Three ways to build a community around your brand

We're moving into a time where connection, relationships, trust, and community will be the best way to stand out and experience growth in any business, but especially eCommerce.

In a world where fast transactions and discount pricing used to be a good way to go, we're going to see more and more brands offering educational and high-value content to their customer base. Whereas marketing can support in the acquisition of a new customer, you'll need to carefully consider your customer relationship strategy to retain and delight them.

A genuine community is built from offering entertaining, inspiring, and educational content to your tribe. It's also important to remember that we have two ears and one mouth, and we should spend twice as much time listening to our community as talking to them.

Three things to remember when building a community and fostering deeper connections with your audience are:

1) Ask your customers what they want and give it to them.

‍Ask for feedback post-purchase. Add interaction to your social media comments. Start conversations in DMs or personally via email. Consider a VIP Facebook group where there can be an open conversation about new product development.

2) Reduce the time between feedback and action.

‍If your customers are interacting with you when you're asking for feedback, prove that you're listening and build trust by implementing solutions quickly. Let them know about new innovations personally (via email or social media) before new product ranges or campaigns launch. Consider a VIP group via a loyalty program or a Close Friends group on Instagram.

3) Talk about things your customers care about.

‍Don't just talk about your products. Define your brand purpose and supporting content pillars. Create your content around these. Start a conversation with your audience - that's what a community really is. A conversation. Show them you know them, you get it, and you're around for more than just sales (and the sales will follow).

Do you want to understand how building a community can support your wider marketing strategy and objectives? Contact us to find out more.