Marlene, a 40-something clothing designer, is chatting online with her followers. She's smiling as she is building a community loyal to her brand.

Five Strategies to Build an Audience Around Your Brand

As entrepreneurs or small business owners, we all know that community is the new currency in business. You can buy ads all day long, but if you don’t have people who believe in your brand, it’s not going anywhere. So today, we’re talking about the power of collective voices — how to build a loyal, engaged community that’s not just following you, but co-creating with you.

The Problem: You’re Broadcasting Instead of Building

Too many entrepreneurs treat their audience like a transaction, not a community. They post, promote, and push out content — but never build real connection. The result? Crickets in the comments, low engagement, and a following that’s more like a revolving door than a community.

If you want your brand to stick, you’ve got to stop broadcasting and start building. People want to feel like they belong — not like they’re being sold to.

The Solution: Conversations = Loyalty

Building a loyal following means creating space for people to feel seen, heard, and valued. It’s about collaboration, not control — co-creating content, experiences, and conversations that make your audience feel like part of something bigger than themselves.

Here are five ways to do just that:

1. Create Shared Spaces for Connection

Whether it’s a private Facebook group, Discord channel, or monthly Zoom hangout, your audience needs a place to talk to you — and each other. Encourage members to share wins, struggles, and insights. When people feel safe and supported, they show up more often (and bring their friends).

2. Co-Create with Your Audience

Your followers are a goldmine of information. Ask them what topics they want you to cover, what products they’d love to see, or how they’d improve what you offer. User-generated ideas build loyalty and show that you listen. (Bonus: It’s free market research.)

3. Highlight Community Members Publicly

Feature customer stories, testimonials, or spotlight posts on your website and social media. People love being recognized — and when your audience sees others like them being celebrated, it reinforces community values and trust.

4. Develop a Consistent Brand Voice and Mission

Your brand voice is your handshake. Keep it authentic, clear, and consistent across platforms. When people know what you stand for — and see you standing on it regularly — they connect with you, not just your offer.

5. Host Collaborative Events or Challenges

From online workshops to social media challenges, events bring your community together with purpose. Think: “30 Days of Showing Up” for business owners or “Website Glow-Up Week.” These shared experiences spark momentum and remind your audience that your brand isn’t just a business — it’s a movement.

The Power of Collective Voices

The strongest brands don’t just speak at their audience — they build with them. When people feel like they have a voice in your brand’s growth, they’ll stick around, cheer you on, and invite others to do the same.

Your brand’s greatest power isn’t in its products. It’s in its people.


What’s one thing you’re doing (or want to start doing) to build a stronger community around your brand?
Drop it in the comments — I’d love to hear your ideas.

And if this hit home, make sure you’re following The Jameela Adams Experience for weekly conversations on building authentic, purpose-driven businesses that thrive through connection. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to the Problem & Solution Series blog for more tips and advice.

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