What exactly is a community? (+Examples) |

Relationships with customers that only one way are what they have been in. Most successful companies of our times don't simply talk to their clients, but they interact with them and form meaningful relationships. This is the place that customer communities become a part of.

In this this piece, we'll speak about the meaning of a the customer-centric community, which is based on studies in the field of academics to identify features that make an individual community of consumers distinct. We'll discuss the advantages of having a community for customer support along with providing customers with examples of customer relationships.

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What is a Community?

A customer community is space that hosts a relationship between a company or brand and their customers. It allows for customer questions and answers, knowledge exchange, education for customers or promotional opportunities as well as assistance for problems with products or services and feedback. It is constructed in different ways, including through emails web pages, social media and email or an online community.

The key word in this case is RELATED. Customer communities that are successful aren't just places for companies to drop advertising. In the words of an old saying the consumer wants to conduct business with those they "know trust, love, and trust," and that's exactly what the best customer communities do. It gives them the opportunity to allow this trust to increase.

Community-based customer interactions could be conceptually understood through examining the term " Social Identity Theory :" when people become an integral part of any social group, including great customer communities, they feel the sense of belonging sense of purpose, self-worth and self-worth.

Here are some stunning examples of what customer communities, whether enterprises, community groups or even brand-sponsored ones can accomplish...

• An organization that is non-profit has signed up the ranks of 9,000 members across the country.
  
• The community of faith has grown to include 470 leaders in 67 countries.
  
• An entrepreneurship org. has been launched, with a membership of 5,000. They has recouped its capital purchase in a community application for customers within 2 two and two-and-a-half months.
  
• A health-focused launch to 100 premium members. This added $40,000 in ARR.
  
• One community launched the course in 13 weeks, and earned an additional $100k of revenue over the course of two months.
  
• A personal finance group generated $130k in just five days by following their most current training.
  
• A socially conscious SAAS firm incorporated a user-community application that had regular meeting times and witnessed a 70 percent increase in engagement and participation.
  

What is a customer-centric community not do

Knowing the theory behind community-building helps us understand the reasons for why these aren't just email lists or Facebook groups. In order to tap into the numerous benefits of a community, there must be at the minimum, members who are confident and feel part of the community.

Below are some of the characteristics that an online community isn't:

• An email list
  
• The amount of your social media fans you have
  
• Your Facebook group
  
• A number of readers liked your post regarding your latest post
  
• The people calling the customer service number
  
• Chatbots and their users
  

We've identified the most important ingredient in communities that are based on belonging is the customer, it's easy to see why these things aren't a one-to-one community. All of these interactions have to do with your company, however they're not in a position to communicate the identity of your brand.

The closest thing here might be the idea of Facebook Groups. Facebook Group however, the group has a lack of connection to the brand and a sense of belonging. It's difficult to use Facebook for the kind of dynamic relationship and member-led participation that can create a true brand community.

What are the main reasons for build a community of customers

The advantages of a user community

Access member-led development

The new wave of high-impact businesses built around the concept of membership communities. In fact, community is an extremely profitable model for business that McKinsey recognized it as the business model of the future and as a flywheel to communities.

We've observed the development of companies that are run by their members, including customers communities. When they are paid for, they can create incredible revenue streams from repeated transactions. However, the community puts growth on autopilot.

We've talk about community as "a company that is expanding independently" due to the fact the mix of community-generated content by members, community-generated energy, and AI tools for the management of community means that it's now easier than ever before to establish those human connections that propel your company.

It's the secret that companies like Logo, Apple, and Nike have all leveraged, leading to massive gains. (See the examples below. )

Don't think about funnels. There is nothing better than a user group for helping to improve your business's image and brand on autopilot.

Enhance the brand's reputation and increase its loyalty

A study in 2022 concluded that communities with a vibrant community for brands could have a significant impact on the loyalty of customers to brands because the community is a part of one's personal identity. The strong link between identity in the social world and loyalty to brands could be planned out and played in the perception of value and satisfaction.

Transforming the customers, subscribers, or followers into members is something you shouldn't do lightly. In contrast to all the other transactions, the members are part of.

Belonging instead of spending is the most important aspect to establishing a flywheel for community.

Enhance CLV

The customer's life-time value (CLV) is influenced by retention, but very few companies are able to achieve it. A study conducted by SurveySparrow observed that the best-performing businesses were able to achieve a 94% retention ratio in spite of the fact that the retention rate was at or below 4% for some industries.

While brand loyalty is important in its entirety it also can lead to a higher lifetime value. It's a fact because retention and, with customers, and converting them into members will increase your CLV higher than other methods.

makes selling easy.

One of the aspects that the study of flywheels in the community demonstrated is that selling can be radically easier when it is in a group.

The standard sales funnel focuses on moving every lead that is possible through the sales funnel, and then losing them more and more until you get the minimal percent that is likely to purchase.

Within a customer-centric community, there's no need to make these kinds of decisions. The majority of "leads" are always open to new members, and unless they decide to leave it will remain in the community regardless of whether they're ready buy now or not.

This creates an incredibly productive environment for sales that doesn't need to rely on deadlines, or put pressure on yourself. nurturing the relationship and delivering value. You'll be amazed by the incredible results you get when you choose to promote something. A lot of our communities inform them that they've got people who want to know what they can purchase.

That brings us right back...

Find the best feedback

Customer feedback is crucial. However, HubSpot's research team found that an average of 42% firms never survey their customers or take feedback!

Was there were a more effective method for collecting feedback rather than mailing out questionnaires looking for an answer?

The Customer Community. In our conversation with the women's clothes brand Oiselle Volee about their community of loyal customers. We heard an amazing story. The Oiselle customers' community offered its members a space to belong to. It also provided an invaluable feedback loop to developing products. It was possible to get immediate feedback on product ideas and new products. And some customers even requested items they had not even had in mind.

The customer service system should be in autopilot

We've used Apple as a great customer-centric example in the following. Apple utilizes the user community to provide assistance with customer service. They also game the whole thing in a way that the most dedicated Apple users can be part of the community to answer questions at no cost!

This is an effective strategy to build trust with the brand, which enables them to harness the sense of belonging that customers feel to the brand and turn it into something that will make the customer experience a reality.

Instead of dialing a 1-800 number or relying on chatbots to answer, customers can have the option of getting your questions addressed in the community. That's powerful.

Allow transformations to take place

The majority of people purchase products or services because they're looking for something. Most often, it will cause a change in the way you use it, whether you're looking to tidy up your home (i.e. oven cleaner), to reduce 10 lbs (ie. running gear) and create the ideal backyard (i.e. a gardening book) as well as to spend relaxing weekends with their loved ones (i.e. cooking out). ).

However, just because a person buys the tent doesn't suggest that they're equipped to put up their tent. That's where a strong customer community comes in. If you can surpass the price of your purchase ensure that the customers are satisfied with your product or service and then you'll get enthusiastic customers who will tell them about your business to friends and acquaintances. A client base isn't simply about increasing sales. It's about helping your clients to succeed.

There's more! A loyal customer base can also give you useful reviews about your product or services. The feedback you receive could require you pay for.

In light of this as well as other reasons, having a user community can provide a significant benefit. What are you waiting around to do?

     Learn how to create a vibrant community of customers here!

Harness real engagement

If your notion of customer engagement is hoping your posts on social media will get 15 or more likes, it's not the right way to go. The customer community is a way to create real engagement with customers, and establish relationships with themAnd remember that it was said earlier that the objective is to have a client be an active member.

It's remarkable when you get away from the content-driven treadmill of social media and create genuine participation, something that people really love.

8 awesome examples of communities for customers

1. Topstitch Makers

A few remarkable examples of communities for customers from here on . Look up Leigh Metcalf, who built an Mighty Network (AKA a "sewcial network") to expand the reach of her textile and sewing company, Topstitch Studio and Lounge. Its Mighty Network, Topstitch Makers is a place to learn and offer weekly sewalongs for members to assist them in their efforts to achieve the successful business they've always wanted.

2. Duolingo

Duolingo is an app that makes learning a language fun, simple and affordable (freemium)! In the background, Duolingo has a dedicated volunteers dedicated to helping customers solve concerns about the language, and to improving the quality of the application.

Sold on the idea that EVERYONE ought to have access languages, these zealous polyglots volunteer to bring additional languages and programs onto the site!

3. Oiselle

Oiselle is a running apparel brand who wanted to go beyond just selling items and to help clients connect with other customers. They've created an Mighty Network, Oiselle Volee founded on enjoyment of running. It started out as a way to connect with runners, however, the spread of the disease increased the benefits Oiselle was able to offer. Oiselle community can offer; now the 4000 members have an environment to be part of through live conversations and lively online gatherings.

4. Lego

Lego can be described as an industry that is multibillion dollars. It's a popular choice among kids due to its amazing building potential and is frequently referred to by parents as landmines that create pain when you walk over them.

Just kidding!

In fact, Lego is loved around across the globe by adults and kids alike. Those who love it share their opinions with the Lego customer community. Members can vote about which builds of their fans should get the stamp of acceptance to be genuine Lego kits!

5. Peloton

Peloton rose to prominence in the aftermath of the outbreak in the midst of everyone trying to get fit in their homes. The group created a thriving fan base for fitness. Members can post the results of their workouts, share videos during their training sessions, and support fellow members through the Peloton Facebook page.

6. Adobe

Adobe products are dedicated to creating videos, images as well as music. They're the standard in the industry. Yet, ask anyone who has ever used any Adobe product, and they'll assure you that they're difficult to comprehend.

The Adobe customer community provides a forum for users to share questions and answers and tips to help make use of Adobe's software. The company's motto "Come to get help and be amazed," pretty much sums the way they work. It starts with helping clients to discover the applications they use, as well as leading customers on a path to learning how to master their skills.

7. Apple

Apple has built a vibrant community of users, and can also be a great customer service platform. Apple has also enhanced their gaming experience so that contributors get higher scores, as well as are able to access more modes of community management as they move up levels. Users who reach top levels also get access to the exclusive community.

Yes, you're considering it, gaming your customer service to make users want to spend time providing each other with support is a fantastic method to take advantage of user communities.

8. Shopify

If you're looking to join an amazing community of customers that is alive, look for Shopify. As Shopify permits their clients to develop stores to sell their merchandise and services, the Shopify community is committed to education and gaining knowledge by answering frequently asked questions, in addition to hosting live occasions.

Are you looking to create your own customer base?

If your community of customers is a no-cost or enterprise-level community, you can pay to join a community that generates additional revenue Join us to build your community with Mighty!

Mighty connects classes, content as well as community and commerce. Flexible Spaces allow you to develop a user-generated community unlike anything other, combining conversations, messages and chat streaming, livestreaming events, online classes as well as classes (if you're interested). Pick the features you'd like (and keep the others off). ).

Mighty gives you a suite of member-management tools to make it easy to run the community, and our AI community-engine-Mighty Co-Host(tm)-automates things like member profiles, landing pages, course outlines, and even discussion questions. It's much easier to create a vibrant customer-centric community in only a few hours of working per week.

With Mighty Pro it is possible to have G2's best-rated community software with an app that you own and brand. It's an app that you own that is available in both App Store as well as the Google Play Store. In addition, when developing with Mighty Pro, you'll work in conjunction with our team consisting of Account Managers and Social Media Strategists who have scaled seven-figure brands for creators and eight-figure subscription companies.

Contact us now and we'll demonstrate the possibilities of forming a partnership.

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