlightening journey through the world of online communities, where we offer valuable insights into the art of building and nurturing online communities!

To learn more about a specific topic, jump ahead via the following timestamps:

[09:52] Building an Audience VS Building a Community

[11:40] The Art Community and Niche Communities

[16:50] The Sephora and Lululemon Communities

[22:51] Community Design and User Experience

[34:00] Tips and Ideas for Community Projects

[38:06] Finding Individuals with Mutual Interests on the Internet

[44:20] Real Estate Communities

[47:29] Tips for Companies Starting From Zero

Make sure to subscribe to get more insights on what is new in the world of community in the Web2 and Web3 ecosystems and how organizations can leverage communities to build a sense of belonging around their brand, leading to increased sales and customer retention for membership and subscription services.

To learn more about building your online community, contact the team at Tobe Agency.

Topics You’ll Uncover During this Episode:

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