KVS1 · E7
Season 1 · Episode 7 · Feb 27, 2025

How to Build a Thriving Online Community

with Kyle Van Deusen · The Admin Bar

Community, not just an audience. Kyle Van Deusen on building The Admin Bar to 11,000+ members without compromising authenticity.

About this episode

In this episode, Kyle Van Deusen, founder of The Admin Bar, reveals how he built an engaged online community of 11,000+ members — without compromising authenticity. Host Sean M. Atkinson explores the power of real community vs. just an audience, monetization strategies that don't feel “salesy,” and how community-driven business models can create financial stability and work-life balance.

Key takeaways

What to take from this one

01

The difference between building a community vs. an audience.

02

The importance of authenticity and engagement in online spaces.

03

How monetization can work without selling out.

04

Why selective membership keeps community value high.

05

How community building can improve work-life balance.

Timestamps

Jump to a moment

  • 00:00Welcome & Introduction
  • 02:25The unexpected benefits of community building
  • 03:33Launching The Admin Bar without a business model
  • 06:31How beginners can bring fresh insights to a community
  • 09:26The Website Owner's Manual journey & pricing psychology
  • 14:51Overcoming the fear of launching imperfectly
  • 17:49Why 40–45% of membership requests get declined
  • 25:18No self-promotion policies & why they work
  • 33:08Why people behave differently online vs. in-person
  • 39:49How collaborative “happy hours” outperform traditional webinars
  • 44:59The fundamental difference between an audience & a community
  • 48:17How community building transformed Kyle's business & life
  • 56:16Product-based vs. service-based business models
  • 59:24Using sponsorships effectively while maintaining authenticity
  • 1:05:00Closing thoughts & how to leave your questions for Kyle
Read the companion article

Building an Authentic Community: Lessons from The Admin Bar

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