How to Build a Better Online Community

Ask any small business owner why they post content online, and most will give the same answer—to generate more sales. But that's exactly why many accounts fail to do well on social media. When companies prioritize profit over personal connection, they often lose the exact audience they wish to gain.

 

So, if profit's not the focus, what’s the point? It would be wonderful if there was a direct correlation between social media engagement and sales, but it doesn’t work that way. Try shifting your focus to create meaningful connections through purposeful, authentic content. 

Because when people are vested in your online presence, they’re more likely to follow through in real life, too.

 

Here are our top suggestions for building a better online community.

 

Acknowledge Your Audience

 

Whether through liking comments, replying to messages, or even sharing a post, actively engaging with your audience is a MUST. Need proof? According to a Hub Spot survey, 79% of consumers expect a response within 24 hours or less. If it’s tough finding time to respond promptly (understandably!), consider outsourcing this task to ensure that all messages, comments, and reviews are acknowledged and responded to quickly and professionally.

 

Showing followers you notice and appreciate them will be remembered, plus encourages frequent online communication. The algorithms favor accounts that make the effort to engage more, helping your content reach a broader audience.

 

Provide Clear CTAs

 

With such saturation of information on social media these days, followers often need specific direction on how to engage with the content you share. CTAs (Call To Action) are easy and effective ways to tell people just what to do. Strong CTAs are not always easy to create, but taking the time to make them unique and clever pays off. Here are some basic phrases to build off when drafting your own:

  • Sign up free
  • Click to learn more
  • Get started today
  • Explore more
  • Discover
  • This discount won’t last
  • While supplies last
  • Limited edition

 

Tone is key, and should reflect how you’d speak to customers in real life. And most importantly, include links and share to your stories for greater reach!

 

Be Vulnerable

 

Creating and scheduling content meaningful content is the most effective way to ensure consistent branding and messaging. But if everything you post is perfectly curated ALL the time, it may come across as inauthentic.

Don’t be afraid to take risks and try some casual, informal images and videos throughout the month. These can be anything from live videos to snapshots of your personal life. Maybe you share a business failure and what you learned from the experience, or you show a behind-the-scenes look at something about your company. Content like this helps build a human connection and makes you more relatable.

 

It's easy to want to dive right into a sales-driven strategy online, but keep in mind that most people are already inundated with enough “stuff”. The social media accounts that perform best offer value that goes beyond a product or service. Think industry knowledge, motivation, or even just a good laugh. These are the kinds of themes that keep followers coming back for more.

Three Ways to Keep Your Social Content Fresh

By JAMIE JOHNSON • October 31, 2025
One of the most challenging parts of social media is the continuous need for new and creative content to share. If you’re feeling a little uninspired (and overwhelmed), you’re not alone! Whether your feed feels repetitive, engagement has dipped, or you’re simply running out of ideas, keeping your social media strategy fresh is essential to staying relevant and building real connections. Luckily, we’ve got some simple strategies to incorporate that will prevent your feeds from feeling stale. Here are three ways to keep your content feeling fresh: Repurpose Content Repurposing isn’t just repeating; it’s utilizing content in a new way so it works harder for you. Take your top-performing post from the last few months and turn it into something new. Try: A Reel that highlights the same message visually A carousel that breaks it down into steps or tips A quote graphic that pulls out a key takeaway When done thoughtfully, repurposed content keeps your core message consistent while still offering something new to your audience. Don’t let your most well-received posts end up in social media purgatory. Observe your analytics periodically to determine which content is trending with your followers, and then reuse it to your advantage. Also, remember that not everyone sees a post the first time, so it may reach new potential customers the second. Refresh Your Look When was the last time you updated your font and color scheme? You don’t need a full rebrand to make an impact. Small adjustments like updating your brand colors, incorporating a new font, or using new photo filters can make your content feel fresh without losing consistency. Collaborate with Others Collaborations expose your social channels to new audiences and potential new customers. Think partnerships with other local businesses, joint giveaways, or even simple shoutouts. These connections increase visibility while building community and credibility.  Oh, and did we mention it’s FREE? Final Thoughts If you find yourself running out of inspiration, start by listening to your audience more. Chances are, your next great idea is already waiting for you in comments, DMs, and likes. Keeping your social content fresh isn’t about reinventing the wheel; it’s about staying curious, creative, and connected. The more you experiment, the more you’ll discover what resonates. And as always, we’re here to help with any of your social media needs. You can reach us at jamie@officiallysocial.com.

How to Measure Your Social Media ROI

By JAMIE JOHNSON • September 29, 2025
Are you prioritizing the right metrics?

Does Your Small Business Need TikTok?

By Jamie Johnson • July 29, 2025
In recent years, TikTok has evolved from dance trends and viral challenges into a powerful marketing tool. With over 1 billion monthly active users , TikTok has the pote ntial to help businesses of all sizes, especially those that are creative and looking to grow their reach. It also differs from other social platforms with its exceptional ability to reach viewers. Unlike other social media outlets, TikTok doesn’t just show content to followers. The simple way to reach new prospective clients gives businesses a huge advantage and allows for expansive marketing with a single video. So, could your small business benefit from TikTok? Here’s why it may. It can help grow your audience. TikTok’s user base is diverse and growing fast, including an eclectic mix of millennials, parents, professionals, and even baby boomers. The chances are high that your ideal customer is spending time on TikTok, so your business probably should be too. It allows for more creativity. TikTok rewards creativity, not perfectly polished content. Think real moments, business tips, behind-the-scenes peeks, product how-tos, or even humorous outtakes on what it’s like running your business. Here are a few more ideas to get you started: Share a day in the life at your business. Highlight customer stories or transformations. Show your product or service in action. Jump on relevant trends (with your own spin). Like other social media platforms, TikTok requires some strategic planning to make the greatest impact, but don’t stress too much. The more you share, the more you’ll see what interests your audience most. It helps build your brand. Branding on TikTok begins with your bio. Be creative and make each word count. From there, think about the tone and message you want your account to convey. Focus on similar themes for a cohesive look, and don’t be afraid to try different layouts and music. It’s ok to have a little fun while promoting yourself! It offers a solid ROI. TikTok can be a game-changer for visibility. Even accounts with small followings can go viral, thanks to the algorithm. It’s the ideal platform for businesses seeking to drive genuine conversions, increase website clicks, and boost product sales. If your business thrives on word-of-mouth, personality, or storytelling, TikTok can do all that (and more) at a lower cost than traditional advertising. TikTok continues gaining momentum with businesses of all sizes, making it a wise choice to add to your social media toolkit. For small businesses with a unique offering and a willingness to show up authentically, TikTok can be an incredible tool for growth. Looking to add TikTok to your business marketing? Email jamie@officiallysocial.com to get started. .