Creating a community that feels like home

Let’s start here: You don’t need a huge audience to build a powerful community.

In fact - if your focus is numbers, you’ll probably miss the Magic altogether.

Because the truth is: 

A community isn’t built on content. 

It’s built on connection.

That means: 

✔ People feel seen, safe, and heard.

✔ They engage because they want to - not because they’re being told to.

✔ Your business becomes more than a service - it becomes a space.

When you get it right? You don’t need to chase loyalty. It shows up by itself.

What community really means (hint: it’s not a Facebook group)

Let’s break a big myth: 

Community isn’t a platform. 

It’s a feeling.

It’s the energy people feel when they interact with your brand.

It’s what makes someone say “I love being here” - even if they’ve never bought a thing.

Community isn’t passive followers. It’s people who feel like they’re part of something.

Whether you build it through emails, stories, DMs, in-person meetups or offers - the platform doesn’t matter. The feeling does.

Culture over content: what makes a community stick

If you want people to stay, show up, and refer others - content alone won’t cut it. You need culture.

Culture is what tells people:

• Who you are

• What you stand for

• What’s welcome here (and what’s not)

That’s what makes people feel like they belong.

The clearer your culture, the stronger your community. The more aligned your energy, the easier it is for your people to find you.

Here’s what it looks like in action:

• You don’t tolerate passive-aggressive vibes in your space

• You speak openly about mental health, pricing, or boundaries

• You use storytelling, not pressure tactics

• You celebrate small wins, not just big ones

Your people aren’t here for the algorithm - they’re here for the energy.

What breaks community fast

Let’s be real - there are a few things that break community fast:

❌ Forced engagement (“comment your favourite emoji!”)

❌ Performative connection (fake vulnerability that doesn’t land)

❌ Ignoring your own boundaries to “be available”

❌ Making it all about you, not about them

Your people don’t want another group to scroll through. They want a space that feels like something real.

So build it like you would your home:

• Clear entryway (who’s it for?)

• Boundaries at the door

• Room for conversation

• A vibe that feels warm, safe, and genuine

The difference between audience, clients and community

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Audience = People watching.

Clients = People paying.

Community = People belonging.

You can have thousands of followers and no community. Or you can have 50 people who show up every week, share your posts, refer you to their friends, and genuinely want you to win.

That’s the kind of business that lasts. That’s what we’re building.

How to build a community that feels like home

You don’t need to do it all. You need to do it with intention.

Here are some ways to start:

✨ Use “we” language: Make your audience feel part of something bigger. (“We’ve all been there…” “In this space, we…”)

✨ Start conversations, not content dumps: Ask questions you actually care about.

✨ Be consistent with your energy: Don’t be “high-vibe” one week and ghost the next. Be real consistently.

✨ Respond with care: Whether it’s DMs, comments or emails - connection deepens when people feel heard.

✨ Create safe spaces: Online or offline - lead with values. Set boundaries. Invite honesty.

✨ Celebrate wins (big and small): Let your people feel seen - even if they haven’t bought yet.

✨ Share stories that invite connection: Let people in. Let them relate.

You don’t need fancy features. You need clear intention and consistent care.

What’s next?

If you want to build a business that people feel part of - not only buy from - it starts with the connection you create.

That’s what my email series are all about:

✨ VA Magic Mirror - for VAs craving clarity, confidence, and a sense of community.

⚡ Manifestor Magic - for bold business owners who want to build their world their way.

🎢 Disney Magic Meets Business - for creatives who love stories, lessons, and building with heart.

$44 for a full year of weekly Magic.

Come join the community that feels like one.

→ www.jodraper.au/my-goodies