Community Engagement
25 Ideas to Increase Community Engagement
Here are 25 actionable ideas to boost community engagement. These tips will help strengthen relationships, increase participation, and create a loyal community around your brand.
Mar 19, 2025
Imagine customers who don’t just buy your products but actively champion your brand.
According to Harvard Business Review, fully connected consumers are worth 52% more to a business than those who aren’t engaged. That’s the power of community.
Building an engaged community is more than a convenient add-on for your business. It’s a non-negotiable part of profitable business. When people feel a genuine connection to something bigger than themselves, they become more loyal and advocate for your brand.
In this article, we explore 25 successful community engagement examples to help you create lasting relationships and inspire action.
Let’s dive in!
What are community engagement activities?
Community engagement activities help build strong ties between organizations and their audience. These activities can include events, social media campaigns, volunteer programs, and discussion forums.
Engaging with the community effectively increases participation. It also strengthens relationships and builds trust, leading to a more active and loyal community for your brand.
What are the best community engagement examples?
1. Create a digital community hub
Overview
A digital community hub is a central place for members to meet. It’s a place where they can connect, share ideas, and collaborate. This hub can be a forum, a private social media group, or a custom-built platform.
Creating a dedicated space helps deepen engagement and build lasting relationships.
This friendly environment helps with ongoing talks, support, and knowledge sharing. A well-kept hub builds your brand as a trusted authority. It also gives members a sense of community and belonging.
Most community hubs are text-based. That is, you communicate through posting written text or images. But how about going beyond a text-based community? Swarm can help you launch a video-centric community that takes collaboration and connection to the next level.
Highlights
Provides a structured and centralized space for discussions.
Encourages peer-to-peer support and knowledge sharing.
Increases customer or member retention by fostering long-term engagement.
It can integrate with social media for seamless access.
Builds a loyal and engaged audience over time.
Offers opportunities for exclusive content and community-driven initiatives.
Strengthens brand credibility by positioning you as a leader in your niche.
Bottom line
A community hub is perfect for businesses, non-profits, and online creators. It helps them grow a strong and active digital community.
2. Have regular one-to-ones with community members
Overview
Building meaningful connections is at the heart of strong community engagement. Regular one-on-one interactions, such as emails, phone calls, video chats, or in-person meetings, build trust. They also make members feel valued.
These direct touchpoints help you gather insights from specific data points. They also solve concerns and build a more inclusive community culture. Building stronger relationships helps members stay involved and engaged over time.
Highlights
Personalises outreach to make members feel heard and appreciated.
Encourages more active participation and contribution.
Provides valuable feedback to improve offerings and engagement strategies.
Strengthens trust and loyalty between members and leadership.
Creates a sense of belonging and deeper emotional investment.
Helps identify potential ambassadors or advocates for your community.
Bottom line
Best for brands, organisations, local governments, and local groups looking to create a strong community presence both online and offline.
3. Encourage active community engagement by sharing user-generated content
Overview
Encouraging your community to share testimonials, stories, photos, and videos builds trust. User-generated content (UGC) shows real stories and opinions. This makes your brand feel relatable.
Using these contributions in social media, blogs, or marketing boosts community engagement. It is also because community input helps members feel connected and involved. The more involved people feel, the more likely they are to stay active.
Highlights
Strengthens credibility through real user experiences.
Increases organic reach and brand awareness by leveraging community networks.
Encourages members to take an active role in shaping the community.
Provides cost-effective content marketing without needing large budgets.
Creates a sense of belonging and recognition for contributors.
Can be used across multiple platforms, including social media, websites, and newsletters.
Helps attract new members by showcasing authentic experiences.
Bottom line
Great for brands and organizations looking to build trust and engagement through authentic community stories.
4. Run interactive social media campaigns
Overview
Social media is a powerful tool for driving engagement. But posting content isn’t enough. Interactive campaigns, such as hashtag challenges, polls, live Q&As, or contests, engage your community. These activities encourage public participation and conversation.
Make engagement fun and rewarding. This way, you build stronger relationships and expand your reach.
The key is to create campaigns that match your audience's interests. This way, they feel inspired to share your content.
Highlights
Boosts social media engagement and overall brand visibility.
Encourages real-time interaction and community discussions.
Helps gather insights and feedback from your audience.
Provides user-generated content for future marketing efforts.
Can increase virality when members share and invite others to participate.
Creates a sense of excitement and involvement in the community.
Easily trackable with analytics tools to measure success.
Bottom line
Ideal for brands and businesses looking to boost engagement on social platforms.
5. Launch a volunteer program
Overview
Volunteering unites your community and supports important causes. A strong volunteer program allows members to share their time and skills. This helps them feel connected and fulfilled.
Volunteering boosts active involvement. It focuses on a common mission. This often means organizing events, mentoring, or helping with projects. Volunteering is an opportunity for people to get together, in real life, to make a difference in the world.
Always offer volunteer opportunities that match your audience's values. This helps build stronger connections and lasting loyalty.
Highlights
Strengthens community ties through shared purpose and action.
Attracts socially conscious members who value giving back.
Provides participants with valuable skills, networking, and personal growth.
Enhances brand reputation through corporate social responsibility.
Offers a unique way to create hands-on engagement opportunities.
Can be promoted across social media, newsletters, and community hubs.
Increases long-term retention by giving members a deeper sense of belonging.
Bottom line
Great for non-profits and businesses looking to foster deeper community around a shared purpose or mission.
6. Start a community newsletter
Overview
A newsletter links you to your community. It keeps members informed and engaged. Regular updates build trust and strengthen relationships. They also deliver valuable content right to inboxes.
Your newsletter is the primary way you keep your audience interested in who you are and what you’re doing. You can share industry insights, upcoming events, exclusive offers, or member spotlights.
Consistency is key to success here (just like with anything else). Send newsletters on a regular schedule with engaging content to encourage ongoing interaction.
Highlights
Provides valuable updates, news, and insights tailored to your community.
Encourages repeat engagement by maintaining an ongoing connection.
Helps build authority and trust within your audience.
Can include exclusive offers, event invitations, or featured community stories.
Easy to track engagement through email analytics and click rates.
Can be personalized to different segments for targeted messaging.
Strengthens relationships by making members feel informed and valued.
Bottom line
Ideal for organizations and brands who want to start or improve their communication with customers.
7. Organize community challenges
Overview
Community challenges are a great way to boost engagement because they encourage members to take part in fun activities with a clear goal. (And a good dose of competition is always welcome, right?)
This might be a fitness challenge, a creative contest, a learning activity, or something else completely off the wall.
These challenges aim to spark excitement and a feeling of achievement. They also encourage people to engage with one another, whether by collaborating or competing. Adding features like leaderboards, milestones, and prizes can boost motivation. They also help increase participation.
Highlights
Encourages active engagement and sustained motivation.
Can be tailored to various themes like fitness, creativity, or education.
Generates user-generated content that promotes community involvement.
Boosts social sharing and brand awareness through participant posts.
Creates a sense of accomplishment and belonging among members.
Can be structured as a one-time event or an ongoing challenge.
Increases retention by keeping members invested in long-term goals.
Bottom line
Best for brands and organizations looking to create fun competition in their community.
8. Offer exclusive member perks
Overview
Giving special perks to your most active community members helps them feel included and encourages more participation. These perks may include discounts, early access to content, VIP event invitations, or exclusive resources.
Creating exclusivity helps members feel valued and appreciated. This boosts retention and builds loyalty. Whether it’s a private forum, bonus materials, or a rewards system, these perks improve the community experience and promote ongoing engagement.
Highlights
Encourages long-term loyalty and engagement.
Provides valuable incentives for participation and contribution.
Can help increase membership subscriptions and active involvement.
Enhances the perceived value of being part of the community.
Easily implemented through email lists, private groups, or membership tiers.
Boosts word-of-mouth marketing as members share the benefits with others.
Can be adapted to fit both online and offline communities.
Bottom line
Great for businesses, brands, and online communities looking to increase retention and participation and show appreciation for customers’ longevity.
9. Start a mentorship program
Overview
A mentoring program strengthens community ties. It pairs experienced members with newcomers or those seeking guidance. This support system helps share knowledge, promotes professional growth, and encourages lasting involvement.
Mentoring builds strong relationships. It provides benefits like industry coaching, peer support, and career advancement.
You can use a platform like Swarm to record your coaching sessions, create a community, process payments, and essentially have a home for the coaching side of your business.
Setting clear goals and keeping communication open allows mentors and mentees to gain value from the experience.
Highlights
Strengthens relationships and fosters a culture of support.
Encourages knowledge-sharing and professional or personal development.
Helps newcomers integrate into the community more easily.
Increases long-term engagement and commitment to the community.
Can be structured as formal mentorships or informal peer connections.
Boosts leadership opportunities for experienced members.
Adds long-term value to both individuals and the community as a whole.
Bottom line
Ideal for professional groups, educational communities, focus groups, and businesses fostering industry expertise.
10. Design a Comprehensive Member Onboarding Experience
Overview
A good onboarding process helps new community members join your community smoothly. A good onboarding experience helps newcomers feel welcome. It also makes it easier for them to understand community guidelines.
When you lay a good foundation at onboarding, you promote active and informed community participation, reduce attrition, and create a sense of belonging.
Key components include:
Personalized welcome messages
Clear introductions to community norms
Guidance on using tools and resources
A strong onboarding program boosts member satisfaction and helps the community thrive.
Highlights
Creates a welcoming environment for new members.
Communicates community guidelines and expectations.
Facilitates easy navigation of resources and tools.
Encourages early engagement and participation.
Builds a foundation for long-term member retention.
Strengthens the overall sense of community and belonging.
Bottom line
A comprehensive onboarding experience is crucial for the relationship-building process with your members.
11. Host live Q&A sessions
Overview
Live Q&A sessions allow community members to engage in direct conversations with experts, leaders, or influencers. These real-time interactions build trust, encourage participation, and provide valuable insights.
Q&A sessions can happen on social media, like Instagram Live, Facebook Live, or LinkedIn. You can also conduct them through webinars or live chats in private groups.
When you answer community members' questions openly, you build a welcoming space. This helps people feel more connected to the community.
Highlights
Encourages direct interaction and two-way communication.
Establishes authority and builds trust within the community.
Provides valuable insights and practical advice in real time.
Can be repurposed into FAQs, blog posts, or social media clips.
Works across multiple platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, and Zoom.
Creates excitement and anticipation when held regularly.
Allows leaders or experts to engage with their audience personally.
Bottom line
Great for businesses and influencers looking to build credibility and real-time engagement.
12. Optimize your homepage into a welcome landing page
Overview
Your website's homepage is the first place visitors see. It's important to make it welcoming and informative. Make your homepage a welcome page. This way, you show your brand’s value, help users find what they need, and create a great first impression.
This approach not only enhances user engagement but also encourages exploration and conversion.
Highlights
Articulate your site's purpose and benefits to help users understand its value.
Highlight your unique selling points to differentiate your brand.
Design intuitive navigation with clear calls-to-action for seamless user flow.
Incorporate relevant keywords to improve SEO and attract targeted traffic.
Use a clean layout, high-quality images, and consistent branding for a professional look.
Ensure mobile responsiveness for a consistent experience across devices.
Display testimonials and trust badges to establish credibility.
Bottom line
Optimizing your homepage as a welcoming gateway enhances user engagement, builds trust, and encourages deeper interaction with your content.
13. Partner with local businesses
Overview
Collaborating with local businesses can strengthen community ties and provide mutual benefits. Joint events, promotions, or sponsorships increase visibility and create networking opportunities.
By supporting local businesses, you build goodwill within the community and demonstrate your commitment to your geographic area.
Highlights
Strengthens local connections, making the community feel more united and supported.
Increases reach for local businesses, providing them with new customers and opportunities.
Builds goodwill and trust, fostering a sense of collaboration and support.
Provides added value to community members through exclusive offers or events.
Creates valuable networking opportunities for businesses and members alike.
Fosters community pride, showing that you care about supporting local ventures.
Supports the local economy by driving attention to small businesses and their services.
Bottom line
Best for community-driven organizations and businesses looking to show a commitment to economic development in their local geographic area.
14. Create an ambassador programme
Overview
An ambassador program can turn your most loyal and engaged members into advocates for your community. These ambassadors help spread the word, recruit new members, and encourage ongoing engagement.
A program like this is a great way to recognize members who are passionate about the community and reward them for their efforts.
Highlights
Empowers passionate members to take on leadership roles and represent the community.
Strengthens member loyalty by offering exclusive perks and recognition.
Expands community reach and helps recruit new members.
Provides ambassadors with a sense of ownership and responsibility in the community.
Encourages positive behavior and engagement by rewarding active members.
Offers a structured way for members to contribute and elevate the community.
Builds trust by having community members advocate for your brand or mission.
Bottom line
Great for businesses and organizations looking to scale their engagement efforts through trusted advocates.
15. Develop a resource hub
Overview
A resource hub acts as a centralized space where community members can access valuable tools, information, and educational content. It can include FAQs, guides, video tutorials, templates, and more.
This adds value and gives members the resources they need to succeed, leading to an informed and self-reliant community.
Highlights
Provides a one-stop shop for valuable information and resources, improving the member experience.
Saves time by offering easy access to commonly needed materials.
Promotes self-sufficiency within the community, encouraging members to find answers independently.
Strengthens community knowledge and expertise by compiling relevant resources in one place.
Supports member growth by offering educational content tailored to their needs.
Increases engagement as community members return to the hub for new content and updates.
Establishes credibility and authority by providing trusted and well-curated resources.
Bottom line
Ideal for knowledge-based communities and businesses wanting to provide long-term value.
16. Run fundraising or charity initiatives
Overview
Organizing fundraising or charity events helps communities and businesses support social causes. It also builds unity and creates real change.
These activities can range from charity events and crowdfunding campaigns to donation drives. Joining these efforts meets important community needs and boosts our shared spirit.
Highlights
Fosters a culture of giving, strengthening community bonds.
Deepens relationships through shared, meaningful activities.
Provides purpose and fulfillment, boosting engagement.
Enhances public image through demonstrated social responsibility.
Offers flexibility for both recurring and one-time events.
Develops skills like project management and outreach.
Raises awareness and mobilizes support for community issues.
Bottom line
Perfect for communities and businesses aiming to align with social impact initiatives.
17. Encourage collaborative projects
Overview
Projects such as blogs, podcasts, or other creative works, tap into the shared knowledge of their members. These initiatives forge tremendous community development through shared learning and problem-solving.
By working together, members can tackle tough challenges. They can share ideas and create content that shows the community's skills and interests. This teamwork boosts individual skills and strengthens the whole community development’s cohesion and resilience.
Highlights
Brings together varied skills, driving creative solutions.
Promotes knowledge-sharing, enriching collective intelligence.
Generates authentic content that enhances engagement.
Builds trust and camaraderie through joint efforts.
Expands reach by promoting content across platforms.
Offers professional development through active participation.
Develops pride and ownership, deepening community connection.
Bottom line
Great for communities focused on collaboration and shared experiences.
18. Provide educational webinars
Overview
Hosting educational webinars helps community members connect with experts and gain new skills. You can cover a broad range of topics in the webinars, ranging from industry knowledge to personal development to company culture.
Webinars allow real-time interaction so participants can ask questions and engage in discussions. Personal interaction enhances the learning experience of your guests and shows off your thought leadership. A great webinar boosts a culture of learning in the community. It can also inspire members to share news about your brand.
Highlights
Establishes authority by sharing expert knowledge.
Offers ongoing learning opportunities to members.
Encourages real-time engagement through interactive sessions.
Provides recorded content for future reference and accessibility.
Caters to various industries and interests within the community.
Bottom line
Perfect for professional, business, and educational communities.
19. Introduce themed discussion days
Overview
Setting specific days for themed discussions boosts participation and structures community interactions. When members know the topics for each week or month, they can prepare for discussions that interest them. This leads to deeper and more meaningful conversations.
Themed discussion days will also diversify your content, as different themes bring in various perspectives and ideas. You can easily implement themed days on forums, social media groups, and newsletters. This ensures consistent community engagement and a variety of content.
Highlights
Offers a clear framework for discussions, helping members prepare and engage better.
Promotes regular participation by covering a variety of topics that interest the community.
Rotates themes to keep discussions lively and attract a broader audience.
Supports idea sharing and expertise, boosting the community's knowledge on many subjects.
Ensures consistent content delivery across channels, improving reach and interaction.
Regularly themed content encourages members to return, increasing loyalty and long-term engagement.
Bottom line
Best for communities looking to encourage consistent engagement.
20. Build a referral programme
Overview
A referral program lets current members invite others to join the community. People often do this in exchange for rewards or perks. This strategy uses the trust of existing members to promote growth.
By providing incentives, communities motivate members to help expand. This ensures that new members share the community's values and interests.
Highlights
Drives organic growth through personal networks.
Enhances member engagement via rewarding participation.
Attracts individuals who resonate with community values.
Strengthens community bonds through shared connections.
Reduces marketing costs by utilizing word-of-mouth.
Cultivates a culture of advocacy among members.
Bottom line
Great for organizations wanting to expand their community reach.
21. Share behind-the-scenes content
Overview
Show community members how your business builds trust and transparency. This can be a vital–but sometimes overlooked–part of community engagement. Behind-the-scenes content humanizes leadership and showcases the effort that goes into community initiatives.
Even if you run things by yourself and work from home–like in the image above–you can do this! Sharing your daily routine or what your office looks like can boost members' emotional investment. It helps them feel more connected and valued.
Highlights
Builds trust through transparent communication.
Humanizes leadership by sharing personal insights.
Deepens members' emotional investment in the community.
Encourages a sense of belonging and ownership.
Provides exclusive content that enhances engagement.
Stimulates open dialogue and feedback among members.
Bottom line
Best for communities wanting to strengthen personal connections.
22. Gamify engagement with badges and rewards
Overview
Using gamification elements like badges, leaderboards, and rewards makes routine interactions more engaging. This method taps into people's natural motivations. It builds a competitive yet supportive environment.
By highlighting achievements through gamified systems, participation grows, and retention improves. Engagement becomes enjoyable and rewarding.
Highlights
Motivates members through recognition and tangible rewards.
Enhances participation by introducing competitive elements.
Fosters a fun and interactive community atmosphere.
Encourages continuous learning and skill development.
Provides measurable metrics for personal achievements.
Strengthens community bonds through shared goals.
Bottom line
Great for communities that thrive on competition and achievement.
23. Encourage content creation within the community
Overview
Encouraging members to create content like articles, videos, or artwork helps empower them. This is not like the user-generated content on social media, such as comments or testimonials. It highlights the community's knowledge and expertise.
It builds a sense of ownership and pride. It also brings fresh perspectives, keeps content dynamic, and boosts authenticity.
Communities can create a lively and welcoming space by highlighting members' talents. This approach shows that individual contributions matter.
Highlights
Empowers members by valuing their contributions.
Enriches the community with diverse perspectives and ideas.
Strengthens community bonds through shared creation.
Keeps content fresh and relevant to members' interests.
Enhances the community's authenticity and relatability.
Boosts SEO and organic reach through diverse content.
Bottom line
Perfect for communities aiming to increase collaboration and showcase the talents of their members.
24. Host a virtual networking event
Overview
Organizing virtual networking events helps members connect, share ideas, and collaborate, no matter where they are. These events can include structured activities like breakout sessions or workshops for better interactions.
By using digital platforms, communities can provide valuable networking chances that in-person events might not offer. This boosts professional growth and strengthens community ties.
Events can also include guest speakers and interactive workshops, making the experience more valuable for participants.
Again, Swarm has you covered here. We provide everything you need to host a virtual event to expand your community.
Highlights
Bridges geographical gaps, connecting members globally.
Provides structured opportunities for professional networking.
Encourages collaboration and idea exchange.
Offers flexibility with various virtual formats and platforms.
Enhances community cohesion through shared experiences.
Facilitates access to diverse perspectives and expertise.
Bottom line
Best for professional communities and networking groups.
25. Celebrate community milestones
Overview
Celebrating community milestones, like anniversaries or achievements, brings people together. These events recognize progress, honor contributions, and encourage ongoing involvement.
If you have a YouTube channel or podcast, celebrating when you reach 500 or 1,000 subscribers or 100,000 views also helps create momentum for your brand.
Activities can include hosting events, recognizing outstanding members, or starting community projects that reflect shared goals. Milestones show the community's strength and commitment, reinforcing bonds and inspiring future efforts.
Highlights
Builds unity and reinforces shared values.
Acknowledges collective progress and honors contributions.
Motivates continued engagement and future involvement.
Provides opportunities for community members to connect and collaborate.
Enhances community pride and a sense of belonging.
Inspires future endeavors and strengthens community bonds.
Bottom line
Celebrating milestones is essential for reinforcing community bonds, recognizing achievements and positive outcomes, and inspiring future growth for your community members.
Wrapping it up
Increasing community engagement involves understanding and addressing the unique needs of your members. You don’t need to try all of the community engagement strategies on this list–choose the ones that make sense for your brand.
Swarm.to helps you build a community that feels personal, just like real life. Our tools make it easy to create and manage engaging online spaces. Schedule a demo to see how Swarm can help you connect authentically with your audience and foster meaningful interactions.
