Tips for Online Communities Tips for Online Communities 8 9 Encourage a sense of Encourage a sense of community membership community influence Being in an online community is similar to any other Your customers want to feel like their time and opinions community: your neighborhood, circle of friends, or social matter. Create a community experience where members media groups. Your customers want to feel like they belong feel like they have a say. Members need to know that in your online community and are a part of something someone is listening. special with a purpose. You can do this by sharing back what you’re doing with their You can do this by creating a unique look and feel to your feedback, what decisions are being made, and what will be community, so members are proud to be a part of it. For changing as a result. example, create a name and creative that represents your brand but is unique to the community. Additionally, you can send members sneak peeks or insider knowledge that is exclusive to them. ȃPeople who acknowledge that others' needs, values, and opinions matter to them are often the most influential group members, while those ȃSense of Community is a feeling that members who always push to influence, try to dominate have of belonging, a feeling that members others, and ignore the wishes and opinions of matter to one another and to the community, others are often the least powerful member.Ȅ - Sense of Community and a shared faith that members’ needs will be met through their commitment together.Ȅ (McMillan & Chavis, 1986) - McMillan, 1976 Source: Vision Critical Source: Vision Critical © 2017 GRBN Participant Engagement Handbook | 50 © 2017 GRBN Participant Engagement Handbook | 51