<p>Building a community that genuinely loves your content is the dream, definitely for me it is. But what if your content feels a little all over the place? Maybe one day you’re sharing a deep insight, the next you’re posting a meme, and before you know it, you’re off on a tangent about your favourite biscuit. (It’s the chocolate digestive, by the way.)</p><p>If you’re anything like me, you don’t always stick to a perfectly curated theme. Your brain jumps from one idea to another, and your content follows suit. And yet, people still engage. They stick around, comment, share, and actually <i>enjoy</i> the chaos. So how do you create a community that loves your content, even when it’s a little scatty? Here’s what I&#39;ve discovered;</p><h3>1. Be Authentically You</h3><p>Something people love even more than polished, perfectly planned content, is real people. Ever since I started talking about my ADHD and stopped fighting it, I began to receive real heartfelt comments. Because the truth is that we&#39;re drawn to authenticity, to the quirks and the personality behind the posts. If your content is a bit messy, a bit unpredictable, that’s actually fine! It’s <i>you.</i> And your community will connect with that far more than something that feels forced.</p><p>Rather than trying to mould your content into a neat little box, it&#39;s important to embrace your natural style. If you have random bursts of creativity, lean into them. If you love mixing deep thoughts with light-hearted fun, do it. Your people, the ones who truly <i>get</i> you, will love it too.</p><h3>2. Set a Loose Theme (But Don’t Overthink It)</h3><p>You don’t need a rigid niche, but having a general theme helps people know what to expect. Think of it like your favourite pub, sometimes you pop in for a chat, sometimes for a pint, sometimes just for the vibe. But no matter what, you know what kind of experience you’re getting.</p><p>If your content is a mix of industry insights, personal musings, and the occasional “here’s what I had for lunch” post, that’s absolutely fine. Just make sure there’s a common thread, whether it’s your tone, perspective, or values, that will tie it all together.</p><h3>3. Engage Like a Human (Not a Brand)</h3><p>A strong community isn’t built on broadcasting alone. It’s about conversations, inside jokes, shared experiences. The best way to encourage engagement? Be the one to engage first. Reply to comments, ask questions, join discussions, and make people feel like part of something. And you don&#39;t need to be picky about whose accounts you engage with, it doesn&#39;t matter how many followers they have, engage!</p><p>Also, when someone comments on your post, don’t just like it, respond with genuine interest. If someone shares your content, acknowledge it. Treat your audience like friends, not followers.</p><h3>4. Let Imperfection Be Part of Your Charm</h3><p>Some of the best-performing content is the stuff that isn’t overthought. It could be typo-ridden posts, a simple moan, or random observations that somehow resonate. Don’t let perfectionism stop you from posting.</p><p>If your content is a little scattered, just go with it! Make it part of your brand. People appreciate honesty, and a well-placed “I have lost my trail of thought....” can be just as engaging as a carefully crafted call-to-action.</p><h3>5. Create Content That Feels Like a Two-Way Street</h3><p>The best communities aren’t just about you, they’re about them too. So make your audience feel involved. Ask for their opinions, share their content, and create a space where they feel valued.</p><p>Here are some simple ways to do this:</p><ul><li><p>Polls and questions: Let everyone contribute to your content.</p></li><li><p>User-generated content: Feature your audience’s work or comments.</p></li><li><p>Inside jokes: If your community has a running joke, lean into it!</p></li></ul><h3>6. Be Consistently Present (Even If Your Content Isn’t)</h3><p>Now this is something I certainly struggle with, being consistently present. But just because I can&#39;t necessarily stick to a schedule, doesn&#39;t mean I can&#39;t talk to my community! Even when life gets in the way, and posting every day just isn’t feasible, showing up to engage with followers needs to be prioritised. And it&#39;s not really a chore, it&#39;s actually enjoyable! </p><h3>7. Find Your People, Not Just Followers</h3><p>Building a community is never about numbers, it’s about that real connection. It’s so much better to have 500 engaged, excited people than 50,000 who just don’t care. Focus on creating content that speaks to <i>your</i> people. The ones who laugh at your jokes, appreciate your insights, and don’t mind when you go off on a tangent. Even if it feels like you&#39;re shouting into a void for a while, keep going, they will hear you!</p><p>So, if your content is a bit all over the place, just know, that’s not a flaw. It’s a style. Your community will love you for <i>you</i>, not just for perfectly polished posts. Show up, be real, engage like a human, and let your personality shine right through. The right people will find you, and they’ll stay, not because your content is perfect, but because it feels like home.</p><p>Now, remove the armour and become your authentic self. </p><p>You&#39;re going to Love Marketing!</p>

Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@voneciacarswell?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Vonecia Carswell</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/four-person-holding-each-others-waist-at-daytime-0aMMMUjiiEQ?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a>
      

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Here's what I've discovered about communities and what makes people join one! 

Community Building

How to Build A Community That Loves Your Content (Even When It’s Scatty)

<p>It all started with a simple post on Threads. I joined out of curiosity, not expecting too much. But within minutes, the notifications on my phone were blowing up. Thoughtful replies turned into full-blown conversations, and suddenly, I was gaining followers faster than on any other platform. Just 24 hours in, I had gained 60 followers. The engagement felt natural, the discussions were lively, and most importantly, people were genuinely supportive and welcoming. It was unlike anything I had experienced on any other social media platform.</p><h3>What is Threads?</h3><p>Threads is a text-first social media platform designed for real-time conversations and community building. Launched by Meta, it seamlessly integrates with Instagram, allowing users to bring their followers over effortlessly. Unlike other social platforms that rely heavily on visual content, Threads prioritises discussion. This makes it a powerful tool for brands and entrepreneurs who want to establish their voice and connect directly with their audience.</p><p>Since its launch, Threads has amassed over 100 million users, demonstrating its appeal to a wide range of content creators, influencers, and businesses. Its simple interface and focus on text-based discussions have drawn comparisons to Twitter, but they couldn’t be more different! Threads sets itself apart with a far friendlier, more engaging community that prides itself on actively supporting small businesses.</p><h3>Why Your Small Business Should Take Notice</h3><p>It’s an uphill battle for small businesses trying to gain traction on traditional social platforms, where algorithms prioritise paid content and large accounts. However, Threads offers a refreshing alternative where organic engagement is encouraged.</p><p>Here’s how Threads can be beneficial to your small business:</p><ul><li><p><b>Rapid Follower Growth</b> – Unlike other platforms where growth can be slow, building a following on Threads can happen far quicker. Not only can you transfer your existing audience over from Instagram, but simply participating in discussions can gain you hundreds of followers in a matter of weeks.</p></li><li><p><b>Supportive Community</b> – The culture on Threads is like no other. Users are keen to engage with and support small businesses, giving your visibility an instant boost.</p></li><li><p><b>Conversational Marketing</b> – Traditional social media often focuses on curated, polished content. This approach is not as successful on Threads. I’ve seen professional-looking posts receive zero interaction. Instead, your small business can connect with your audience on a personal level through authentic conversations, so be prepared to get personal!</p></li><li><p><b>Less Algorithm Pressure</b> – Unlike Instagram and Facebook, where reach can be unpredictable due to ever-changing algorithms, Threads makes it easier for your business to be seen. Engaging consistently through replies and discussions increases visibility naturally, without the need for excessive ad spend. Threads users often speak of the 80-20 rule, which urges you to engage 80% of the time and post 20%.</p></li></ul><h3>How to Succeed on Threads as a Small Business</h3><p>I have been studying Threads and have identified the best ways to make the most of it. Here are my key strategies:</p><h4>1. Be Active and Engage Through Comments</h4><p>The days I did not engage or post, surprise, surprise, nothing happened. But when I spent just one hour in the evening actively responding to posts, I gained 20 followers. I contributed meaningfully, offering marketing advice when users asked for it and celebrating users&#39; wins with them. The more I participated in conversations, the more visibility I gained.</p><h4>2. Show Your Brand Personality Through Posts</h4><p>When it comes to posting, many users get it wrong. From my experience, corporate-heavy posts with professional head shots don’t receive the engagement you might expect. Threads clearly rewards authenticity.</p><p>I began sharing personal things about myself, including my experiences and opinions. These were received really well. I was asked questions, congratulated, and followed! However, the view count on my posts was still far lower than the view count of my comments. This may be why everyone is so willing to converse on Threads, it’s where the real engagement happens.</p><h4>3. Provide Value</h4><p>I experimented with different types of posts. In one of my posts I talked about how welcomed I felt in the Threads community. That post received 660 views, 56 likes and 31 comments. In another post, I provided digital marketing tips to small businesses. I talked about the marketing industry, and provided a list of ways a business can really stand out. To my surprise, this amounted to 49 views, 2 likes and no comments. </p><p>This was a recurring theme across my posts and so it’s clear what kind of content thrives on Threads. Tips and insights are rarely engaged with unless users post and ask for it. On other platforms, tips and advice posts are a great way for you to gain credibility. But unfortunately, on Threads, it often falls on deaf ears. </p><p>Threads users respond best to what I call ‘human content’, posts that spark emotions and encourage real conversations. So when looking to provide value, it&#39;s important to appeal to users&#39; emotions, show support and congratulate wins. Be a friend, aka &#39;Thriend&#39;.</p><h3>Why You Should Get Involved In Threads Now</h3><p>While Threads is still technically in its early stages, its rapid adoption and engagement levels indicate that it’s here to stay. Unlike other social platforms, where breaking through the noise can be difficult, Threads offers an accessible, community-driven space where businesses can thrive without relying solely on paid marketing. However, it’s important to play by the platform’s rules, use Threads as it is intended, or you will completely miss the mark.</p><p>For small businesses, I believe now is the time to establish a presence on Threads while the platform is still growing. By positioning yourself early, engaging authentically, and providing valuable content, you can build a loyal following and leverage Threads to scale your brand in 2025.</p><p>As soon as you join, don’t forget to follow <b>@lovemarketing_org </b>I promise to provide insights, but only when you ask for them!</p>

Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@coopery?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Mohamed Nohassi</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/a-block-with-the-number-six-on-it-0SRZudPpzWE?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a>
      

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It all started with a simple post on Threads. I joined out of curiosity, not expecting too much. But within minutes, the notifications on my phone were blowing up. 

Threads Social Media

How Threads Transformed My Social Media Experience as a Small Business Owner

<p>If you weren&#39;t already aware, I have ADHD (attention deficit, hyperactivity disorder) It doesn&#39;t mean I&#39;m just chaos and I grew up as the &#39;naughty child&#39;. Couldn&#39;t be further from the truth actually. Instead I&#39;m pretty quiet, but I do have 8 thoughts all at once, I am easily distracted and I absolutely cannot stick to a schedule. If you can relate to this, you might agree that traditional marketing structures don’t quite fit your way of working. Planning can feel overwhelming, deadlines can sneak up on you, and content calendars are just frustrating. But here’s what I&#39;m discovering, ADHD isn’t just a challenge in marketing; it’s also a superpower.</p><h2>Why ADHD Brains Are Made for Marketing</h2><p>I believe people with ADHD are natural marketers. We’re curious, creative, and constantly coming up with new ideas. We have an ability to hyper focus which is perfect for deep dives into innovative campaigns. Our tendency to think outside the box is exactly what’s needed to capture attention in a noisy digital world. So here’s how ADHD has become my marketing superpower;</p><h3>1. I&#39;m Creative</h3><p>Our ADHD brains are wired for innovation. We see connections other people miss, which is why brainstorming comes naturally to us. It&#39;s important to use this to your advantage by keeping a running idea bank, whether it’s a voice note, or a pile of sticky notes. Whenever inspiration strikes, be sure to capture it. Later, you can sift through and refine your ideas into campaigns that actually work.</p><h3>2. I Can Hyper-focus</h3><p>One of ADHD’s biggest gifts is the ability to hyper focus. It&#39;s like an intense tunnel vision when something truly engages us, as if you&#39;re climbing down a rabbit hole and it&#39;s impossible to see anything, other than the end. This is actually great for deep work sessions for the parts of marketing you love, like writing content, designing visuals, or just analysing trends. You have to set timers though, so you don’t lose an entire day tweaking the same post!</p><h3>3. I Love Variety</h3><p>Repetitive tasks can be absolute torture for ADHDers. Which is actually why marketing is such a good vocation for us, it&#39;s full of diverse projects, social platforms, campaigns, branding, strategy. If you ever find yourself getting bored, you can rotate tasks throughout the day or week. Having a mix of creative and analytical work can help keep your brain engaged.</p><h3>4. I Can Use ADHD Friendly Tools</h3><p>I&#39;ve had a tonne of experience with traditional planners and rigid systems, and they don’t always work for ADHD minds. Instead, I prefer to find flexible tools that support my way of working. Try project management apps like Trello, with colourful labels and quick drag-and-drop features. Use calendar reminders (with alarms!) to keep track of deadlines. And most importantly, create a system that works for you, not against you. Even if its pen and paper! No ones judging! </p><h3>5. I Thrive On Setting Small Goals</h3><p>Starting out can be the hardest part. What do you even post and when? To overcome this, it&#39;s a good idea to break tasks into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Need to post something? Then just take the selfie for now. Need to write a blog article? Start with the headline. When you&#39;ve achieved this goal, celebrate it! It will give you all the momentum you need, and suddenly, things don’t seem so overwhelming.</p><h3>6. Impulsivity Is My Advantage</h3><p>ADHD impulsivity is often perceived negatively, but here, it&#39;s marketing gold. Bold campaigns, viral content, and disruptive ideas often come from instinctive, outside-the-box thinking. So, instead of stifling your spontaneous ideas, lean into them, just make sure to run them by a trusted colleague or friend before launching them into the world!</p><h3>7. I Can Celebrate Small Wins</h3><p>Marketing is about long-term efforts, but instead we thrive on instant gratification. To stay motivated, celebrate the smaller victories, whether that’s hitting ‘publish’ on a blog, gaining 100 new followers, or successfully sticking to a content plan for a week. These little wins keep you engaged and moving forward, so post about them!</p><h3>Turning ADHD Challenges Into Marketing Strengths</h3><p>Instead of seeing ADHD as a hurdle in marketing, re-frame it as your unique advantage. Your creativity, adaptability, and ability to think differently are exactly what make great marketers stand out. The key is learning how to channel your strengths and work with your brain, not against it.</p><p>So the next time you struggle with focus or feel frustrated by your to-do list, just remember, ADHD isn’t a weakness. In the marketing world, it might just be your strongest asset.</p>

Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@eliomendes?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Elio Santos</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/person-reading-book-M38gjx6hifY?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a>
      

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Instead of seeing ADHD as a hurdle in marketing, you can re-frame it as your unique advantage.

ADHD and Marketing

What My ADHD Taught Me About Marketing (And Why It's My Superpower!)

<p>Writing Instagram captions can feel like a daunting task, especially if you tend to overthink every word. You want something engaging, clever, and authentic, but before you know it, you&#39;ve spent 20 minutes crafting a single sentence. Sound familiar? I’ve been there too.</p><p>As someone with ADHD, my brain constantly jumps between a million different ideas, making it nearly impossible to settle on just one caption. I’ll write something, delete it, rewrite it, and then convince myself it’s not good enough, only to start the cycle all over again. It used to take me longer to write a caption than to take the actual photo! So, I set out to find a better way to approach caption writing. I&#39;ve learnt a lot, trialled a lot, and here is what is working for me!</p><h3>Lesson 1: Start with a Glorious Hook</h3><p>Doom scrollers are scrolling through hundreds of posts while making coffee in the morning. In order to stop them in their scroll, the first few words of your caption must grab their attention. Instagram only shows the first couple of lines before users have to tap &#39;more,&#39; so make those few words count! </p><p>Here are some things I have tried;</p><ul><li><p>&quot;This changed my life...&quot; A bold statement that promises instant transformation. I&#39;m stopping the scroll!</p></li><li><p>&quot;Do you struggle with this too?&quot; A question I am desperate to find the answer to!</p></li><li><p>&quot;Did you know 80% of people read captions but don’t comment?&quot; A fun fact I want to ask fellow marketers if they know! </p></li></ul><h3>Lesson 2: You Have To Make It Personal</h3><p>This lesson is non-negotiable and one that took me a while to learn. People connect with real stories and genuine emotions. Instead of overthinking the perfect caption, share something brutally honest. Perhaps something you&#39;d only say to your mum. For example:</p><ul><li><p>Instead of &quot;Great day at the beach!&quot; → &quot;I almost didn’t go to the beach today because I felt overwhelmed, but wow, I needed this.&quot;</p></li><li><p>Instead of &quot;New product out now!&quot; → &quot;We spent months perfecting this, and we can’t wait for you to try it. Here’s why we love it…&quot;</p></li></ul><p>I used to think every caption had to be polished and perfect (like my head shot!) but I’ve learned that people appreciate authenticity more than perfection. Sometimes, the captions I spend the least time on perform the best because they feel real and unfiltered.</p><h3>Lesson 3: Add Real Value</h3><p>Captions that educate, entertain, or inspire do tend to perform pretty well. However, as the platforms become more crowded, you can&#39;t just offer the same tips everyone else is, or share the same hilarious story. Find something unique to offer. Start by asking yourself: What do I want to offer my audience? Here are some ideas, which can be adapted to your niche:</p><ul><li><p>Do you want to share the secret to a great post?</p></li><li><p>Do you want to reveal a lesson you had to learn the hard way?</p></li><li><p>Do you want to share a personal story which has made you who you are today?</p></li></ul><p>Simple, unique value that your audience can take something away from. </p><h3>Lesson 4: Use a Call-to-Action</h3><p>The valuable &#39;call-to-action!&#39; We are only human and therefore we do need direction, so, after we have read your post, what shall we do next? Yep, the power is in your hands. You need to encourage engagement by inviting people to comment, share, or visit your profile. Examples:</p><ul><li><p>&quot;Tag a friend who needs to hear this!&quot;</p></li><li><p>&quot;Drop your favourite emoji if you can relate.&quot;</p></li><li><p>&quot;What’s your go-to way to de-stress? Let me know below!&quot;</p></li></ul><p>Or if you&#39;re running a campaign and you want email sign ups or product sales, these can become your CTA&#39;s.</p><h3>Lesson 5: Keep It Readable</h3><p>We don&#39;t have time to read the whole post often so we like to skim through it. In which case,  it&#39;s best to avoid large blocks of text by using short sentences and line breaks. Emojis can also make your caption more visually appealing and add personality.</p><h3>Lesson 6: Test and Learn</h3><p>Not every caption will be a hit, and that’s okay. Pay attention to what works best for your audience by testing different tones, lengths, and styles. You can perfect your captions over time!</p><h3>Final Thoughts</h3><p>If you’re an overthinker like me, remember this: your caption doesn’t have to be perfect. Done is better than perfect. The more you practice, the easier it gets. So next time you’re staring at that blinking cursor, take a deep breath, remember these lessons, and just start writing!</p>

Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@getswello?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Swello</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/a-close-up-of-a-cell-phone-on-a-table-yN5DVnKunmo?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a>
      

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Hey fellow overthinkers! If like me, you write, rewrite and delete captions, this article is for you! 

The Love Marketing Blog

How to Build A Community That Loves Your Content (Even When It’s Scatty)

How Threads Transformed My Social Media Experience as a Small Business Owner

What My ADHD Taught Me About Marketing (And Why It's My Superpower!)

How To Write The Perfect Instagram Caption (Even If You Overthink Everything)

Branding

Should You Be The Face Of Your Brand? (Even If You're Camera Shy)

How Brand Storytelling Can Transform Your Business

How to Make Your Brand Stand Out in a Crowded Market

Social Media

How Threads Transformed My Social Media Experience as a Small Business Owner

How To Write The Perfect Instagram Caption (Even If You Overthink Everything)

My Experience With A Content Calendar

50 FREE Social Media Content Ideas To Give Your Brain A Break

Why Canva Is The Best FREE Graphic Design Tool

How To Use Pinterest For Business

Business Planning

Living the Dream: How To Start A Business From Scratch

The Best Tool For Creating A Product Customers Actually Want

What Are SMART Goals and How Can They Help Your Business Grow?

A Guide To Using a Business Planner for Your Online Business

Sustainability

Understanding Your Business' Corporate Social Responsibility

Marketing Strategies

What My ADHD Taught Me About Marketing (And Why It's My Superpower!)

How to Build A Community That Loves Your Content (Even When It’s Scatty)

How To Make Your Business Unforgettable With Brand Storytelling

Why Email Marketing is a Game-Changer for Small Businesses, And So Simple!

How to Actually Identify Your Target Audience (Without Losing Your Sanity!)

Easy Wins: 10 Marketing Tips for Small Businesses