Why You Need Community to Grow a Business (No, Really)

There’s this idea that to build a successful business, you need to hustle hard, stay quiet about your “secret sauce,” and view anyone in a similar space as your competition. But after spending a weekend at the first-ever Web Designer Pro in-person conference, I can tell you: that mindset couldn’t be further from the truth.

This wasn’t just a business trip. It was a reminder of why I got into this work in the first place, and why community, collaboration, and shared experiences are essential ingredients for long-term success.

From Virtual Chats to Real-Life Conversations

I’ve been part of the Web Designer Pro community since last fall. It’s an online group built around helping web designers grow their businesses with purpose and clarity, through regular trainings, Q&As, and group calls. The support is real, and the people in this group? They’re from all over the world, but many of us are working through very similar challenges.

Each week, we meet virtually, asking questions, reviewing websites, and sharing wins and pain points. It’s been one of the most consistent sources of encouragement and accountability in my business journey.

When I first found out about the group through Josh Hall’s podcast (which I discovered via Shannon Mattern’s podcast, who was also a presenter at the conference), I was already consuming every bit of marketing and business strategy content I could get my hands on. But eventually, I realized I didn’t just need knowledge. I needed connection.

What the Conference Was All About

Earlier this May, I attended the first in-person Web Designer Pro conference in Columbus, Ohio. And while I had chatted with many of the attendees virtually for months, this was our first time in the same room.

The weekend kicked off with a meetup at a Columbus Clippers game. Yes, it rained the entire time, but I was so caught up in the conversations and meeting people in real life that I didn’t even notice. We had a dry, covered box and a full evening of uninterrupted community-building.

One of the most meaningful parts of that night was finally meeting Liz (middle in the picture above), my accountability partner from the group. We both come from marketing backgrounds, and she’s now focused on becoming more of a consultant and fractional CMO. We’ve talked strategy, compared notes, and encouraged each other through plenty of business hurdles. Meeting in person only reinforced how important it is to have someone in your corner who gets it.

The next day was packed with speaker sessions all focused on business growth. I came away with practical insights I plan to implement, including:

• Turning your email newsletter into a product your audience actually looks forward to, something entertaining, useful, and good enough they might even pay for it.
• Creating a killer pitch deck that walks clients through every potential objection before they even ask.
• Structuring offers for long-term clients so you’re building recurring revenue, not just one-off projects.

And yes, I took an absurd number of notes and will absolutely be rewatching the recordings.

No Cliques, No Competition, Just Connection

You’d think that gathering 40+ people with nearly identical job titles in one space might feel a little… competitive. But it was the exact opposite.

There were no cliques. No posturing. Just genuine conversation and a willingness to share strategies, lessons, and mistakes. Everyone showed up with the intention of helping each other grow. And that got me thinking: why don’t we treat “competitors” this way more often?

Since starting my business, I’ve realized that even if someone does almost exactly what you do, and lives in your same town, your business is still yours. You bring different experiences, a different network, and a different energy to the table. There’s always a way to differentiate yourself, and you never know when a “competitor” might become a collaborator or mentor.

I’ve found that getting to know others in your industry, even the ones nearby, can open doors you didn’t expect. Whether it’s sharing referrals, having someone to bounce ideas off, or just knowing you’re not the only one figuring things out, it’s worth it.

What This Means for Your Business

This wasn’t just a feel-good weekend. It was a crash course in what matters most in business: people.

Whether you’re a web designer, a consultant, or a small business owner just trying to grow your brand, your success will hinge on more than just technical skill. It’s about creating genuine experiences, surrounding yourself with a community, and being open enough to share what’s working and learn from others.

Business growth isn’t a competition. It’s a collaboration.

And if you’re building a website, launching a brand, or trying to figure out your marketing strategy, that mindset makes all the difference.

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