6 Timeless Ways to Build Your Online Community

If you are an entrepreneurial marketer with a carefully honed niche, you've already heard the ideal place to find your clients is online. But "go online" is a pretty broad statement, and your time is valuable. What is the simplest way to get from where you are now to where you'd like to be to grow a community of support for your business? Let's take a few nostalgic clues from the good old days to see how to get started.

1.      Make a list, and check it twice. The jolly old guy in the red suit had the right idea, but you can use technology to simplify things. Today, entrepreneurs like you use an auto-responder to create an email list. Send your contacts an invitation and link to receive your professional correspondence, such as an e-zine. Make it a double opt-in, so they confirm their information. Use the opportunity to ask how you can help, and let them know you offer solutions. Follow up with regular correspondence.

2.      Appreciate the usefulness of a hand-held fan. Remember those paper fans so popular at unairconditioned public gatherings back in the old days? Today, targeting your audience via "fans" is a little more sophisticated. Take an hour or so to set up your easy Fan Page on Face Book, and build your initial community there. Face Book makes it possible to download email addresses from your followers, so you can invite them to your mailing list later. Plus, businesses with a larger margin may want to consider an autoresponder program which links the LIKE button directly to your list sign-up. Remember, you can add value by adding your own content by using the ‘notes’ function or adding special tabs.

3.      Offer a prize inside the box. Invite the people you know from your real life to join your list or social media outlets by sending them an invitation with a link. Plus, when you give them your card, tell them there's something of value that's a gift for them if they go to your site and sign up. Of course, your card should have your web address and a promo for your free prize on the back.

4.      Hang out where things are "hoppin'." Look for Groups on Linked In, Google, Yahoo, Face Book or Meet Up sites where there’s lively, be-bopping discussion of interest to you. Take part in the discussion.

5.       Take a cue from George Bailey's friends. George, you may recall, is the name of Jimmy Stewart's character from "It's a Wonderful Life." Make a list of at least 30 things you’ve done to help others. Then, write down the names of persons with whom you worked in those situations. Email them an invitation to connect and ask for their support.

6.      Share all the news that's "fit to print." Post interesting content reflective of YOU and your ideal clients. Engage in conversation about those items, and add a link so friends can SHARE your content.