Every community has a built-in culture, whether people are conscious of it or not.

And the quality of that culture has a major impact on who joins and who stays.

Since culture is driven by values, it means you–the leader–have a say in what your community becomes.

The best communities have members with a shared set of core values. These values are what draw people together and keep others out who don’t belong.

Members also have a big impact on the culture that gets created, but the founding values are the foundation for who joins and what the culture becomes.

Values perpetuate.

Knowing your values and articulating them in your marketing can be a significant tool in your arsenal. 

This is ultimately your “brand” (in the squishiest way possible, of course).

What if your values were your differentiator?

How would you describe them if you were to put them right in the center of your marketing?

Your values shape your community culture, and your culture is like a magnet–it attracts or repels. 

Use your values in your marketing and build your community around them.

You’ll get better members and keep the ones who make it special.