Hey! I don’t know about you, but I’ve been seeing so many articles about how more and more people are lonely with a lack of “third spaces” (spaces other than home and work), a lack of close relationships, and the reliance on social media to be social. More people are striving to build a community that feels like home.
Whether you’re looking to create a supportive online space or out here putting in the work in real life, I got you! I’ve been blessed to have diverse friend groups and communities, and I’ve been a Community Engagement Manager for City Girl Savings for a few years now, so I know a thing or two about how powerful building a community can be. It’s about creating a space where people feel seen, heard, and valued—about building lasting relationships.
Let’s dive into ways to build your community—whether it’s online or IRL.
Know Your Why (and Let Your Passion Shine)
Before you can build a community, you’ve gotta know why you’re doing it. Why do you want to connect with people? What’s your mission? What’s that one thing that gets you out of bed every morning, ready to serve and engage with others?
It’s got to come from a place of passion. When your “why” is clear and authentic, people will feel it. Whether you’re building a virtual space or showing up in-person, people can spot fake energy from a mile away. So, let your true self shine. Be unapologetically you, because no one can do it like you can. Your “why” is the heart and soul of your community, and when people feel that energy, they’ll want to be part of it.
Join Niche Spaces that Reflect Your Passions, Interests, and Hobbies
Join niche-specific groups!Be an active member in niche-focused Facebook groups, Reddit threads, or online forums where people with similar interests hang out. This allows you to understand other opinions, share insights, and organically grow your community.
This was how I started my journey as a Community Engagement Manager for City Girl Savings! I remember looking for a platform different from the usual financial gurus who did NOT look like me or value what I valued, and THANK GOD I found Raya and City Girl Savings. Finding a community of like-minded women who want to take control of their financial journeys has been a blessing! I started to engage heavily and before I knew it, I became part of the team!!
Here’s another example: I’m a huge fan of K-pop, K-dramas, and K-Beauty (pretty much the Korean “Hallyu” wave), but listen – due to my engaging in these online communities, I was able to go on the most random trip to Seoul, South Korea and Tokyo, Japan with other black women who love the same hobbies!! Hahaha – we literally met at the Incheon International Airport in Seoul after years of conversing and engaging in Facebook groups dedicated to the niche!
Just remember,in these spaces, don’t promote yourself—offer valuable content and advice. Whether you’re recommending a tool, providing a tip, or sharing a personal experience, your contributions will position you as a trusted member of that niche community.
Create Meaningful Content (That Speaks to the Soul)
Okay, listen—content is queen. But it’s gotta be GOOD content. And when I say good, I don’t just mean pretty pictures or clever captions. I mean content that speaks to the heart of your audience. Whether you’re posting online or engaging in person, you need to provide value.
Share stories, tips, advice, or even just a “Hey, you’re doing great, keep going!” moment. Community members want to feel like you understand their struggles and triumphs. Post relatable content that’s going to spark conversations and create connections. And remember, consistency is key. You don’t have to post every day (unless you’re feeling it!) but be consistent with your messages and the value you bring.
Engage, Engage, Engage (And Then Engage Some More)
I can’t stress this enough: Engagement is EVERYTHING. No one wants to feel like they’re talking to a wall. Whether it’s online or in real life, make sure you’re actively engaging with your community. Respond to comments, answer DMs, join the conversation—don’t just post and ghost (hey, sometimes I’m guilty of this, so I’m preaching to the choir)!
In-person? Girl, make the effort to connect with people. Attend events, introduce yourself to someone new, or just check in with the folks who are already in your circle. Your community should feel like a two-way street, where you’re giving as much energy as you’re receiving. Also, as we’re getting older with differing priorities and responsibilities, I believe showing grace and understanding is key as well.
And here’s a little pro tip: When someone tags you, mentions you, or shares something you’ve created—engage with that! Show them that their participation matters. This is how you build loyalty. When you make people feel seen and appreciated, they’ll want to stick around and keep the conversation going.
Host Events (Virtual & Real-Life!)
Whether you’re gathering people in person or hosting a virtual event, creating spaces for your community to come together is a game-changer. In-person events are a great way to build personal connections, while virtual events open the door to a whole new world of possibilities (hello, global connections – something I know about!).
You can host webinars, casual meetups, workshops, or even fun game nights! I don’t care if it’s virtual or IRL—make it interactive and engaging. It’s not just about showing up and talking; it’s about creating an experience where people can bond and engage with one another. Make sure it’s something your community will love, and don’t be afraid to get a little creative!
The goal is to have your community saying, “Wow, I can’t wait for the next one!” Whether it’s online or IRL, events are a great way to strengthen bonds and build excitement.
Be Transparent and Authentic
Friend, I’m telling you—transparency is your best friend. People are smarter than you think. They can tell when you’re trying to sell them something, when you’re being shady, or when you’re not being 100% real. Be open, honest, and transparent with your community. Share your struggles, your wins, and the messy parts of your journey.
When you’re authentic, you create a space where people feel safe to be themselves. This builds trust, and trust is the foundation of any successful community. If you’re not being your authentic self, people will notice, and it’s harder to cultivate a real connection. Show up as your true self, flaws and all, and watch your community grow stronger.
Show Appreciation (It Goes a Long Way)
Listen, people like to feel appreciated. It’s the little things that matter. A thank-you here, a shoutout there, a personalized message when someone hits a milestone in the community, those things make all the difference.
In the online world, showing appreciation can be as simple as liking or commenting on your followers’ posts, reposting their content, or even doing a giveaway. In real life? Throw a thank-you party, send a handwritten note, or just take a minute to acknowledge someone’s effort.
The point is, to show people that you see them, you appreciate them, and they’re an important part of your community. When people feel valued, they’ll want to keep coming back.
*BONUS* Consistency is Key—Don’t Ghost Your Community
Y’all, consistency is the secret sauce (and I am STILL trying to get the sauce lol). One of the biggest mistakes people make when building a community is thinking they can post once and just leave it at that. Nope! Whether you’re managing an online space or an in-person community, it’s about showing up regularly.
That doesn’t mean you need to be online 24/7 (because let’s be real, we’ve all got lives to live), but stay consistent with the value you provide. Be present. Keep showing up, even on the days when you feel like no one’s paying attention. Over time, your community will grow, and your efforts will pay off.
There you have it! Building your community isn’t just about gathering followers or people in a room. It’s about cultivating meaningful relationships that are rooted in trust, authenticity, and a shared passion. Whether you’re building online or face-to-face, remember that community is a two-way street.
By honing in on shared passions, common interests, and niche topics, you create a community that’s not just a group of people—but a space where relationships flourish. Make sure to listen, engage, and consistently show up for your people. Your community will thrive, and those bonds will run deep!
Show up, engage, and keep it real!
Related: 7 Habits to Develop to Level Up Your Life
If you’re a proud member of the CGS Community, drop some love and comment below! Stay connected with us via our IG @citygirlsavings and join the tight-knit online community via our City Girl Savings Facebook Group. Love podcasts?! Listen to the City Girl Savings podcast featuring our very own Founder/CEO, Raya Reaves, as she covers topics to help us City Girls live the life that we deserve!
