An active community is fun but not everyone wants to regularly log in. Not everyone in a community is vocal, but with gentle reminders, we can keep all our members informed. Let community members know what they missed with email digests.

Custom reactions give users insight and depth in their community. Why does someone press the like button anyway? Is it because they read the post? Some people like a post because they agree with it. Some people like posts give themselves exposure. A like isn’t a like isn’t a like. So why not follow that…

Why should you schedule your social posts? Building a brand-based community requires spending time, well, building the community. Instead, community managers waste time trying to come up with something to post. This is why planning and scheduling your posts is an essential organizational habit.

Facebook groups seem like a good idea, until you have features missing or, worse yet, privacy issues. Let’s talk about why you should own your community — on a website you control. Owning your own content is a mantra in WordPress, so why shouldn’t it be the same with your group?

You’re greeted at an open door to a warm smile. As you walk through the sweetly-scented foyer to the sitting room, you spot a silver tray adored with tea awaits your visit. You sit, smile, chat. You’re welcomed. That’s intentional hospitality.

Getting things rolling with your new online community requires determination and intent. You can start it right and let it grow naturally online.

As social animals we are wired in our brain to create and need community. Do we need online community? The short answer is yes. Wherever people are, there is an opportunity to build and strengthen each other. That’s community.