Growing a community with the founder of TradieWives, Verity Hare

What it really takes to build a 30k-strong community (without the cult vibes) This week on Got Marketing?, Mia sits down with Verity Hare, founder of TradieWives — a 30,000-strong community for wives and partners in the trades — to talk about what it actually takes to build a safe, high-trust community in a noisy, performative internet. From bringing a relationship counsellor into the group (yes, really) to unapologetically strict moderation, Verity shares the systems, boundaries and heart that make Tradie Wives a rare gem: supportive, useful, and sustainable. You’ll also hear the behind-the-scenes of growing a free Facebook group into a values-led business (memberships, partners, directory, conference) without breaking trust — plus some very real talk about event season nerves ahead of Ripple Festival and the Squarespace Tradie Panel. 🎧 Press play if you’re building community as a growth strategy — or you’re craving one that isn’t synthetic, salesy, or culty. DM us anytime, or leave a review if you found it valuable.   What you’ll takeaway from in this episode:  ✨ Why Tradie Wives has a relationship counsellor — and how personal dynamics at home spill into the business ✨ Boundaries build belonging: the fast-block rule that keeps 30k members feeling safe (no second chances) ✨ From free group to business model: memberships, partner support, a public directory, and an annual conference ✨ Event lessons: what actually goes wrong (and why your audience won’t notice) ✨ SOPs that save your sanity: approvals, moderation, conflict pathways, and choosing the right tools ✨ When not to help: why resentment is your cue to outsource the “in the business” work ✨ Niche right: serve a clear community (tradie partners) with trust, safety, and ruthless alignment ✨ Mental health in the trades: why talking openly matters — and how community makes space for it   Mentioned in this episode: TradieWives Facebook group TradieWives directory   Connect with Mia: Connect with Mia on LinkedIn Follow got marketing? on Instagram   Connect with Verity Hare: Website: https://tradiewives.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TradieWives/# Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TradieWives/   Get the backstage pass to Got Marketing? on Substack. The ideal companion to the show and place to share your thoughts about the Got Marketing? podcast episodes.   Ask me anything We will have dedicated episodes where Mia answers your questions. Submit questions here: Got Marketing Podcast or send us a DM.    🎷 Ripple Festival Nov 12 & 13, Grazeland, Melbourne: see you there? Ripple Festival is where music, art, comedy, and small business collide. Because creativity isn’t just for artists, and strategy isn’t just for boardrooms. Tickets are on sale now. Visit RippleFestival.au for details 👩‍💻 Mia and the Campaign Del Mar team use and love Kajabi; it powers our whole business. Try it free for 30 days with Mia's exclusive link.    Still here? Give us feedback Marketing Circle Download the Focus Framework to learn where to focus your marketing efforts based on your stage of business, individually for product and service-based brands.