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:
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/
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