How to Design Strategies to Bring People Closer

Ever wonder what makes some brands feel like they're your buddies, while others seem more like distant acquaintances? Well, it's all about how they connect with you. Today, we're diving into some super cool design strategies that can make you feel closer to your favorite brands – almost like you're part of the family! This might seem like something I spoken before in a previous article but, these strategies can bing your customers and potential customers closer to your brand. 

We're talking about getting a sneak peek behind the curtain, meeting the awesome people who make everything happen, sharing your own stories, and even getting to throw in your two cents about what you love (or don’t love so much). Let’s check out how brands can use these strategies to turn their followers into a tight-knit community.

Behind-the-Scenes Content

First up, let’s talk about behind-the-scenes (BTS) content. This is like getting an all-access pass to see what goes on in the making of your favorite products or services. Imagine getting to see how your favorite sneakers are designed, or what a day at the office looks like for the people who make your most-used app. Sprout Social says not to stick just to photos and videos – blogs and other stuff can really show what happens backstage. Brandwatch tells us this is a fantastic way to share the vibe and values of the company, making everything they sell or do feel more real and exciting.

Team Introductions

Next, we've got team introductions. This is where you get to meet the heroes behind the scenes. It’s like when a new kid joins your class, and the teacher introduces them to everyone. Brands can show off their team members doing their thing or share what their work-from-home setup looks like. It adds a personal touch that makes you feel connected to the people, not just the products.

User-Generated Content

Then there’s user-generated content. This is all about you and people like you sharing your experiences with the brand. It’s like when you ace a level on a game and get to put your name on the leaderboard. When brands share stories or pics sent in by their fans, it not only shows off how awesome their products are in real life but also makes everyone feel like they’re part of a big, happy club.

Inviting Feedback

Lastly, inviting feedback is super important. It’s like when your friend asks for your opinion on their new kicks – it makes you feel valued and listened to. Brands can ask for your thoughts through polls on Instagram or surveys in emails, making sure you know your voice matters. This feedback helps them make even cooler stuff that you’ll love even more.

Lego's Community Engagement Strategy:

• Behind-the-Scenes Content: Lego offers fascinating insights into the design and development process of new sets through its social media channels and the Lego website. They share videos and articles that take fans on a journey through the creative process, from initial concept to final product, showcasing the intricate work that goes into creating Lego sets.
• Team Introductions: Lego frequently highlights its designers and creative team, giving fans a personal look at the people behind their favorite sets. These introductions occur via social media posts, videos, and the "Meet the Designer" series on their website, where fans can learn about the designers' backgrounds, inspirations, and the challenges they face in the design process.
• User-Generated Content: Lego has a robust platform for user-generated content called Lego Ideas. Here, fans can submit their own Lego set designs, and the community votes on their favorites. Winning designs can become official Lego sets sold worldwide. This initiative not only fosters a strong community but also allows fans to see their own creations come to life.
• Inviting Feedback: Lego actively seeks out and values feedback from its community. They engage with fans on social media, respond to reviews, and use feedback to improve and innovate. Lego Ideas is also a testament to their commitment to listening to their audience, as it directly involves the community in the product development process.

For more details on Lego's community engagement and content strategies, you can visit their official website, social media channels, or the Lego Ideas platform.

Lego's approach effectively builds a bridge between the brand and its global community, turning consumers into active participants and brand advocates. This strategy not only enriches the customer experience but also strengthens the brand's identity and market presence.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! By peeling back the curtain with BTS content, introducing the squad with team intros, celebrating the fans with user-generated content, and actually caring about what you think with feedback opportunities, brands can make you feel right at home. It’s all about creating that cozy, "we’re all in this together" vibe that turns a bunch of followers into a real community. And when that happens, it’s not just about buying stuff – it’s about being part of something bigger. Cool, right?