If you want to grow a community, then your content can’t just be what you want to share with others. Or what you think they need or should be interested in.
If you only offer services that you want to offer, you likely won’t see much interest.
Rather, in order to grow community, you need to offer services that your audience is looking for, that they want and value.
But before you can know what people are looking for, you have to know who it is you are seeking to serve. So, as you develop your marketing strategy, discover who your ideal audience is. And where you find them.
Once you figure out who your audience is, then you can learn how to serve them better. You can learn what they value and what they’re interested in getting involved in. You can learn how to help them in the way they need.
When you really cater to your audience, the people you are looking to connect with and help, that’s when you’ll notice change. That’s when people will become more interested in what you’re doing and in finding out how they can get involved.
If you continue to prioritise their values, then you’ll earn loyal supporters. And it’s those loyal supporters who will help you grow the community.
So, focus less on what you want to offer or what you think people should be interested in. Instead, if you want to truly connect with your audience, learn what they seek. Put yourself in their shoes. Learn how to reach and communicate with them.
Sometimes it’s as simple as saying what you’re already saying just a little differently, speaking their language and in a way the resonates with them.
So, what is your audience looking for? What is it they value? Where are they going? Meet them there. Journey with them.
If you serve the people you’re seeking to help in the way they need, if you show them what you value, you’ll build their trust. They’ll realise that what matters to them is also what you want and what you value.
In exchange, they’ll commit to being part of your mission. Because it will become their mission too.
And that kind of reciprocal relationship will lead to stronger, lasting connections with your community.
Prioritise your audience, what matters to them, and your community will grow.