How do you build and engage an online community around your social enterprise?

Find where your target audience *already* gather online, build from within those networks and prioritise personal engagement over traffic to build a reputation of quality and trust first. If you have an in-person network, you'll need to offer a reason / benefit for getting them engaged with an online community, so build tools, experiences, and resources that your target audience want / need. The key in either approach is to build iteratively, don't expect to build a huge community immediately and don't put it off forever while you build a *perfect* suite of tools that you never test or share.

Building a strong online community for a social enterprise involves authenticity and engagement. Clearly define your community's purpose and values. Utilize social media platforms to share inspiring stories, progress updates, and behind-the-scenes glimpses. Encourage open dialogue through comments and Q&A sessions. Create exclusive content or perks for community members. Collaborate with influencers and partners to expand reach. Foster a sense of belonging by recognizing and appreciating community contributions. Regularly measure engagement metrics to refine your strategy.

Your purpose is the driving force behind your social enterprise. It should be clear, authentic, and deeply connected to the positive change you seek to create. Defining your purpose not only helps your audience understand why you exist but also gives them a reason to rally behind your cause. Example: Our purpose is to empower rural women artisans by creating sustainable, handcrafted products that have a positive impact on their communities and the environment. Your value proposition explains what makes your social enterprise unique and why your audience should engage with you. It’s about the benefits your community will gain from supporting your mission, whether those are social, emotional, or practical.

Selecting the right platform and tools is crucial to effectively building and engaging an online community around your social enterprise. Here’s how to approach it: 1. Identify Your Audience First, determine where your target audience is most active. Consider demographics, interests, and the type of content they prefer to consume. Understanding your audience will guide you in choosing the platforms that best align with their preferences and behaviors. If your social enterprise focuses on B2B services or targets professionals, LinkedIn is ideal for building a community of partners, collaborators, and potential clients. It’s also a great platform for sharing thought leadership content, company updates, and success stories.

Creating valuable content is essential for engaging your online community. To grow your social enterprise's presence, your content must resonate with your audience and align with your mission. Here's how to effectively create and share valuable content: 1. Know Your Audience’s Interests and Needs 2. Showcase Your Impact Through Storytelling 3. Provide Educational and Informative Content 4. Mix Up Content Formats 5. Maintain Consistency and Quality 6. Engage with Your Community 7. Leverage Collaborations

It is incredibly easy to build an internally-focussed and exclusionary online space by prioritising 'like-minded' people. Best avoid building a model that inherently discriminates, diversity enriches any community.

Build your offline community first. It is more transferable and sustainable if you have an in-person network committed to your vision and mission first, before engaging them online. Always be clear on the call to action.