Community Engagement: The Secret to Business Growth (Online & Offline)

When I first moved from Washington to a new neighborhood in South Carolina, I noticed something was missing. People passed each other on the street without a wave, most neighborhood businesses operated in silos, and there wasn’t a true gathering place to bring everyone together. That’s when the idea for a community garden was born.

I reached out to local businesses, explaining the vision: a shared space where neighbors could connect, learn, and grow together—literally. Several businesses stepped up, donating materials, plants, and volunteers. In return, we highlighted their sponsorship on a locally made sign at the garden’s entrance. It wasn’t just about advertising; it was about showing that these businesses cared about the people they served.

Once the garden was up and running, something incredible happened. The once-unused lot became a hub of activity. Parents brought their kids to learn about gardening, retirees shared wisdom on growing peppers, and local entrepreneurs hosted small outdoor workshops. Suddenly, we weren’t just neighbors—we were a community.

Why Community Engagement Matters

A sense of belonging isn’t just a bonus—it’s the backbone of vibrant, thriving communities. Meaningful community engagement fosters trust, strengthens loyalty, and paves the way for long-term success. No matter the industry, the entrepreneurs I’ve worked with share a common goal: to create a lasting, positive impact. At its core, true community engagement is about making a difference and building connections that matter.

Building Community in a Digital World

Traditionally, community-building is associated with local neighborhoods, storefronts, and in-person interactions. But today, digital businesses need strong communities just as much as brick-and-mortar stores do—if not more. Without a physical location, online businesses have to work even harder to create a sense of belonging.

Think about the brands you follow online. What keeps you engaged? It’s not just their products—it’s the experience, the conversation, and the feeling that you’re part of something bigger than just a transaction. When customers feel connected to an online community, they’re more likely to engage with content, become repeat buyers, and advocate for the brand. Whether you sell digital products, offer consulting services, or run an e-commerce store, building a community fosters loyalty, trust, and long-term success.

So, how can you create a thriving community, whether you have a brick-and-mortar storefront or an online business?

Ways to Create a Sense of Belonging in Your Community

For Local & Physical Communities:

Create Shared Spaces – Whether it’s a garden, a co-working space, or a networking event, people need places where they can connect and contribute.
Encourage Business and Community Partnerships – Just like our garden sponsorships, businesses that invest in their communities build strong, lasting relationships with local customers.
Celebrate Local Voices – Feature community members on your website, social media, or newsletters. Highlighting stories and successes fosters deeper connections.
Host Events That Bring People Together – From local clean-up days to networking mixers, events create opportunities for meaningful interactions.
Make Engagement Easy – Whether it’s a volunteer sign-up sheet or a simple way to give feedback, reducing friction makes people more likely to get involved.

For Online Communities & Digital Businesses:

Create a Private Facebook or LinkedIn Group – A dedicated space for your audience to ask questions, share experiences, and network can create a powerful sense of belonging.
Leverage Email Marketing for Engagement – Send personalized emails featuring community spotlights, exclusive tips, and interactive content to keep your audience engaged.
Host Live Q&As or Webinars – Going live on social media platforms gives people a chance to interact in real time, fostering stronger connections.
Encourage User-Generated Content – Ask customers to share photos, testimonials, or creative uses of your product, then feature them on your platforms.
Use Social Media Polls & Discussions – Simple questions, polls, or debates related to your industry can spark meaningful engagement.
Create an Exclusive Membership or Loyalty Program – Reward your most engaged customers with special perks, early access, or insider content.
Build a Blog with Interactive Content – Allow comments, discussions, and guest contributions to foster a two-way conversation with your audience.

Final Thoughts

A thriving community isn’t built overnight, but small, intentional actions—like a garden that turns neighbors into friends or an online space where people feel heard—can transform the way people feel about where they live, work, and engage. When people feel like they belong, they show up, invest, and create a ripple effect of positive change.

Looking for ways to build community engagement for your business—online or offline? At Troyer Media, I specialize in crafting authentic connections through strategic marketing. Let’s bring people together and make an impact!