How To Build Meaningful relationships with your Social Media Subscribers/Followers

I spent the day Hanging out with the Ox Tool Group yesterday with some of my favorite Content Creators. Many of these creators are folks I have known for a long while. While we were there, during our free time we got a lot of opportunities to discuss content creation, changes, stratedgies and overall success and failiures.

Here are some of the conversation tones that were present during this event and some things that I want to share.

1. Show Up Consistently and Authentically

People connect with people—not logos or overly polished brands. Show your face. Share your story. Be honest about your journey. Authenticity helps followers feel like they know you, and familiarity is the first step to trust.

Tips:

• Use Stories, Reels, or Lives to speak directly to your audience.

• Share behind-the-scenes content, your followers want to get to know the person behind the camera not just the one in front of it.

• Let your tone reflect your real personality—whether that's funny, thoughtful, or raw.

2. Engage, Don’t Just Broadcast

Social media isn’t a one-way street. Instead of shouting into the void, start conversations. Responding to your followers shows that you value them.

Tips:

• Reply to comments and DMs thoughtfully (even a quick "Thanks!" goes a long way).

• Ask questions in your captions and respond to the answers.

• Like and comment on your followers’ posts too—build mutual engagement.

3. Create Valuable, Relevant Content

Think about what your followers actually want and need. Are they looking for entertainment? Education? Inspiration? When you consistently provide value, your followers keep coming back—and they start trusting you more.

Tips:

• Use polls, surveys, or question boxes to find out what they care about.

• Offer tips, insights, or freebies based on their interests.

• Solve a small problem in every post when possible, Hook them early with a problem and come back around to answer that problem with your post.

4. Make It About Them

Yes, your story matters—but your followers want to feel seen too. Turn the spotlight on them whenever you can.

Tips:

• Feature user-generated content or testimonials.

• Celebrate community wins, milestones, or birthdays.

• Ask for their opinions, then act on them when possible.

5. Use Direct Messaging Strategically

DMs are a powerful place to deepen relationships. Personalized messages or replies can create a more intimate connection than public comments.

Tips:

• Send welcome messages to new followers (keep it genuine, not salesy).

• Follow up with people who consistently engage with your content.

• Use voice notes or short videos for a personal touch.

6. Stay Consistent but Human

You don’t need to be online 24/7—but disappearing for long stretches can make your audience feel like you’ve ghosted them. Create a manageable posting schedule and communicate when you need to take a break.

Tips:

• Use scheduling tools to stay consistent.

• Let followers know if you're stepping away, and thank them for their patience.

• Set boundaries and stick to them—it shows you respect your time and theirs.

7. Be Patient—Relationships Take Time

Don't get discouraged if growth is slow or engagement isn’t instant. Relationship-building on social media is a long game. Show up, give value, be kind—and your community will grow naturally over time.

Tips:

• Every Friendship you have thats worth anything of value took time, so foster mutual relationships.

• Don;t get discouraged if someone disagrees with you, your style or your techniques. Use this as a refelction point to decide if you can make a change.

Final Thoughts

Social media success isn’t just about algorithms—it’s about people. When you shift your focus from numbers to nurturing real connections, you'll start to see deeper engagement, better results, and a more loyal following.

Remember: Followers are humans. Treat them that way—and watch your community thrive.

Want to build even deeper relationships? Start by replying to one follower's comment today with genuine interest. Small actions = big impact.