Build an Online Community in Your
Community
The Internet is a
wonderful tool, but the effects of it can be disastrous to a community that has
failed to keep up. Revived your local community by learning how to build an online community.
The days of knowing
everyone in your neighborhood, patronizing local businesses and participating
local events seem to be slowly melting away, due to the rapid growth of
technology.
Everyone now has
the instant ability to shop anywhere in the world, talk to complete strangers
in another country and be entertained by national YouTube or Facebook videos.
These conveniences
are delightful, but have we forgotten about our local communities and the
importance of them? It's only in your local community that you can share
stories about similar people, places and events that are unique to that
community. It's the people in your community who will understand and relate
with you best. The businesses of your community can give you the personalized
service that makes purchasing all the better. And by having a friendly
relationship with your neighbors you can create a mutually beneficial
partnership that allows for magnificent bartering opportunities.
Building a
community online is one way of using the Internet to rebuild your local
community, but how can you do it effectively? Here are a few tips:
1. Everyone should be Involved- A community
is just that, a community. In order to have an active and thriving online
community you'll need to make it available to everyone. Residents, local
business and other organizations should have good reason to visit your online
community regularly. You'll need to create content that keeps them interested
and coming back, which leads to the second tip...
2. Encourage Participation - Don't just have a website where people come to see
what your thoughts are for the day or read local news, allow them to contribute
stories, videos and other content. This will make your online community
interactive for residents. Plus people love to share their own accomplishments
with family & friends. The more you can get visitors to contribute, the
more views you'll have on your website.
3. Keep it Exciting - Creativity goes a long way. Never let your site conform to
the norm. Keep your visitors on their toes trying to figure out what you're
planning next. You can have special events, promotions and campaigns to build
fresh excitement amongst your visitors.
4. Stay Focusedon Community - It's easy sometimes to get trapped behind a computer
and forget the main reason you started your online community, don't let this
happen. Get out in the community, visit events, businesses and listen to the
people. By remaining present within your local community, your online community
will be a success.
Building an online
community in your community can be a gratifying and profitable experience. As
your online community grows you'll set a new foundation for your local
community to remain connected with.
Worldwideconnection using the Internet is great, but let's do our best to be in touch
with the people, places and events in our own neighbors.
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