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.

By JAMIE JOHNSON November 26, 2025
Marketing your business on social media can feel overwhelming. With trending reels, clever captions, shifting algorithms, and constant updates, there’s always something new to add to your strategy. But here’s the truth: if people don’t connect with your brand on a human level, the rest won’t matter. Today’s consumers want more than aesthetics and catchy lines. They want to feel understood. Humanizing your business isn’t just a feel-good approach; it’s a strategic advantage. Loyal customers bring more repeat business, referrals, and long-term trust than a constant influx of new followers ever will. Here are five powerful tips to foster genuine connection in a digital world. 1. Know Your Audience Before you can create meaningful content, you need to understand exactly who you’re speaking to. What do they care about? What problems are they trying to solve? What inspires them? When your messaging resonates, everything else becomes easier, your posts perform better, and engagement increases. Targeted messaging helps you attract new customers, but don’t forget the value of nurturing the audience you already have. Consistency builds loyalty. 2. Get Personal Let’s be honest: social media can sometimes feel anything but social. Over-polished, perfectly curated feeds can create distance instead of connection. That’s why authenticity matters more now than ever! Share your values, your mission, your story. Introduce your team and highlight the people who make your business run. Share behind-the-scenes moments, even the imperfect ones! Celebrate both personal and professional milestones. These small details help your ideal clients feel more aligned with you. People choose brands they trust, and trust grows through real stories. 3. Prioritize Engagement The fastest way to build a stronger community? Acknowledge the people already interacting with you. If someone leaves a comment, respond. If they send a message, reply in a timely manner, or assign someone on your team to manage communication. Skip the generic, copy-and-paste replies and personalize your responses whenever possible. Even a simple “Thank you” goes a long way. Engagement isn’t just good social etiquette; it’s a signal that you see and value your audience. 4. Welcome Feedback and Suggestions Listening is one of the most underrated growth strategies on social media. When your audience feels heard, they naturally become more invested in your business. Ask for input directly. Try questions like: “What do you want to see more of?” “How do you use our product or service?” “What’s one thing we could improve?” Inviting feedback might feel vulnerable, but don’t let the fear of criticism stop you. Yes, you may hear suggestions for improvement, but you’ll also uncover satisfied customers who are eager to share positive experiences. Both help your business evolve. 5. Share Your Purpose In a world where people buy based on values, your brand’s purpose matters. Customers are more likely to support businesses that stand for something meaningful. Share the causes you’re passionate about. Highlight the ways your business makes a positive impact in your community or industry. When you communicate your mission clearly, you give people a reason to choose you over competitors. Final Thoughts Too many businesses talk at their audience rather than starting meaningful conversations. But social media isn’t a one-directional platform. People don’t want to be sold to. They want to feel understood, valued, and included. The brands that succeed today are the ones that listen, respond, and show up with heart.
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.
By JAMIE JOHNSON September 29, 2025
Are you prioritizing the right metrics?