We can't overstate the value that comes when you build an online community.

Imagine having a product idea and already having a group of people who would try it, or imagine if a ton of people liked your videos drawing early 2000s cartoon characters in 30 seconds, If you put together a short video course on how you can get better at drawing, you'll probably have a few people willing to pay for it.

How many times have you had an idea, and had some money to try it but didn’t have a community to bring it to?

Let’s talk about how to build and grow your own online community.

What Is an Online Community?

It’s simple, a group of people consistently showing up not just for your content, but for the conversations and the shared interest in your niche.

When someone comments not just “LOL” but “OMG, I got that same thing last week, best $100 I ever spent.”

Communities form when people connect, not only consume. 

And that connection can happen in the comments, in a private group, or even just through a shared language your audience adopts.

That’s the difference between having an audience and building a community.

Show Up Consistently So People Know What to Expect

Consistency is the most underrated part of building an online community.

When people know you show up, they’re more likely to show up too.

It builds trust not just in your content, but in you as a person.

You don’t need to post every day.

You just need to show up often enough, and with a clear enough voice, that people start to feel like they know you and want to keep coming back.

Consistency Builds Trust 

When your audience is small, it’s easy to think no one’s paying attention.

But they are. 

Even just a handful of people seeing you consistently will remember you for it.

It’s like showing up to a party and seeing the same person every Friday night. 

You might not talk much at first, but after a while, you start talking. That’s how trust grows online too.

Choose One or Two Platforms to Focus On

Don’t try to be everywhere.

Posting on five platforms consistently is one way ticket to burnout town.

Yes, there are AI tools that can pull content from longer videos and generate social media clips for you.

But in the beginning, just focus on one or two places where your ideal people hang out.

YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, a podcast, wherever. 

Learn what works. Get comfortable showing up regularly. Build a rhythm. 

Start Conversations, Don’t Just Post Content

You can post as much as you want, but if no one’s talking, there’s no community aspect.

Communities grow when people feel invited to participate. 

Ask Questions That Invite Replies (Not Just Likes)

If you are starting towards the beginning, try asking questions and telling stories that will resonate with people.

Here’s an example: if you want to build a community of designers and are reviewing a new design tool, don’t start like everyone else “Hey guys’ let’s talk about XYZ design tool”. Instead, try something like “What was the first design tool you really loved using?” 

Hear the difference?

It opens the door to talking about what makes a design tool intuitive.

Then, you can shift to talking about what you want to review in the video.

Feature Comments, Replies, or Stories from Your Audience

Nothing makes someone feel like part of the community faster than being seen.

Whether it’s a screenshot of a thoughtful comment, a shoutout on your podcast, or a stitched video reply—find ways to highlight your audience’s voice.

This turns passive viewers into active participants.

Remember, Engagement Goes Both Ways

If someone leaves a comment or sends a DM, do your best to reply! Even if it’s short, it matters.

And if your content sparks a good convo, join in.

You don't have to respond to everything forever, but when you’re building momentum, showing up in the comments or inbox goes a long way.

Give People a Reason to Stick Around

You may get a viral hit here and there, but if you want to actually build a community, you’ll need to give people a good reason to hit that follow or subscribe button.

Don’t overthink this, just remember that people like to follow a series, or enjoy engaging with content that's relatable.

Here’s an example. If you want to build a community around thrift shopping, do a series where you go to a new thrift shop in your city each week and put together a full outfit for under $30 each time.

Tell people that you’ll add new episodes to the series on a specific day and encourage them to give you a follow to see the next one.

This is the difference between a one-hit wonder and someone who can sustain a community.

Build a Home for Your Community (When You’re Ready)

You don’t need a Facebook Group or Discord server on day one.

But as your community grows, they'll want a space to connect beyond comment sections. 

When that time comes, give them a home base. 

There’s no need to make it complicated, it could simply be a private Instagram broadcast channel, an email list, or a group chat.

If you build up a large enough community, you could try a more structured space like Circle or Discord.

 The platform isn’t really the point. 

What matters is creating a place where your people can engage more deeply, not just with you, but with each other.

Become Worth Sharing

You don’t have to game the algorithm to grow your community. (Although it's motivating if you can)

One of the most powerful ways to expand your reach is also the most human: create content that people want to share. Crazy right?

Make “That’s So Me” Moments

When someone sees your post and instantly thinks of their friend or themselves, you’ve hit gold. 

These are the relatable, funny, emotional, or oddly specific moments that make people say, “Did you see that reel I sent you?”

Think memes, personal stories, or oddly specific jokes your niche totally gets.

These kinds of posts naturally get screenshotted, sent in DMs, or tagged in group chats.

That’s organic growth friends and it builds community faster than you think.

Encourage Your Audience to Tag Others, Repost, or Share Their Own Take

Sometimes, all it takes is a simple nudge. 

Ask your audience to tag a friend who needs to hear this. Invite them to remix or stitch your content. Or pose a question and say, “I’d love to hear your version.”

People love to share their perspectives—it just needs to feel welcome and easy to do.

By the way, you can also send content you've made to 5 of your close friends and have them share it with other friends too.

Word of Mouth > Algorithms Long Term

The algorithm might help you go viral, but word of mouth helps you build something that lasts.

When someone shares your content with a friend, that recommendation comes with trust. And trust is the foundation of a strong community.

So instead of chasing virality, focus on being worth sharing. That kind of growth is slower, but way more meaningful.

Don’t Build for Everyone

Want to water down your content and your community? Just try to appeal to everyone.

When you try to be everything to everyone, you end up not really connecting with anyone.

Instead, build for your people. The ones who get it.

Know Who Your “Core People” Are and Speak Directly to Them

Who's the person you’re really trying to reach?

Not the whole internet, just that one ideal follower who vibes with your content, your energy, and your message.

What are they struggling with? What excites them? What kind of content do they actually want to see?

When you speak to them directly, they feel it and they’re more likely to stick around, engage, and share.

Keep Showing Up

Building a community isn’t a one-time launch.

it’s a long-term relationship.

You don’t need to be perfect, just present. Keep showing up, even when it’s messy or slow.

Real connection takes time, but every small moment, every comment, reply, or post adds up. Stay consistent, stay human, and let momentum build naturally.

You've got this!

And if have something you want to offer to your new community, check out this article on how to create an online course.