Community marketing isn’t a trend. It’s everything.

The word “community” is often appearing in conversations about communications strategy, especially now with every media channel oversaturated with ads.

What makes it especially relevant for businesses today is its potential to act as a creative, human-centred approach to growth. When people come together around shared interests or values, the result is often more powerful than anything achieved through promotions or short-term campaigns.

For business owners, community can be a vital part of growth. It opens up opportunities for visibility and trust that extends beyond what traditional advertising can offer. The relationships built within a community can lead to lasting engagement and a more resilient brand reputation.

Brand communities

Brand communities form when people connect with a business for more than just its product or service. These communities grow around shared values, stories, brand lore, and goals. These brands offer a sense of belonging and a reason to return, not just to buy, but to participate.

You can grow your own brand community by encouraging conversation, listening to feedback, events and creating spaces where people feel welcome. These actions build trust and foster deeper, more consistent engagement.

Local communities

Local communities are grounded in place. They include neighbours, small business owners, and others who share the same streets, services, and routines. When a business is present and engaged in this environment, it becomes familiar and trusted.

Supporting neighbourhood initiatives, joining community events, or simply being approachable in everyday interactions helps strengthen these local bonds. These efforts lead to loyal customers and word-of-mouth advocacy. These are two things no marketing budget can easily buy.

Influencer communities

Influencer communities grow around individuals who have built trust with a specific audience. These individuals share insights, recommendations, or perspectives that feel personal and curated. Their power of persuasion is all about being relevant and timely.

When a business partners with someone who already holds trust within a community, its message is delivered in a space where people are more likely to pay attention and respond. These collaborations work best when they are built on shared values and true authenticity.

Social media communities

Online communities form across platforms where people gather around interests, causes, or conversations. Each space develops its own tone and culture, and people tend to notice quickly whether a business fits naturally within that environment.

Success in these spaces does not come from broadcasting. It comes from listening, responding with care, and taking part consistently. Businesses that approach social media with respect and curiosity build stronger, more enduring relationships with people that engage (and convert).

How do you build a community for your business?

Each type of community plays a different role, but together they offer a foundation for sustainable, human-focused growth. Community should form part of your strategic campaigns, but only when the community built with care and intention. It is a way of working that centres people and values shared purpose.

The strong communities you build will lead to loyalty, referrals, visibility, and improved reputation. More importantly, they create a sense of belonging.

Communities grow through consistent effort, presence, and a willingness to listen. For businesses that want to grow with integrity and intention, community is not a side project. It is the path forward.

Treat offers help with community marketing

An award-winning agency, Treat has more than 25 years of experience building purpose-driven communities locally for businesses and brands. Drop us a message at hello@treatmarketing.co.uk.