Why 2023 is the year entrepreneurs must create an online community
We at i-Club believe in the power of community online as we witness the remarkable ways in which it improves Heroes' businesses and lives (watch the clip above to see for yourself)!
With 41 percent of US creators running websites or blogs for their readers beyond social media private online communities can be the perfect next step to distinguish yourself, have more impact and increase your income.
For creators and coaches Online communities can be a key to diversifying and securing the revenue you earn while giving you greater control over your content and customer interactions.
Plus, large businesses have begun to realize the benefits by adopting the method of community-driven strategy for growth. This helps them improve customer engagement, become more adaptable, and more effectively overcome obstacles.
Twenty-three will witness the trend grow and continue to expand and provide more options for people to select from. The sooner you get started creating your own community the better!
In this post, we'll explore why online communities have become very popular and what you can benefit from their indisputable benefits for your business.
The growth of online communities
"To create a strong brand, you need to have a network. Once you've got that community, you have the potential to be a client for life as they're forming bonds and building foundations for support." -- Dexx Williams, Author of the Best-Sellers and sales funnel investigator
Organizations and businesses in all sizes and shapes are aware of the benefits of creating closer connections with customers as well as supporters--and the best way to do that is through communities on the internet.
In 2021, the majority of businesses agreed that community is essential to their goals and 69% of them were looking to raise the amount of money they allocate to the community-building strategies they employ. In 2022, between 79% and 95% of companies (depending on their growth phase) have the support of a dedicated community team.
As of 2022, the economy of creators has grown to reach 50 million creators active with the market estimated to be $104.2 billion, more than double its value since 2019. This number is growing. In the wake of this increase, online communities are poised to increase their appeal by 2023.
In the end: Online communities are on the rise. Businesses are using them in their marketing strategies to make lasting connections with their clients. Coaches and content creators also use them to take control of their content and to monetize their audience more effectively.
How important are online communities?
"Community is the foundation that keeps my company together. And I love Communities since it allows me to be in complete control in my website without having to use the social networks." -- Chelsie Kenyon, Marketing Specialist and certified Coach
By establishing dedicated communities, coaches and artists can reach their followers and earn money from their work in a meaningful way--with full ownership. It's also an excellent way to increase brand awareness and customer loyalty, maximize potential for growth, and expand customer support.
Private online communities also offer an alternative to social media sites which make it difficult for creatives with constant algorithm changes and complex and inconsistent rules.
Another problem is that social platforms can be undergoing major disruption like, for instance, Twitter and Facebook, but they can even crumble and collapse, like Vine. Setting up your own community helps you avoid the risk of loss of the connections and content that you've spent so long trying to establish.
The internet also creates distractions for users, and users get bored of receiving ads. Ultimately, people look for genuine connection rather than being sold to. That's why the online community is thriving. It's a way of establishing trusting, authentic connections between members and creators.
Bottom line: Organizations of all types and sizes realize the benefits that community-based online interactions impact their profits as well as their reputation and influence. Online communities can also be a safe option for creators to avoid complicated, constantly changing algorithms and rules of social media that translate into revenue loss.
6 benefits of online communities
Communities on the internet offer a myriad of advantages beyond just being able to connect and engage with your audience. These are the six greatest advantages.
- Find more efficient ways to interact with your customers. Community-based online communities provide better insight into your audience over any other method of marketing and 86 percent of brand managers having reported "deeper/richer insights into the needs of customers." Eighty-two percent also claim to have improved their "ability to listen/uncover new questions," which ultimately helps in leveraging your products and improve your overall relationship with your clients.
- Stand out from your competitors. Not everybody uses online community platforms to connect with their customers, therefore you'll be one step ahead in the race by establishing the space for your customers to hang out, collaborate, and interact with one another and with you.
- Attract the new member. Community that is flourishing has energy and vitality that members are eager to share with others. If people have good experiences, making connections, and seeing results, they'll be more inclined to refer your group to other people and assist in growing your business.
Bottom Line Achieving an online community can be a fantastic method to engage with your customers and grow your business. It lets you take ownership of your content and your connections with customers and also engage your audience in a deeper and more meaningful way.
Why Communities are essential to your business
The online community platforms are an excellent tool for monetize your audience and engage with your people.
Our community enhancements help you connect and collaborate with your customers unlike ever before. You can host and record the live event and coaching calls offer networking opportunities to run challenges, and even give your members a chance to play games, have instant chat and chat and much other features. How do the updated features function? Take a look at Tina Tower's review of the updated community experience here!
With , you can be in charge of your entire community, events, communications, and coaching programs, in one place, without having to rely on social media or using complex technology stacks.
"The elements that make it easier for people to get to know each other better are built right in. It's simple, and it's fun and, when you pair that with all the methods we can bring people together in one place the whole thing is made to allow us to have the biggest impact we can on those we help." -- David Levin, Author & Founder of Raise Your Inner Game