EPISODE 7| 27.2.2025

How to Build a Thriving Online Community

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 Topics: ✅ The difference between building a community vs. an audience✅ The importance of authenticity and engagement in online spaces✅ How monetization can work without selling out✅ Why selective membership keeps community value high✅ How community building can improve work-life balance
Resources mentioned:The Admin Bar: https://theadminbar.com/Website Owners Manual: https://theadminbar.com/products/wom/Termageddon: https://app.termageddon.com/?fp_ref=majority
💬 Share your questions for Kyle and I will invite him back for a Q&A episode!
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#CommunityBuilding #OnlineEngagement #Monetization #WordPress #TheAdminBar #Podcast

📌 Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome & Introduction
02:25 - The unexpected benefits of community building
03:33 - Launching The Admin Bar without a business model
06:31 - How beginners can bring fresh insights to a community
09:26 - The Website Owner’s Manual journey & pricing psychology
14:51 - Overcoming the fear of launching imperfectly
17:49 - Why 40-45% of membership requests get declined
25:18 - No self-promotion policies & why they work
33:08 - Why people behave differently online vs. in-person
39:49 - How collaborative "happy hours" outperform traditional webinars
44:59 - The fundamental difference between an audience & a community
48:17 - How community building transformed Kyle’s business & life
56:16 - Product-based vs. service-based business models
59:24 - Using sponsorships effectively while maintaining authenticity
01:05:00 - Closing thoughts & how to leave your questions for Kyle