The top 11 online community software platforms.

Oct 28, 2022

You are looking for the best online community platform to create your brand's community for your business?

Choosing the right community software online can be a challenge considering that other things like ease of use and ability to help clients, flexibility of platforms, and many more things are in play. In order to make it easier for you to navigate the overwhelming selections, we've reviewed the best eleven software for community use that are available.

Check out the complete article to learn everything you need to know about the bad, both sides of the most rated solutions offered. There are a lot of suggestions on what to be looking for in the online community forums to enable you to make the best decision to benefit your business.

What are exactly Online Community Software Solutions offered by firms?

Community platforms online provide solutions to software which allow you to create an online community that allows your members to meet to learn, interact and connect with other members.

Each platform has its own unique advantages. Your personal preferences may assist you in narrowing the options when you look at the most well-known online communities and their functionality. Let's get going!

What are the essential characteristics to be looking for in a community-based platform

Community software includes a fundamental community feature, along with additional features that can be beneficial and aid in achieving specific goals. If you're searching for an option, you need you choose a solution that is beneficial to your business right now, and also within the next few years.

Don't focus on particular features. Instead, think about the whole set of features, then consider what it can do to help the long-term vision of your business.

What you must look for in a good product that is a community-based one

It is simple and easy to manage. There is a good chance that you will spend numerous hours developing while also supervising the user community. You must take pleasure in the experience of your users. Be sure the software you decide to utilize is easy to navigate and assists you effectively. Of course, you would like it to be user-friendly to operate and enjoyable for customers to utilize also!

Accessible in a few clicks. Members are able to log on for events they host or planning to take part. There is less difficulty logging in to the system. This makes it more likely members will want to participate.

connects you to other areas of your company. Communities form a major part of an overall assortment of services: online courses , coaching tools and other types of instruction. All products must have the identical brand appearance and layout, and it should be simple to get between locations to get next.

includes sales and marketing functions. It is impossible to build a community online that nobody is aware of. The ideal is for the platform to give you tools to promote your community by selling memberships, and also expanding sales for other goods.

Insightful analytics. To provide a great experience that attracts members and keep them interested it is important to know the things that are working and not. Analytics tools will give you all the information that you require to know about your members' habits and habits so that you can focus your efforts to the most effective methods.

11 top online community software solution providers

Let's now take a look at the top online community software currently available.

1.

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They include:

simple. makes it super easy to establish and run your online community. It is possible to make the community independent from your product and use it to enhance the coaching or training programs you offer.

Multiple level. You can create communities that are completely free or paid for the creation of an "membership funnel" to advertise your business. A free membership can attract new customers by offering users the possibility to connect with others of your community and with your company. Utilize the power tools for marketing to advertise your community. Membership is paid for and members are entitled to exclusive content and advantages.

A wide integration with the sales and marketing technology platform. One of the features that distinguish this HTML0 suite is the extensive range of tools that can be used to create enterprises. When you sign up as a user, are in a position to utilize the complete range of tools available, which includes:

  • Website builder
  • The creator of landing pages
  • Software that allows you to send out marketing emails
  • Funnel builder
  • Pay processing pages and the order page
  • The host of the podcast

Every device you own has been designed to integrate with each other so that you don't have to think regarding creating integrations with technology or discovering whether there's any issue. Simply sign up, and you'll be ready.

It's a comprehensive solution which can help to cut expenses. If you are purchasing items for single use or build your own tech stack, you could easily make payments of hundreds of dollars per month. With just one expense every month, it will cover all the equipment that you need to run efficient online business.

The basic plan costs 100 dollars per month and includes 3 digital products (a community and two more) plus over 10,000 contacts. If you're unhappy with the features of the Basic plan then you can upgrade onto the Growth plan for $159 per month. It includes 15 different products as well as up to 25,000 contacts.

Try it for at no cost for 14 days

Everything that your business online requires. Everything you must be aware of. Yes! Let's go!

2. Facebook groups

facebook-group-screenshot

If you're an avid Facebook user and you're probably connected to at at a minimum some Facebook group. Facebook allows you to create private groups which allow you to communicate with your friends to discuss your private or professional issues.

Facebook's group members are for free but there are hidden charges regarding credibility and trust. In the business, trust has decreased to 66% over the last few time.

In this case, for example, after the establishment of an Facebook group to host the group, Kathryn Aragon discovered that most of her members didn't use Facebook. To increase engagement in for the group, she chose to move the group over to a different platform.

One of the most important benefits to Facebook as a platform for community arethe following:

Security. The content within the group is only visible to people who are members of the group.

discussion. Posts and comments let members discuss subjects in the moment. Group updates can be directly sent to members. This helps to share information.

The administration of members. Group administrators are able to determine the membership in the group, as well as their rights.

The downsides are that Facebook has no control (that's an issue) and there is there is no member directory and the management of websites. They do not constitute facebook'scustomers. They're Facebook's customers. Don't forget the remarkable interruption in Facebook that occurred during the month of October 2021. Small-scale companies across the world to be denied access to their communities and customers.

One of the most frequent complaints made by those who run community groups is the absence of immediate support. There are only support forums to help with problems.

3. Discord

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It has been gaining traction since it was introduced in the realm of gaming, Discord has been a thriving community service that is available to all types of users. Its goal is to offer places where users can meet to share their passions.

Discord is an online software used by a company that provides community solutions. Discord provides instant video and audio calls. It also comes with specific roles that distinguish users from admins. Due to its gaming-related and geeky background this design features unpretentious look that may not match your company's style. Discord does not offer many ways to brand your members' location.

It also includes the following characteristics:

AI-Powered Bots. Bots are programmed to welcome new users and provide users with a customized experience. Users will know that this is an automated system that communicates with them but it's possible to make a great user experience by providing useful information.

Reliable, secure private channels. Discord isn't tied to time and it's almost like being at the same location. Discord is known for its privacy and channels are entirely private which allows users to feel safe during conversations.

Moderator Academy. This comprehensive guide for both veteran and first-time moderators looking to upgrade their skills in the field of community management.

The disadvantage is that creating your own Discord community isn't easy. It means you'll need learn the procedure, so you could not achieve maximum benefit from Discord's platform. Discord server The Discord server on which where you can connect with Discord servers are in the same group as other communities in which you, along with your friends, participate in. That means that they'll compete with each other for attention.

Discord is accessible for download free of charge. Simply download the app and then set it up. The app can be upgraded up to Discord Nitro ($99.99 per year) to get access to more emojis larger uploads, a better video quality, and a couple of other improvements.

4. Mighty Networks

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Mighty Networks offers the online platform for online courses that have a built-in communities feature. The platform is strong, and is customizable according to your specific needs. The system also comes with tools to promote community involvement.

That's the reason Mighty Networks features include:

Mobile access. The website for community online offers an app for mobile devices that allows users connect with other members in the field. In reality, it's simpler to connect via your smartphone than on.

Email alerts. Members will receive an email notification when there's an activity within the community. It also serves as a short reminder to log-in and check out what they may have not seen.

Branding. Mighty Network allows you to design a brandable space that shares the same style and look as your site. Add your logo's colors to tabs, buttons, actions icons, and texts.

You must be aware of the fact of the fact that Might Networks is a community-focused platform. If you are planning to develop various kinds of products in order to expand the scope of your business It could require you to acquire more software or tools to hosts them.

5. Hivebrite

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Hivebrite can be described as an online community management system that's integrated and designed to be utilized by education and nonprofit organizations as well as non-profit organizations. It's used by hundreds of organizations which include Vanderbilt University, WWF, as well as Sabin Vaccine Institute.

Prices aren't listed on their website. To evaluate Hivebrite by yourself, you'll need be enrolled in an online demonstration. This is an obvious sign that they offer only price plans for corporations.

They also come with some appealing choices. The community you manage can get totally new design. You can manage the content of your community, as well as your members and tools for marketing together in one spot.

One of Hivebrite's most distinctive features:

Livestream. It's possible to livestream live to members of the community as well as organize in real-time gatherings.

access rights. With Hivebrite, you can grant different access rights to different users for instance, graduates or students. In addition, you can design different levels of membership which provide higher access for those who pay.

Modular features. As your community expands, you are able to make use of different features. There are forums, events and networking groups. message center, and even a site for job seekers or directories.

One of the challenges in this platform is how to integrate it with your existing database as well as other technologies. It is common to require the assistance of an IT professional to finish the APIs to integrate the platform with different programs.

6. Tribe.so

tribe.so-website

Tribe is a community-based, customizable platform that has an app-based community which allows direct integrations with third party applications and ways to integrate communities into different sites as well as other apps. The most common use cases for Tribe are customer education and satisfaction as well as support for branding customers, leading in branding as well as feedback on product.

In Tribe the main functions focus on vital community elements. Software can improve your capabilities. Examples:

  • Slack gives admins and moderators the ability to get messages on various occasions.
  • Zapier lets you link your team to the other applications that you have in your arsenal.
  • Google Analytics helps you measure activity in your community.

Tribe is a set of the following attributes:

Social-sharing. Tribe includes Open Graph tags, which allow social sharing. It's simple to share information with the group, and also draw the attention from prospective members.

Integration. Third-party integrations with more than 30 apps allow you to merge your community by using the same tools that you're employing.

Modification Panels. Tribe gives you the possibility to allow users edit, or refuse the content that is created by others. It is also possible to archive old posts to ensure your feed doesn't get lost in confusion.

Tribe is provided at free to up to 100 members. A Plus Plan costs $59 per month , and it includes apps and access to more than 250 users. To make the most of the app, it's advised to change to the Premium Plan at $299 per month. This will allow you to remove any Tribe logo, utilize the API and webhooks, as well as upgrade your membership to 25,000.

7. Circle.so

circle.so-website

Circle allows you to build communities for your classes as well as coaching programs, and also provide help to your customers. The goal of the site is to make it easier for you to manage the process of creating community by providing users with tools for creating content and private areas, facilitate discussionsand earn revenue through subscription. The platform is packed with features and lets you make a space that is in sync with your website.

The most well-known features of Circle Circle comprise:

Integrations that are simple. Circle can be integrated with a variety of Third-party programs, including the software for marketing emails Slack, Wordpress, and various other software, making it possible to promote your community or integrate them together with other applications.

spaces that are private and safe. You can create distinct areas for various categories in your membership. For instance, as an example would be to designate an area that is specifically for members who are core, as well as one that's reserved only for premium members.

Searchable member directory. It allows members to connect with one another through custom profiles as well as filters to search.

Circle is $35 per month and comes with fees for transactions, which are 4% per user. The basic plan is limited to the basic features of your online community. This includes discussion forums and private messages. Upgrade to the Pro Plan ($89 monthly and the cost of transactions is 1% per user) to access Live streaming classes, including online courses along with advanced analytics.

It is possible that you will have be cost-plus for other features, such as additional administrators, more space to allow white-labeling of emails, and also a custom single sign-on (SSO).

8. Vanilla Forums

vanilla-forums-website

Vanilla Forums was created to enable mid-sized businesses to provide outstanding customer support. The site is often used in order to support customers, the customer experience and also to promote products and brand awareness.

Vanilla gives users a wonderful user experience, a seamless integration with your existing technological stack and flexible customizations to match the design of your company.

A few of the major aspects of Vanilla Forums include:

Knowledge Base. You can create Self-Service Help Centers in your community. It houses your help guides for your users along with other information.

Surveys can be made to your specifications. With Vanilla Forums it is possible to send customized surveys to clients for immediate feedback.

Open source community. Vanilla's open source code , and also create your own. Are you a lover for technology? You can contribute for the code source.

It's not the best option for self-employed creators or solopreneurs Pricing isn't listed on the site. If you're interested in joining the platform, it's possible to set up an appointment to meet with an agent who is in charge of the sales.

9. WildApricot

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WildApricot can be described as an integrated application that was designed initially for non-profit associations and associations. The users of the software are now clubs, associations, in addition to local and state chapter associations.

Wild Apricot has a self-serve style that allows you to customize the experience for your members. Its reputation-building and gamification system will allow you to showcase high-quality content, provide member-friendly features easily accessible, in addition to automating the moderating process.

It includes the following key features:

Event Management. Plan events such auctions, online conferences and webinars. Get sponsors who will help you with your event. Also, you can publicly display your calendar and organize events registration.

Donations. With WildApricot, you are able to accept donations as well as inform donors about progress toward your fundraising objectives. Additionally, you can export details of your donations to ensure you monitor contributions.

CRM. Like , WildApricot offers CRM (customer relationship management) tool with a robust members directory, which is accessible from any location.

It is vital to employ an additional software to manage and market your company. These programs will likely be included in WildApricot like WordPress, Mailchimp, and Zapier. Additionally, the payment processing option is available only for U.S. and Canada residents.

WildApricot is available absolutely free as long as you've got 50 contacts. The cost will be higher dependent on the size of your group:

  • One month for $48 per 100 contacts
  • 60 dollars a month per contact for 250 contacts
  • Contacts to $500 for $10 per month. Contacts
  • One month at $190 for 2000 contacts

10. Disciple Media

disciple-media-website

Disciple Media is a system for social interaction that consists of three components that include a console that manages the content you upload to the device on your desktop or mobile device and a mobile app that allows users to interact with one in a group, and a internet community offering users an online forum on which to interact.

The platform was designed to be used by entrepreneurs, creators as also other influencers that would like to build their own social media brand platform.

Disciple Media includes the following attributes:

Multi-layouts. You can store and distribute content from one central location. Make use of groups, folders and lists to create custom structures for your users.

Mobile app. Disciple Media is the equivalent of social networking because its user experience for mobile devices is geared towards customers. It also has a Web-based app, but it has limitations compared to its mobile application.

in-app purchases. Disciple lets you build in-app purchases, along with sponsorships, and transform your users to customers.

Cost of Disciple depends on the amount of participants who are involved in the program, as well as the method you prefer, mobile or web or both.

  • Web-only: $46 per month for 100 users
  • Mobile only Monthly cost: $458 for 500 customers
  • 504 Dollars for mobile and web for 500 people

Add-ons include API white labeling and API administrators and API. Additionally, there is a fee for community coaching members' assistance and other mastermind-related tasks.

11. Vibely.io

vibely.io-website

Vibely.io was created by two ex- Asana employee, Teri Yu, and Theresa Lee who wanted to confront the creator communities with an optimistic approach. Their slogan "Built with women's viewpoints and not just for gamers" can provide you with an idea of what they're creating.

Vibely.io is an online platform for community that lets creators communicate with their followers, and also collect user-generated content.

Vibely.io's top features include:

An unwavering commitment to positive thinking. Vibely guarantees no spam, trolls or other forms of violence. Their aim is to create an environment that is welcoming to anyone.

tools for accountability as well as the necessity to be challenged. They can be used as trackers, challenges, and leadersboards to keep everyone involved.

Ambassadors. Vibely allows you to select members of your community as leaders to help you with accommodating and managing your the members.

It is possible to create a Vibely community at no cost, with no limit to the number of users who are members, ambassadors and super admins. In the free version there is no option to take regular payments. The Mastermind software allows for the acceptance of payments in addition to taking 10% of revenue.

The top community software designed to use online.

There are a lot of things to consider before choosing an online community-based platform. You will require tools to establish, promote and promote your organization, as well as the system must be user-friendly both for users as well for members.
   
    In our review, there's numerous options you can choose from. But one standout for its all-in-one platform to run your business.

It only allows you to create and sell a vibrant  and active community and other online offerings, such as online courses as well as coaching courses. And, only gives you the necessary tools to sell and market the products. This means it can be expanded and become a more effective enterprise based on information.

If you're contemplating establishing an online forum, it's possible to select any of the options that we've examined. Based on the size of your group, this option might be pricey (or perhaps free).

Free versions are dependent on external rules and algorithms. They also risk limit your options for growth. It doesn't include the features that you require and typically limit the number of participants you're able to accept.

The community you establish is yours. The rules, terms and conditions you set for yourself as well as the costs of membership, regardless of whether either free or paid.

If you're seeking to set up an online social network, this is the perfect solution. Through videos, tutorials and video walksthroughs videos, you can connect in a short time. With the University, you have the opportunity to learn about the basic aspects of managing an online-based community. The University is available to everyone who uses the site.

Begin your no-cost 14-day trial now!

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