Being a successful social media influencer involves more than just posting great content and racking up followers. It’s about creating a loyal, active, and passionate community around your brand. This engaged group of fans can become your biggest advocates, sharing your content, defending your brand, and even buying your merchandise. So, how do you build an online community as an influencer?
Here are some proven tactics that popular influencers have used for social media community building.
7 Great Tips For Social Media Community Building
Follow our simple action plan for building an online community for your influencer brand. If you follow out tips the right way, we can assure you that you will add more members to your community and make it long lasting. And we are not just saying that. We are presenting you with proofs of how these tips are used by some of the biggest social media stars in the world for building their community of followers!
Check these out!
Engage in Authentic Conversations
Social media isn’t a one-way street. It’s a place to build relationships and community of like-minded people. Don’t just drop a post and disappear. Get into those comments sections, answer questions, share your thoughts, and even show off your sense of humor.
Think of your social media community like a group party – you wouldn’t just walk in, shout something, and leave, right? You’d mingle and chat. That’s what your followers want too.
Did you know that 82% of consumers expect an immediate response to their social media questions? And when brands engage with their audience, they see a 20-40% increase in revenue. That’s right, chatting with your followers can actually boost your bottom line!
MrBeast, a YouTube superstar with over 260 million subscribers, gets this. He’s famous for his wild stunts, but he’s also known for his witty banter in the comments. He makes his followers feel seen and heard, and they love him for it. And there is no community of a YouTube that is as strong as his.
So, take a page from MrBeast’s book. Don’t be a ghost. Be a real person who cares about their community. Your followers (and your bank account) will thank you.
Create Exclusive Online Spaces
Everyone wants to feel special, especially online. Make your most dedicated followers feel like VIPs by creating exclusive spaces just for them.
Instagram’s “Close Friends” feature is a great way to do this. Share sneak peeks, bloopers, or even personal updates that you wouldn’t post for your entire audience. Makeup mogul Huda Kattan uses this feature to give her “close friends” a look behind the curtain of her glamorous life.
Think about other ways to create exclusive communities. A private Facebook group or a WhatsApp community can give your most loyal fans a place to chat, share ideas, and get to know each other.
Why does this matter? Because 80% of consumers are more likely to buy from brands that offer personalized experiences. When you make your followers feel like VIPs, you’re not just building a community, you’re building brand loyalty.
Creating these special spaces is a win-win: your fans feel valued and connected, and you gain a core group of super-fans who will be your biggest cheerleaders (and customers!)
So, think of creative ways to give your followers the VIP treatment. It’s a small investment that can yield big returns.
Go Live and Connect Face-to-Face
Want to really connect with your audience and create a community of people who are active with you? Hit that “Live” button! Live videos are like virtual hangouts where you can answer questions, share what’s new, or just chat with your followers.
Studies show that 82% of people prefer live video from a brand to social media posts. That’s because live video feels more authentic and personal. It’s a chance for your followers to see the real you, not just a curated image.
Think of it like an “Ask Me Anything” session. Your fans can ask questions in real-time, and you get to answer them on the spot. This kind of back-and-forth creates a sense of connection that’s hard to achieve with other types of content. To build a social media community, you need this connection!
Popular science communicator Mark Rober, known for his amazing YouTube videos, frequently goes live to chat with his millions of subscribers. This strengthens his bond with his audience and builds trust.
Plus, live videos are a goldmine for content ideas. You can get direct feedback from your followers, find out what they’re interested in, and even get inspiration for future posts.
So, don’t be afraid to go live. It might feel a little scary at first, but the rewards are huge. Your followers will appreciate the chance to interact with you directly, and you’ll strengthen your community in a meaningful way.
Check our guide on how to get better at speaking in videos.
Show Your Appreciation with Giveaways and Contests
Who doesn’t love freebies? Giveaways are a fantastic way to show appreciation to your followers, inject some fun into your social media presence, and even attract new fans. A community that is rewarded for being together will always last longer.
Statistics show that social media contests and giveaways can increase your followers by 34%, so it’s definitely a strategy worth trying. Plus, giveaways generate an average of 34% new customers for businesses, making it a win-win for everyone involved.
Think of it like a virtual party favor. It’s a way to say “thank you” to your existing followers and entice new ones to join the fun. Gamers like Valkyrae, with her massive following on YouTube and Twitch, frequently host giveaways for her social media community, often partnering with sponsors to offer top-notch gaming gear or exclusive experiences.
Partnering with a sponsor can be a great way to elevate your giveaway. It allows you to offer bigger and better prizes, which in turn attracts more attention and participation.
But even a simple giveaway can create a buzz. It could be a gift card, a product you love, or even a shoutout on your social media channels. The key is to offer something that your audience will genuinely value.
Not only will giveaways make your followers feel appreciated, but they’ll also encourage them to spread the word about your brand, boosting your social media engagement and reach.
So, don’t hesitate to sprinkle in some giveaways into your social media strategy. It’s a fun and effective way to reward your loyal fans and attract new ones, all while building a stronger sense of community around your brand.
Check this giveaway video by Valkyrae-
Collaborate with Fellow Influencers To Increase Community Base
Two heads (or more!) are better than one, especially in the world of social media. Teaming up with other influencers in your niche can skyrocket your growth and bring a whole new level of excitement to your content.
Just look at the numbers: 89% of marketers say that ROI from influencer marketing is comparable to or better than other marketing channels. And when influencers collaborate, they tap into each other’s audiences, potentially doubling or even tripling their reach.
Think of the epic battles between YouTube giants MrBeast and PewDiePie. Their joint challenges not only broke the internet but also introduced each creator to the other’s massive fanbase. It was a win-win for both of them.
Collaborations don’t have to be as extravagant as a MrBeast challenge, though. You can create joint videos, host a live stream together, or even just do a simple Instagram takeover. The key is to find someone whose audience overlaps with yours and whose style complements your own.
By collaborating, you’re not just cross-promoting each other’s content. You’re also bringing fresh ideas and perspectives to the table, keeping your content engaging and your social media community hooked. It’s a powerful way to boost your visibility, attract new followers, and establish yourself as a major player in your niche.
Check out PewDiePie and MrBeast’s collaboration video here-
Give Your Fans a Name (and a Hashtag)
When fans have a name, it’s more than just a label. It’s a badge of honor, a symbol of belonging to a community. Think of Taylor Swift’s “Swifties”—it’s not just a fandom, it’s a full-blown community with its own language, inside jokes, and traditions.
Creating a unique name or hashtag for your community is like giving your fans a secret handshake. Research shows that 65% of social media users feel more connected to brands that have active online communities, so giving your fans a way to identify themselves is key.
Brainstorm a name that reflects your brand’s personality and resonates with your audience. It could be something playful, inspiring, or even a little quirky. Once you’ve chosen a name, create a catchy hashtag to go with it.
Don’t forget to promote your chosen name and hashtag across all your social media platforms. Encourage your followers to use it in their posts and comments. You can even create special content or merchandise featuring the name to further solidify its place within your community.
When your fans start using the name and hashtag organically, it creates a ripple effect. They’ll find each other, connect, and form friendships based on their shared love for your brand. This sense of belonging to a community is incredibly powerful and can lead to increased engagement, loyalty, and even word-of-mouth marketing. It will help your social media community in getting bigger and bigger!
Ask for Their Input To Make Them Feel Like A Community
Studies have shown that interactive content gets 2x more engagement than static content. That’s why asking for your followers’ opinions is a smart move. It not only boosts engagement but also shows your audience that you value their thoughts and ideas. It gives them a sense of importance as a community member.
Instagram Story polls are a quick and easy way to get your social media community involved. You can ask for their opinion on anything from your next product launch to their favorite ice cream flavor. It’s a fun and interactive way to gather insights while making your followers feel heard.
If you’re on Twitter, consider using the “Questions” feature to spark conversations. You can ask your followers for recommendations, feedback, or even just their thoughts on a trending topic. This can lead to some insightful (and often hilarious) responses.
By asking for your followers’ input, you’re not just creating content—you’re creating a conversation. This makes your audience feel like they’re part of your journey, not just passive observers. And when people feel involved, they’re more likely to become loyal fans and advocates for your brand.
So that is it! That’s our action-plan for building a better and stronger social media community!
By implementing these social media community building strategies, you can create a big online community of followers that will support you and your brand for years to come. Building a successful online community is an ongoing process that requires consistent effort and genuine care for your audience. But the rewards – in terms of loyalty, engagement, and overall success – are well worth it.
One Reply to “7 Community-Building Tips for Influencers: Build a Loyal Fan Base”