Community has always been at the heart of how creative businesses grow. But in an online world where attention spans are short and competition is everywhere, trying to build community online can feel harder than ever.
The good news? It’s not about chasing algorithms or building the biggest following. Real community happens when people feel connected, supported, and seen—and that’s something you can foster, no matter the size of your platform.
Here are five ways to create that sense of community online, so the people who find you don’t just follow you… they stick around, engage, and even bring others with them.
1. Lead With Authenticity
People can sense when you’re putting on a show. If you want to build community online trust and belonging, share more than just the polished highlights. Let your audience see your process, your values, and even the lessons you’ve learned the hard way.
When people feel like they know the real you, they’ll naturally feel more connected to your brand. 76% buy from you over a competitor, and 57% increase their spend, according to SproutSocial.
IDEA: Share 1 thing this week that people might not know about you & could relate to. What is something you struggle with? Something you dislike? Something you’re a huge fan of? A pet peeve? Something to rally people behind your perspective.
2. Invite Participation
People don’t just want content; they want in. SproutSocial found that 46% want interactive content, and over a third want brands to promote UGC
Ask questions. Run polls. Encourage feedback on your work. Give people opportunities to share their own stories and experiences.
The more your audience participates, the more invested they feel and the stronger the sense of community becomes.
IDEA: If you want to invite participation, YOU have to participate, too. If you ask people to share a win, go first. Be a leader in that way, and your community will follow!
3. Create Consistent Touchpoints
Consistent rhythms beat one‑off posts: studies show simple group rhythms raise meaning by 16% and encourage ongoing participation.
Whether it’s a weekly email, a regular Instagram series, or a monthly live Q&A, community thrives when people know when and where they’ll hear from you.
When you create predictable touchpoints, you help your audience build a habit of engaging with you.
IDEA: Name your weekly newsletter. This consistent touchpoint in their inbox every single week will help you become recognizable in inboxes.
4. Spotlight Your People
Community is about more than gathering an audience around your message; it’s about elevating the voices of the people within it.
Social proof scales: UGC or (User Generated Content) is 3.1× more likely to be seen as authentic, and 79% of people say it heavily influences what they buy. at least according to Nosto.
Feature client stories, highlight member wins, or share user-generated content. Show that your community isn’t just about you; it’s about us.
When people see themselves reflected, they’re more likely to contribute, connect with others, and stay engaged long-term.
IDEA: Start a series on your Instagram story or in your weekly newsletter where you feature one other business owner & link to their site! This will give you a good intro if you’ve never met them or talked to them before, and they’ll really appreciate you helping them share their visibility.
5. Prioritize Connection Over Perfection
It’s tempting to wait until everything looks polished before putting yourself out there. But try to build community online that doesn’t thrive on perfection, but thrives on connection.
Perfection is forgettable; connection builds loyalty. Most consumers want brands to actively help them connect, according to some research done by SproutSocial.
When you focus on creating connections instead of chasing perfect content, you’ll attract the people who truly resonate with your message—and those are the ones who will build your community with you.I
DEA: DM one person today and tell them they’re doing a great job, share what you like about them or their content, and wish them a good day. Our copywriter friend Sara Noel calls this “never holding your kindness in” (and that girl has LOTS of online friends, so we know her tips WORK).
Community doesn’t just happen; it’s cultivated.
By leading with authenticity, inviting participation, creating consistent touchpoints, spotlighting your people, and prioritizing connection over perfection, you’ll build community online where your audience feels seen and supported.
And when people feel like they belong, they don’t just stick around. They grow with you, they share your work, and they become the foundation of a business that lasts.
