💬 Best Practices for Engaging in the WhatsApp Community

The BathConnect WhatsApp community is designed to be a supportive, insightful space where independent business owners and professionals in Bath can connect, share, and grow together.

Here are some tips on how to make the most of it — while keeping things helpful, relevant, and respectful.

✅ Where to Post What

To keep conversations focused and useful, we’ve created different topic-based WhatsApp groups. You can opt into the ones that matter most to you.

Here’s a quick guide:

  • General Chat – Say hello, share updates, start informal conversations, or recommend something great you’ve come across.

  • Share / Ask the Community – Looking for a local printer? Want to recommend a freelance designer? Have a short-term shop space to offer? This is your space to ask or offer.

  • Sector or Topic-Specific Groups – If you’ve opted into specialist groups (e.g., Retail, Architecture, Wellness), keep posts relevant to that group’s focus.

🙋‍♀️ How to Ask for Help

We encourage questions — big or small! When posting:

  • Be clear and concise

  • Share a bit of context if it helps

  • Let people know how they can respond (reply in group, DM, etc.)

Example:
“Looking for a copywriter familiar with wellness brands — ideally local. Any recommendations? Feel free to DM me!”

📣 How to Share Opportunities

Spotted something useful? Got an offer, event, or opportunity to share?

Awesome — just remember:

  • Keep it relevant and valuable for the group

  • Don’t over-promote or post repeatedly

  • If it’s something commercial, be transparent about your connection to it

✅ Do:
“We’ve got a pop-up space available in central Bath for April – perfect for a local food brand. DM me if you’re interested.”

❌ Don’t:
Post the same event every few days or push unsolicited services to the group.

🤝 Give as well as take

The best communities are built on mutual support. Even if you’re not asking for anything right now, consider:

  • Sharing a tool or resource you love

  • Recommending someone you’ve worked with

  • Jumping in to answer someone else’s question

🚫 A Few Ground Rules

To keep things constructive:

  • No spam or self-promotion without context

  • No politics or polarising debates

  • No cold DMs — always ask before messaging someone privately

  • Be kind and respectful — always

🙌 Let’s Build Something Great Together

Every post, question, intro, or offer helps build a more valuable and connected community.

Thanks for keeping BathConnect a useful, thoughtful space for all!