Community engagement is vital for longevity

No matter how big or small, getting involved with the local community is paramount to a businesses’ longevity.

It may not have immediate results, but community engagement is a substantial investment that sees multiple benefits for businesses that are willing to devote proper time and effort to it. This isn’t a quick win PR tactic, but those who get this right will over time enjoy a better reputation.

So, what is community engagement, and how should you implement a strategy for your business?

What is community engagement?

Community engagement strategies focus on how you build and nurture your consumer base. Yet, it’s not as simple as just advertising to potential leads and hoping they funnel through. Instead, the focus is more on understanding the needs and values of individual community groups and seeking the best way for your business to engage with and satisfy those needs.

Creating awareness

By implementing successful community engagement strategies, you’ll start to see the benefit across your business.

Those who instantly recognise and associate you for your positive local community engagement are much more likely to do business with you – especially when you can put a face to the brand name that they trust. This will have a significant impact on your longevity and the chances of your business succeeding.

There is also a cost-effective bonus of having an engaged community as good brand awareness will save you thousands in commercial and digital advertising in order to drive more leads.

Connecting your consumer base

Community engagement strategies should first look at how you speak to your community. Getting your tone and delivery right will be playing a crucial part in showing your consumer base that you are committed to your local community.

Your messaging should be visible on all platforms that connect you with your consumers, including appropriate promotion on social media channels as this is where you can show your human side. For wider messaging when talking to the media, always ensure your messaging is focused on appealing to the targeted audience above all else.

Reach out and support others

Unsurprisingly, residents have a strong connection to the area they live in and want to be proud of the smaller businesses that make a big part of that community. Engaging positively through community outreach within the local area will show that you want to actively want to make a difference, ultimately building a good relationship with stakeholders.

Community outreach could include anything from charitable donations to good causes and partnering with non-profit companies to providing jobs to young talent in the area and offering support to those who need it the most. These acts demonstrate the value your business offers to the region and will be looked on favourably by locals.

Companies that encourage involvement in the community will also stand out amongst their peers and appear much more human as a result.

To get started, speak to your team and find out what drives them in terms of the local community. Identify where you can help and start making your positive impact. Businesses and individuals alike can make a difference: just like Sue Cosnett and Steve Cooper with the amazing Pershore War Horse initiative and Rachael Etherington, Jacqui Marler, Kerry Sinnett and co who arecurrently supporting the local community with care packages, hand sanitiser and PPE for those most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Find what’s right for you

Of course, businesses can’t realistically engage with every community opportunity presented to them, so it is vital to understand which one is right for you and your business. They should work hand in hand with the core company strategy and meet the individual values and ethics of your business.

To start your community engagement process, start talking to your colleagues and identify what drives them, as well as what they care about when it comes to their community. This will play a big part in helping you establishing your goals and executing your final plan.

It will also be wise to consider how you will measure success, whether it be social media impressions, sales growth or networking opportunities, as this will help determine which community projects are more suitable for you.

For those looking to be more engaged with their communities, You Do Better have the knowledge, experience and skills to curate an impactful outreach strategy. For advice and more information, contact us today.

As featured in The Pershore Times. Photo credit: Andrew Smith.