"Online community" may seem like a concept that is half buzzword, half powerful potential. The very idea of using a community in a business context is exciting for some, groundbreaking for others, and downright frightening to a few. The key is to uncover the right social media tools to support a strategy. Here is an under-the-hood look at how an online community can be built and used to enhance the auto claim process.

An online community is a group of people interacting via communication media rather than face-to-face. Thanks to the exploding use of the Internet by consumers for everything from gaming to holiday shopping to finding a plumber, virtual communities have spread widely. Almost everyone has heard an anecdote about a friend or family member who received help/reviews/advice from the Internet and online communities.

Individuals interact in communities in a variety of ways. They may simply observe and view content, they can contribute, and some eventually become considered a veteran participant — a contributor worth watching. Many communities are marked by their high cooperation levels and the eventual establishment of a unique culture.

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