What exactly is a micro-community? And why do you need one?

Two businesses are selling similar products, but one is growing faster, attracted by better clients, and quickly expanding into new markets.

What is the distinction between the two? The first has a micro-community in which users gather and exchange opinions, basically telling entrepreneurs the attributes and enhancements they'd like.

If you're looking to develop lasting relationships with your clients, increase leads conversion speed and provide value to your audience, a niche community is the perfect solution. Although they may seem small (as the term "micro" indicates), but they provide significant benefits to both businesses and customers alike.

Do you want to know what micro-communities are? And how you can easily use these to help increase your sales? Stay with us for brief, but comprehensive run-down.

What is a micro-community?

Micro-communities are very exclusive online communities which are run by businesses to assist clients or potential customers. Although micro-communities can be tiny (up to 100 members), "micro" doesn't necessarily mean the size of the community. However, "micro" refers to the niche or micro aspect of the community rather than its size.

Examples of micro-communities

Micro-communities come in a wide array of forms and styles. What you do with the structure and layout of your personal micro-community is contingent on the purpose of your group. This is a bit of inspiration for your own...

Glossier's communities of customers

Glossier also known as"the "people-powered beauty ecosystem," has developed the art of staying connected with customers. It does this through inviting the top customers into Slack groups, where they can be active and remain connected.

They are extremely local, and members send over 1100 messages each week and create feedback from the most active fans of Glossier.

Doodle Institute's members clubhouse

Doodle Institute provides online classes that instruct people on how to draw. The students receive basic instruction during the course. As a bonus, they also get admission for access to the Doodle Clubhouse.

The Clubhouse offers students an opportunity to talk with others, inquire about their creations, and interact with other doodlers.

MyYogaPal's Community

MyYogaPal aids individuals connect with their own self and their yoga practice. They also provide a yoga community where students can connect with other individuals who share a passion for yoga.

One of the biggest benefits of having micro-communities

Micro-communities facilitate feedback

Micro-communities tend to be small and informal, they are a safe space where people are able to share their thoughts and aspirations. As a result, they're an effective method of gathering genuine feedback regarding your products or service.

A study by Zak found that 60% of the population younger than 30 prefer to share their thoughts in secure areas like private group discussions and do not feel comfortable speaking in open forums. But this isn't an age-related concern. When a group is made up of people "like me," the people have more confidence sharing their thoughts.

If you establish a small community where your customers feel heard (and involved) and feel connected, they're more likely to tell their experiences and opinions.

A tip to follow: Don't let good feedback go to waste. Take action on it and your customers will be feeling extra appreciated and special, just like this user of Stripe, the payment processor..

From anonymity to real connection

Sometimes, it's difficult to put a face to an individual's name when you're receiving feedback from customers across the Internet. Even though Google reviews and comments left in public forums provide great social proof for your business, they may not be so valuable as you think they are. They may include people that don't fit into your ideal customer profile, the one you can learn the most from.

If you set up a micro-community for your 100 most valuable customers, you can ensure that you trust their feedback.

If you are able to interact with them within the local community, you'll get to know them. You'll be able to comprehend the goals they have, and what they're trying to accomplish. With this information, you'll be able to design new features and products which help them meet their goals.

Create a mutually beneficial help network

Since community members share common objectives and desires, they can form solid bonds. In turn, they'll support each other which makes your work simpler.

If your customers post a query about your product or service on a micro-communitysite, you're likely to get answers from multiple like-minded individuals who want to share their stories, experiences thoughts, opinions, and experiences.

They are rich and engaging interactions that revolve around your brand, a positive outcome for your business as well as the people who follow you.

Why should you start an micro-community?

We've talked about how micro-communities make a significant contribution to every business. But you might still think about whether a community is the right fit for you. To make your choice easier, here are the three main reasons to look into setting up an online micro-community.

It's more than just an individual service provider.

In the event that you help your customers feel connected (through a micro focus community or otherwise) it is more than a recognizable brand or star personality. Communities help foster authentic relationships with your clients, improving their feeling of belonging and loyalty.

You're now seen as a mentor, friend, or friend and not just another course creator. This expands your circle, making it easier to develop and market new products.

It's much easier to accommodate multiple customer types.

Micro-communities are a great method of serving clients in more than one industry or particular niche.

For example, let's say you provide corporate training to big companies. You also sell self-guided courses that teach similar concepts to people. Instead of creating a single community that isn't able to serve both groups well, you can create a unique community that is specific to each audience.

It is possible to focus your attention on the needs of your customers and tailor your content according to their requirements. This way, each customer will receive the help that's most helpful for them.

It is a form of social evidence.

Micro-communities can provide " social proof" to your business. Once someone signs up to your group, they see others' postings and how much respect they show for you. If they weren't aware of who you were prior to joining your community, they'll quickly realize you're an authority who is reliable.

The positive vibe is infectious. New members will quickly pick up on the energy of the group and adopt the same optimistic attitude. Be aware that if your product runs into issues or your brand gets criticized for their ethical practices (may this not be the case) the community can be an outlet for expressing the frustrations.

How does a micro-community develop to become something larger?

When you create a micro-community and provide members with a safe space to engage with you and other members, it engenders loyalty.

In the realm of business the value of loyalty is higher than gold. It's one thing that can't be bought no matter the money you put into marketing.

Customers who are loyal to you are not only more likely to purchase from your company, they're also more likely to speak fondly of your goods and services with other people who are similar to them, thereby increasing your profits.

Through promoting loyalty and improving the customer experience Micro-communities could become businesses' growth engines, leading to retention of customers, the acquisition of new customers, and even fantastic ideas for innovative items and services that you are sure customers would like!

Here's a great illustration of how to develop a micro-community to something bigger.

In the group, discuss your plans for creating your course. Test your content on the group members, and get their opinions. Once you know what they require, you are able to create your final curriculum.

You can use your group to serve as an incubator for different products too. Once you release the course, ask the top students in your class to join the micro-community. Encourage them to give you comments on the course, and seek their feedback as you create your next course.

Then, you can create a spin-off community, where all of your students interact each other, work on the material in class as well as answer each other's concerns.

Start building your micro-community

Are you convinced of the potential and possibilities of micro-communities? If so, the next step is to create one. Below are our recommendations to help you get started:

Choose your strategy. You could either start micro-communities on your own or collaborate with influential people. Influencers already have a loyal audience, but creating something of your own will make the micro-community feel more important.

Invite members. Spread the word about your local community. Invite people who can help you create an environment that is positive and active. you envision.

Create relationships with the community you are in. Engage with the members. Be present and accessible. It's also an excellent idea to offer them the first look into new products and services. Let them feel special by giving them exclusive access.

Keep it fun, engaging, empathetic and practical. Don't use the group to sell or market. It's about building relationships and sharing knowledge.

It was specifically designed for entrepreneurs, so you can organize your courses, community and even coaching through the same business-building platform.

Try free for 14 days

Everything your business online needs. All in one place.        Yes! Let's go