5 Simple Ways to Leverage Community for Your Next Launch
Whether you’re preparing to launch a new product, service, or event, you might be asking yourself how building a community can spark real interest and credibility around what you’re offering. Here’s the truth: every business can have a community—and it should be part of your overall strategy. Before diving into the “how,” it’s important to clarify your why and your intentional purpose for bringing people together. This clarity helps others understand, connect, and engage with you and each other more deeply.
1. Cheer Others On
When we lift each other up, we naturally strengthen connections. Think of it as cultivating genuine goodwill:
Set Aside 30 Minutes a Day (or 3 Times a Week)
Scroll through your social media feed and thoughtfully comment on up to three posts from peers or fellow entrepreneurs. Share some of their content in your own Stories or posts, tagging them so they get notified. Giving before you receive fosters authentic relationships.Use Brief Messages or Calls
Maintain genuine connections with a quick voice note or an encouraging email. Sometimes, simply acknowledging someone’s hard work can brighten their day and keep the conversation flowing.Give Back in Meaningful WaysPartner with a Charity – Dedicate a portion of proceeds or visibility to a cause that aligns with your values.
Mentor Others – Offer guidance to newer entrepreneurs, helping them navigate challenges or learn key skills.
Share Free Resources – Provide checklists, templates, or mini-trainings that genuinely help your audience or peers.
Key Takeaway: Encouragement goes a long way. When you cheer others on, you show that you value their success, setting the stage for deeper bonds that can lead to support and collaboration down the road.
2. Collaborate for Greater Reach
“No one succeeds alone.” This is especially true for creative entrepreneurs and small businesses. Whether you have an existing audience or you’re starting from scratch, collaboration helps you tap into fresh ideas, extended networks, and a broader skill set.
Choose Partners Over Sponsors
Consider using the word “partner” (or a similar term) to emphasize mutual commitment. This subtle shift shows that everyone involved feels valued and invested in the outcome.Pool Skills & Resources
If you’re bootstrapping or lack certain expertise—like design, marketing, or photography—team up with a fellow entrepreneur whose strengths complement yours. You’ll save on outsourcing costs and form a stronger, more authentic bond.Create Community, Not Just an Audience
Invite people to share ideas, feedback, and experiences, rather than just presenting your message. Let them see behind the scenes so they feel a sense of ownership in the process.
Key Takeaway: Strong collaborations amplify everything you do, from product launches to community events. They also spark a creative synergy that energizes everyone involved.
3. Engage: In Person & Online
Your community isn’t a list—it’s made up of real individuals. Be intentional about how you interact so people feel seen and appreciated:
Listen to Their Needs
What are they asking for? Whether it’s in comments, DMs, live chats, or casual conversations, make a point to uncover their interests, then align your offerings to address them.Invite Them In
Show your process. Share sneak peeks of product creation or event planning. Let them vote on a design element or suggest a new feature. This inclusive approach strengthens their connection to your brand.Include Them in Your Narrative
Show people where they fit in your story. Instead of just describing what you do, help them see how your journey can become their journey, too.
Key Takeaway: Authentic engagement builds trust. When people feel that they’re part of your process, they’re more likely to champion your brand and invite others along.
4. Build Authentic Connections
Relationships can start small and grow into the backbone of a thriving community. Whether you’re new to this or already have an audience, be both strategic and genuine:
Start with One Relationship at a Time
Dedicate a few minutes each day or week to reach out to someone new or someone you admire. Voice messages, emails, or thoughtful comments can plant seeds for lasting connections.Join Existing Communities
If you’re building from scratch, look for groups—online or in person—that align with your goals or values. Contribute sincerely, share your expertise, and stay open to meeting collaborators and potential partners.Connect Others
Be a generous connector, linking people who can help each other or solve mutual challenges. This positions you as a valuable resource and broadens your own network in the process.
Key Takeaway: Authentic connections aren’t formed overnight. Invest time, share knowledge, and focus on genuine common ground. Over time, your community will deepen and grow right alongside your business.
5. Listen & Ask for Feedback
The best way to serve your community is to truly understand its needs. By inviting opinions and suggestions, you empower your people to shape what you offer:
Run Polls & Surveys
Social media and email lists are great tools for gathering input on anything from product features to event topics. When your community has a say, they feel valued and included.Small-Group Conversations
Set up virtual coffee chats or focus groups with a few members of your audience or fellow entrepreneurs. Hearing challenges and ideas directly can spark new offerings or refine what you already have.Implement What Makes Sense
Be sure to follow through where it aligns with your brand. When you adopt community feedback and let them know, it fosters deeper loyalty and trust.
Key Takeaway: When people see their suggestions come to life, they feel truly seen and heard. This builds the kind of loyalty and enthusiasm that can carry your brand far.
Final Thoughts: Strategy & Reflection
Every strong community starts with a clear purpose. Take some time after reading this to reflect on which of these five strategies—Cheer, Collaborate, Engage, Connect, and Listen—resonates most with where your business is right now. Ask yourself:
How can I show consistent support to peers or customers today?
Which partners might help me expand my reach or refine my next launch?
How am I inviting people into my brand story?Where could I form deeper, more personal connections?
What feedback channels can I set up to hear my community’s voice?
By incorporating these approaches into your overall business framework, you’ll nurture a supportive, engaged community eager to champion your brand. Building community takes time, but it pays off in loyalty, credibility, and meaningful relationships that can help your business thrive for years to come.
Shannon Lorenz
she/her
Shannon is the founder of SEEK Bespoke Market. She loves creating community and connection, after all that is what the heart of Bespoke is all about. In her free time, you'll find Shannon spending time with her family, enjoying nature and seeking out new adventures.