What is the best way to evaluate community platforms? |
If you're seeking to build an online group , then you're likely aware of the fact that we're in the most exciting time in the development of online communities.
Today more than ever worldwide, individuals are looking for new ways to connect with others who share the same desires as they do. However, with numerous options to pick from, it is difficult to know how to evaluate communities and platform.
Ahead, we're providing clear criteria for evaluating community platforms, so you can pick the one you think is most appropriate for your needs. First, let's talk about what an online community platform actually is.
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In this piece...
What is an online platform for community?
four key elements to consider when testing community-based platforms
4. An excellent service system for support
What is an online community platform?
A platform for online communities is a service in software that lets people build, organize, manage, and expand online communities at once.
So, online community platforms all revolve around building a virtual space that connects people who share similar passions together in order to share ideas to achieve their goals, as well as make connections.
And the key for creating such virtual spaces is selecting a platform that has an extensive set of functions, great community management software as well as a variety of ways to earn money for your efforts.
But now having gotten the fundamental information off the table let's break down how you approach evaluating community platforms.
4 key criteria for the evaluation of community platforms
Our criteria for community-based platforms into four main categories: native capabilities and monetization, accessibility, and opportunities to expand. There are plenty different ways to assess a community platform but we think these are the most important aspects.
1. Native capabilities
In the final analysis, the most important aspect for evaluating community-based platforms is to research what kinds of capabilities they provide.
When building an online network, the better choices you have for designing the online space you wish to create for your members, the more options you have.
But one thing to look at right off starting is whether features on the community platform are integrated or native. Native features are developed by the service creators and are specifically made to work with their platform. Integrations, on the other hand, are often promoted as easier and more efficient for those who have an existing service elsewhere.
In reality, the small benefit you get from using integrations doesn't outweigh the additional effort and time that you'll spend managing multiple platforms to build an online presence. In contrast to native features that have a seamless interface.
It's likely that you're thinking which native functions we're talking about, so here's a list of some which we are awestruck by:
Your online community for Web, iOS, and Android apps.
Discussion board postings, polls, and Q&As.
Livestreaming and recording video capabilities.
Virtual Events, paid memberships, online courses.
Direct and private messaging for groups and profiles for members.
Complete statistics.
These features will allow the creation of communities that offer a range of content options and ways that your members can engage.
2. Multiple ways to monetize
Another important aspect to evaluate the community-based platforms is to understand the monetization possibilities available to them.
Paid-for memberships
In the process of evaluating monetization options on the community platform be sure to consider that features and monetization are inextricably linked. Consider it this way, when you have a multitude of options for developing content and experiences to your customers, it implies that you can find more methods to make money off of that content.
The most fundamental functions of a community platform which you'll require for monetization is the ability to charge members for memberships paid. It could be a once-off per month, annually, or annual fees that users of your community pay for access.
Virtue events
Another aspect of community platforms that has proved to be important is the ability to hold virtual occasions.
Virtual events are a great monetization option as they allow for many different forms, both large or small. Additionally, you could charge per person who attends.
When you're running an online social network, you may invite famous presenters at a virtual gathering for your members. However, you could also host something as simple as a social mixer or mastermind group.
Online courses
An online course is another community building feature that you might consider in your monetization strategy.
It might seem like this might not be within your realm of expertise (and this could be, but it won't be...yet!). But online courses are the perfect way to boost members' engagement, make money from old content, and expand your company.
Similar to how online communities bring together people around a common goal as well, do an online course. If you design an online course you're creating a community with a very particular goal that you'll help your students attain.
When you look at community-based platforms offering online classes (which you should!) these features should be easy to implement and fully native. These platforms are like Circle who will sell you on simply integrating a community into your online course or vice versa. why have two platforms when there is one with both?
It doesn't matter whether your online community's focus is on religion, finances, art and self-care or anything different. Online courses are a great method to gain a fresh perspective on your online community and to re-engage those who have fallen off. One of the best features on a community platform is the ability to provide discounts on community membership when someone takes the online course.
3. The availability
Today, we live in a time where more and more people utilize their phones and tablets , rather than sitting on the desktop computer. One of the most important aspects to consider when evaluating community platforms is seeing how available their platform is.
What is this? When we talk about availability, we're talking about the importance of having an excellent web experience and a native mobile apps. Some platforms do not provide this feature at all, which means your members are required to connect to your community from a mobile website. That's...not great.
The good news is that there exist a number of platforms available that allow native mobile apps available on iOS and Android devices. If you'd like to go one step further you should select a platform which permits you to build a white label app with your own branding will put you in the best possible place.
4. A great support system
The last criteria to consider when evaluating community platforms is something you might not think about the support system within the platform you are using.
In the conclusion of the day there's no doubt that you have access to all of the features of a community platform you desire, an abundance of ways to monetize as well as a fantastic mobile application. However, the reality of the situation is that you're bound be able to ask questions.
If you're a developer that is starting your first community online or changing an existing one to a brand new platform the company you choose to work with should have great tools to assist you.
As an example, we have a no-cost community named Mighty Hosts that anyone can join and network with other creators building communities. You'll not only get an unending supply of connections with other community members and resources, but you also get an enormous quantity of information for creating your community, launching it and taking it to the next level.
Don't forget, it does not matter what options you have at your disposal If you're not able to make use of them. Making sure that you choose an option with a solid service is essential.
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provides you with a powerful culture software platform that allows you to bring together community, courses, content, and commerce. Plus, Mighty's flexible Spaces let you choose to create what YOU need for your community, not what a platform decides it should offer. It is possible to select features like live streaming, courses and events, discussion forums and member chats, as well as long as well as short-form content as well as other things! Additionally, you are able to sell access in 135 different currencies or with token-gating.
In addition by utilizing a Mighty Network, you'll be in a position to provide all these pieces together under your brand's name immediately accessible on the web, iOS, and Android. Do not underestimate the value of your users being capable of accessing your brand wherever they are.
Let's get started on creating the community you've been dreaming of.