Let me tell you a secret I wish I knew at the start: When you’re building something online, talking to “everyone” is a waste.

Like trying to light a fire with wet matches. No spark, no flame, just effort wasted.

What I mean is, you put out content after content, post on almost every social media profile, create countless Pinterest pins, and feel like nobody’s caring.

Most people do this, and it feels safe for a while, but the truth is it just gets you nowhere.

And finally, yes, you just give up.

But what if we pick a small, focused group? The people who get what you’re trying to do? The ones who can actually reply, share their problems, and push you to improve?

Sounds nice, but how can we do that for real?

➡️ Pick a narrow group you want to help. Not just “anyone.”

For example, a baker who makes birthday cakes for kids in your neighborhood, a photographer offering quick shoots for local restaurants, a teacher sharing simple Excel tricks just for small shop owners, someone selling printed T-shirts to nearby tuition classes, or a writer helping new businesses in your town get their first website up.

➡️ Go find them. This could be a small Facebook group, a Reddit thread, or even a local forum.

➡️ Start real conversations: ask questions, send a DM, or just reply to comments.

If you want some more real-life steps, check out my guide on getting your first 10 customers, where I walk through how to actually reach out like a human, not a marketer.

➡️ Listen to their problems. If you keep hearing the same pain points, those become your next blog post, product idea, X or Threads post, or offer.

Or you can even do research on those points (or topics) and create an ebook or just a PDF that can help them solve something (giving instant value) and offer it for free in exchange for their email or maybe ask them to DM for it.

​Here’s a list of such ideas that work for almost any business.

➡️ Don’t count followers, count real engagement. Comments, replies, even a single thank you. That’s your sign you’re building something real.

You don’t need a big crowd. You need a small group that cares.

It’s like cooking for a few close friends instead of a whole wedding hall; you learn what people really like, and those first fans will tell others. That’s how every strong business or brand really starts.

Stay curious,

Minosh.

P.S. If you’re thinking of building a real community online someday, not just followers, but people who stick around and maybe even pay to be part of it, here’s how you can do it.