how i built a profitable online community without feeling salesy

when I first started building my online community, I thought it would be simple. Put out great content, show up consistently, and the right people would magically appear, right? Yeah… not exactly....

I quickly realized that growing a thriving community isn’t just about content it’s about connection. It’s about creating a space where people feel seen, valued, and excited to stick around. So, after plenty of trial and error, here’s what actually worked for me (and what can work for you too).

1. define your people

this is where most people go wrong they try to attract everyone . But a strong community isn’t for everyone , it’s for the right ones .

Who are your people? What do they dream about? What challenges keep them up at night? Get super clear on this, and everything else your content, offers, messaging gets easier.

Pro tip: create a saved folder on Instagram or Pinterest with posts your ideal members would love. This keeps their needs top of mind when you're creating content.

2. step into leadership

people don’t join a community just because it exists . They join because they trust the person leading it.

Here’s the good news: you don’t need to be the world’s top expert. You just need to be a few steps ahead, willing to share what you know, and committed to showing up.

Make your expertise visible update your about page, share your experiences, and don’t be afraid to tell people why your community is the one worth joining.

3. create a path for engagement

I used to think people would automatically engage if they found value. Nope. Most people lurk until you give them a reason to take action.

Here’s the simple four-step process that worked for me:

- awareness – get discovered (free content, collaborations, guest posts)

- interest – make it clear who your community is for (spell it out: this space is for... )

- decision – show up consistently so they feel safe engaging

- action – create an easy way for them to go deeper (email list, membership, challenges)

4. make it easy for people to stay

Once someone joins your community, your job isn’t done it’s just starting. People leave when they don’t feel connected. So how do you keep them around?

- be consistent – regular content, check-ins, or live sessions

- be relatable – share your experiences, be real

- be intentional – DM new members, welcome them personally, make them feel at home

5. build relationships, not just numbers

it’s easy to get caught up in growth, but the real magic happens in relationships. The best way to deepen connections? Collaborations.

Find people with aligned values and invite them into your space. DM them, email them, get creative. Whether it’s a live session, co-hosted event, or guest content, partnerships will strengthen your community and expand your reach.

THAT'S IT!!!

building a thriving online community takes strategy, consistency, and a whole lot of heart. But it’s 100% worth it. When you create a space where people feel truly connected, they don’t just stick around they become your biggest advocates!!!!!!

0 comments