Why Community Matters More Than Ever Right Now
One thing we’ve been thinking about a lot lately is how much harder it’s becoming to capture people’s attention online.
Digital marketing is costing more, engagement feels lower and people are receiving so many emails, ads and notifications every single day that it’s hard not to wonder sometimes if unopened newsletters are less about disinterest and more about fatigue.
There’s just so much noise.
And honestly, that’s one of the reasons we believe community matters more than ever right now.
People are craving connection they can trust. They want recommendations from people they know. They want experiences that feel personal, intentional and real. Word of mouth continues to be one of the strongest ways people discover businesses because there’s something powerful about hearing someone say, “You should try this.”
So much of our business sustainability has come through community, referrals and people sharing the market with friends because they genuinely had a meaningful experience there.
We also survey vendors and shoppers after every event because understanding what people are looking for helps us continue to evolve as a business.
Over the years, we’ve tried to create more opportunities for vendors and shoppers to connect organically, whether that’s through conversations at the market, WhatsApp groups during event weekends, shared experiences or simply paying attention to the small details that make people feel cared for.
At the end of the day, we believe people want more than just another advertisement or perfectly curated social post. They want belonging, trusted experiences and real connection.
And honestly, we think people are craving that now more than ever.
Shannon Lorenz
she/her
Shannon is the founder of SEEK Bespoke Market. She loves creating community and connection, after all that is what the heart of Bespoke is all about. In her free time, you'll find Shannon spending time with her family, enjoying nature and seeking out new adventures.