Communities thrive when they are anchored in a clear purpose. That purpose is your “why.” It is the deeper reason behind the space you are creating and the promise you make to those who join. Without it, communities risk becoming transactional and short-lived, attractive at first but quickly forgotten.
Your “why” should answer two essential questions. Why does this community exist, and why should members care? For coaches, this often comes from lived experience and the transformations you feel called to support. Perhaps you want to help women build financial confidence, guide entrepreneurs through transitions, or create a space for collective healing. Whatever the focus, the “why” must be clear, authentic, and emotionally resonant.
A strong purpose not only attracts people but also filters them. When your “why” is explicit, it draws in those who share your values and are ready to invest in the process. It also naturally repels those who are not aligned. This is valuable, because the right members strengthen culture while the wrong members can dilute it.
To bring your “why” to life, it must be communicated everywhere. It should appear in your onboarding process, in your events, in the stories you share, and in the way you respond to members. The most successful communities are those where members can describe the mission themselves, in their own words.
The “why” is not just a marketing phrase. It is the heartbeat of your work. It fuels trust, belonging, and persistence. Members who resonate with your purpose are less likely to disappear when challenges arise. They stay because they are connected to something greater than the platform itself.
Define your “why” with intention. When you do, you create a magnet for the right people and an anchor that keeps them committed for the long term.