What is community-based marketing (CBM)?

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, businesses are constantly seeking innovative ways to connect with their audience. One strategy that has gained significant traction in recent years is Community-Based Marketing (CBM). But what exactly is CBM, and how can it benefit your business?

At its core, Community-Based Marketing is about building genuine connections with your audience. It transcends traditional marketing strategies by fostering a sense of belonging and shared identity among customers. Unlike conventional methods, CBM is not just about selling a product or service; it's about creating a thriving community around your brand.

The term “Community-Based Marketing” was coined a few years ago. But brands have been doing it successfully for years. And it makes sense why. According to the State of the Connected Customer report by Salesforce:

“84 percent of customers say being treated like a person, not a number, is very important to winning their business.”

In this blog, we'll delve into the essence of CBM, explore its core principles, and back it all up with real-world examples and case studies of successful brands that have embraced this transformative approach.

The 3 pillars of community-based marketing (CBM)

1. Authenticity matters: Successful CBM starts with authenticity. People crave real connections, and brands that genuinely engage with their audience build trust. Take a cue from Patagonia, the outdoor clothing company. Their commitment to environmental causes isn't just a marketing gimmick; it's a core value that resonates with their community. With their "Don't Buy This Jacket" campaign, they urged customers to think twice before purchasing, aligning with their commitment to sustainability.

2. Two-way communication: CBM is a dialogue, not a monologue. It involves active listening and responding to your community. Slack, a collaboration hub, exemplifies this by constantly adapting its platform based on user feedback. By valuing customer input, Slack ensures its community feels heard and valued.

3. Building a tribe: CBM is all about bringing people together over shared passions and creating a sense of community around your product. Harley-Davidson, the iconic motorcycle brand, has successfully created a community of enthusiasts who share a passion for the open road. By organizing events like bike rallies and fostering online forums, Harley-Davidson has built a tribe around its brand.

The impact of CBM on brand success

1. Driving customer loyalty

Beyond transactions: CBM shifts the focus from one-time transactions to building lasting relationships. Airbnb, for instance, goes beyond just providing accommodations. By encouraging hosts to share local insights and experiences, Airbnb fosters a sense of community among travelers.

Creating brand advocates: Glossier, the beauty brand, owes much of its success to its community of brand advocates. Glossier involves its customers in product development, listens to their needs, and turns them into loyal advocates who promote the brand organically.

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2. Amplifying marketing reach

User-generated content (UGC): CBM leverages the power of user-generated content. GoPro, the action camera company, encourages users to share their adventures captured on GoPro devices. This not only showcases the product in action but also builds a community of like-minded adventure enthusiasts.

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Viral campaigns: Dollar Shave Club disrupted the shaving industry not just with its quality razors but also through its viral marketing campaigns. By tapping into humor and relatability, Dollar Shave Club's videos went viral, creating a community of customers who identified with the brand's personality. Check out their "Our Blades Are F**ing Great" video, which quickly gained millions of views and reshaped the brand's identity.

Embrace the power of community-based marketing

In a world saturated with marketing messages, Community-Based Marketing emerges as a beacon of authenticity and connection. Brands that prioritize building communities around shared values, experiences, and aspirations are not just surviving but thriving in the marketplace. And CBM is the future for any business.

As you embark on your CBM journey, remember the lessons from successful brands like Patagonia, Slack, Harley-Davidson, Airbnb, Glossier, GoPro, and Dollar Shave Club. By weaving these real-world examples into the fabric of your marketing strategy, you too can unlock the transformative power of community-based marketing and propel your brand to unprecedented success. After all, digital communities are the not-so-secret solution to unparalleled brand loyalty.