If ever you find yourself stuck in the middle of the sea

mlns='> You can count on communities (like 1,2,3s) [View Message in Browser]( / [Add Us to Safe Sender List]( [Content Marketing Institute]( [Content Marketing Institute]( Daily News and Alert 1.29.24 Connect with CMI Hi there, Love it or hate it, Reddit knows something about community. So, when Reddit’s VP of community talks writes, people listen read. And Laura Nestler’s [article in Campaign]( feels especially timely. Brands turning to owned channels (like branded communities) showed up in our [2024 content marketing trends]( piece. And their plans to invest in communities showed up in our [B2B research](. But the Reddit leader says most brands mistakenly consider their audience a community. “The difference between a community and an audience,” she explains, “is that audiences are spoken to, while communities speak to one another. A brand can only unlock the power of community when the community doesn’t just listen but participates and materially shapes what’s being made.” Among the steps she recommends for building community are these gems: - Start small (early members tend to remain loyal advocates) - Empower members to help (you and each other). Do people really join brand communities and willingly help each other (and the brand)? If you’ve joined the CMWorld Slack Group, you know that they do. Volunteer community moderator Jeremy Bednarski asks thought-provoking questions every workday, and members chime in as they have time. What’s especially heartening is how often community members turn to each other when they’re lost, stuck, befuddled, frustrated, or even thrilled — and how helpful the responses they receive are. Just this week, members asked for suggestions for growing a LinkedIn newsletter (and got some good ones), offered help for developing AI guidelines, invited participation in an e-book, traded stories about agency life, and shared personal and professional wins. It’s a welcoming crew, so don’t hesitate to join. [Sign up here]( (it’s free), then ask and answer away. Meanwhile, here are some additional resources to help you become a better marketer this week.  Kim Moutsos Vice President of Editorial Content Marketing Institute [Share your feedback](mailto:kim.moutsos@informa.com?subject=CMI%20content%20feedback&elqTrackId=64550BB2B7DCF779B66C47D5721093C2)  ICYMI: [Want To Really Win Over Your Audience? Be Their Accountability Partner]( I love the ideas Ann Gynn shared a couple of years ago for strengthening bonds (and a sense of community) with your audience. Have you participated in (or developed) anything like this?  Wednesday: [Predicting the Future of Webinar and Digital Events]( | 2 p.m. ET Webinars aren’t immune to the forces transforming the way brands deliver content, engage audiences, and drive growth. This webinar explores how marketers will adapt webinars and digital events to deliver more engaging and personalized experiences that connect and convert. Register to participate live or watch on demand when you can.  Thursday: [2024 Content Marketing Predictions]( | 1 p.m. ET Based on combined predictions survey data from studioID and Content Marketing Institute, year-ahead forecasts from hundreds of marketing leaders are locked in. Join our panel of experts for help getting ahead of the critical trends and challenges set to dominate 2024.  To change your email preferences or unsubscribe, visit our [subscription center.]( Copyright © 2024 Informa Connect, All rights reserved Content Marketing Institute, an Informa Connect brand 605 3rd Ave | New York | NY 10158 [Terms of Service]( | [Privacy Statement]( [informa tech]