Audience building is about how many people are aware of your brand, service or product. It’s about giving people an easy, shallow way to connect and spread your message.
Email newsletters, blogs, videos, Instagram and Facebook groups are a great way to do this. They provide a regular chance for people to connect without having to engage with too much risk.
Community building is about creating a place where members of your audience can go deeper. It’s about giving them a platform, space and leadership to connect with each other and your work in a way that they’ll get much more out of it.
Retreats (and other live events), masterminds (or other accountability groups), private community areas (not held on social media) and social learning (courses which promote students engaging with each other) are all fantastic ways to build community.
Hat tip to Noele Flowers to pointing out the distinction between the two.