Online community
What is an online community?
An online community is a group that gathers online around a shared interest, profession or goal, in forums, subreddits, Discord or Slack servers, Facebook or LinkedIn groups, or comment sections. Members share knowledge, ask for help and form relationships.
Each community has norms, set by moderators and members, that newcomers are expected to learn.
Why an online community matters
Communities are where customers ask for advice and recommendations. Knowing which ones matter for your market, and how they work, is the basis of community marketing.
Related marketing terms
A subreddit is a community on Reddit dedicated to one topic, such as r/smallbusiness, with its own rules, moderators and culture.
A brand community is a group of customers and fans who connect with each other around a brand, in forums, chat groups or events.
Community marketing is taking part in, or building, communities where customers gather, and earning attention by being genuinely helpful.
A lurker is a community member who reads regularly but rarely posts. In most online communities, lurkers are the large majority.