Some days, I feel more like a content machine than a business owner.
Write. Post. Comment. React. DM. Repeat.
Sound familiar?
If you’ve ever felt drained by the pressure to “build community” online but you’re not quite sure what that actually means (or how to do it without gluing your phone to your hand), I promise you’re not alone. And you’re definitely not doing it wrong.
Here’s the truth: real community isn’t built from 24/7 posting, trending audios, or obsessively watching your engagement stats.
It’s built from connection. And connection doesn’t require constantness.
Let’s talk about how to foster community online in a way that feels human, heartfelt, and realistic.
What ‘Community’ Really Means (Spoiler: It’s Not About Comments)
Can I let you in on something?
You can have 12 likes on a post and still have community.
You can have 3 replies in your DMs and still be changing someone’s life.
Real community is relational—not transactional.
It’s about people feeling seen, supported, and safe in your space.
And sometimes, all it takes is one thoughtful message to change the energy completely.
I once posted a story about a scrappy little soap batch that didn’t go as planned (and how that mirrored my week in business). A woman I didn’t know replied: “I needed this reminder that imperfection is okay. Thank you.”
We ended up chatting in the DMs, and a few weeks later, she booked a strategy session.
That’s community. Not hashtags. Not hacks. Just heart.
Where Engagement Falls Apart (And Why It’s Not Your Fault)
The online world tells you to “be consistent,” but what it really means is “be available 24/7.”
You’re supposed to post daily, show up on stories, answer every comment, join every trend… and still somehow run your business, manage your household, and try to live a little?
That’s not sustainable. That’s burnout wrapped in a content plan.
The truth is, the pressure to perform can actually push your audience away—because people can feel when you’re forcing it.
Here’s your permission slip to slow down and show up in a way that feels aligned.
My Real-Life Approach to Online Community
Here’s what I teach my clients—and use in my own business:
💬 Start conversations, not just content.
Post something with a question once a week. Doesn’t have to be business-y. Ask: “What’s one small win from this week?” or “What’s your fave comfort show?”
📱 Pick two days a week to engage intentionally.
Set a timer for 10–15 minutes and reply to DMs, comments, or community spaces. That’s plenty.
🎙️ Use voice notes or video replies.
When someone messages you? Hit record. It takes 15 seconds and instantly makes you more human.
🌿 Share little behind-the-scenes slices of life.
Your audience wants to know the person behind the brand. If you’re in the garden or having a cocoa-fueled content day—share it.
Offline Habits that Strengthen Online Engagement
Want a secret trick? Connection often starts offline.
📝 I keep a “community journal” with a list of people I want to check in on every few weeks. Past clients, kind commenters, biz besties. It helps me stay genuinely connected, not just when the algorithm decides to show me their posts.
💗 I also make a point to notice who supports me and return the love. It’s the digital version of waving to your neighbour across the fence.
Little things like:
- Sending a private thank you message
- Reposting someone’s win
- Dropping an encouraging comment - They matter. And they make your space feel safer, warmer, and more human.
5 Community Engagement Ideas You Can Try This Week
- Post a photo with a short personal story—even if it’s just a moment from your week
- Ask a simple, real-life question your audience can answer without overthinking
- DM 3 followers to say, “Thanks for being part of this space”
- Share a behind-the-scenes video (even if your hair’s messy and your dog’s barking)
- Shout out someone in your circle—a client, collaborator, or fellow biz owner
Just real people, connecting.
Connection Doesn’t Require Constantness
You’re not a social media robot. You’re a whole person—with seasons, energy shifts, and a business that deserves to grow without exhausting you.
You can create real community online.
You don’t have to be glued to your phone to do it.
And if you’d like help creating a plan that prioritizes connection and your sanity, I’m offering free strategy sessions this month for women like you—heart-led business owners ready to show up in a way that’s sustainable and real.
Book your free session now → www.savvytabbydigital.com.au
Let’s make digital community feel like your kind of cozy.
