How to Evaluate Community Platforms |
If you're trying for ways to build a virtual group , then you probably know that we're living during the most exciting time in online community building.
More than ever before, people around the globe are seeking new and innovative ways to connect with others that share similar passions as themselves. The problem is that with so many options to choose from it can be hard to know how to evaluate communities and platform.
Ahead, we're providing specific criteria to evaluate communities, so that you're able to pick one you think is most appropriate for you. But first, let's define what is an online community platform is.
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In this article...
What exactly is an online community platform?
4 key criteria for the evaluation of community platforms
What is an online community platform?
A community online platform is a software service that lets people build, organize, manage, and develop online communities from one location.
So, online community platforms all revolve on the creation of a virtual environment that brings people with similar interests together to interact with each other, achieve goals and make connections.
The key to creating those kinds of virtual spaces is choosing an application that comes with many features, great community management software as well as a variety of ways for you to monetize your work.
But now after we've got the essential facts from the beginning, how about we look at how to go about evaluating community platforms.
Four key factors to be considered when the evaluation of community platforms
We've broken down our requirements for community-based platforms into four areas: native features, monetization, availability, and the potential to grow. There are plenty of ways to evaluate a community platform We believe that these four categories cover the most important aspects.
1. Native features
In the end of the day the main thing for evaluating community-based platforms is determining what type of capabilities they provide.
When you're building an online network, the better choices you're able to use for creating the online space you wish to build for your users The better.
One thing to check out for right off beginning is whether community platform features are native or integrated. Native functions are created by the creators of the services and are specifically made using their platform in mind. Integrations, on the contrary hand, are often advertised as simpler and quicker for creators who have an existing company elsewhere.
The reality is that the small benefit you get through integrations isn't worth the extra effort and time that you'll spend juggling multiple platforms for your online community. Unlike native features, which are seamless.
It's possible that you're wondering what native capabilities that we're talking about. we've compiled a list of the ones which we are awestruck by:
Your online community for Web, iOS, and Android apps.
Discussion board postings Polls, posts, and Q&As.
Livestreaming and recording video capabilities.
Virtual Events, paid memberships, online courses.
Direct and messages for groups, profiles of members.
Detailed analytics.
The features allow you to build communities that offer a range of options for content and methods for members of your community to interact.
2. Multiple ways to monetize
Another crucial aspect in evaluating community platforms is understanding the options for monetization.
Memberships paid for
When it comes to looking at monetization options for the community platform be sure to consider that features and monetization are inextricably linked. Think about it this way that if you're able to offer numerous options when it comes to creating content and experiences for your users, it also means you have more ways to make money off of that content.
The most fundamental tools which you'll require to make money from is the capacity to charge members for memberships paid. It could be a once-off, annual, or monthly membership fee which members of your community pay for access.
Virtual Events
Another feature of the community platform that has proved to be significant is the capacity to hold virtual event.
Virtual events can be an ideal way to make money from your event as they allow for an array of possibilities, big or small. Additionally, you can charge for attendance.
If you're running an online social network, you may invite famous presenters at a virtual gathering for your members. You can also organize an event as basic as a mixer for networking or a mastermind group.
Online courses
A course online is an additional community-building feature could be considered in your strategy for monetizing.
It might seem like this might not be at your fingertips (and it could not be...yet!). But online courses are a great way to spur members' engagement, make money from older content, and increase the size of the reach of your business.
Similar to how online communities bring together people in common goals, so too, does an on-line course. When you create an online course, you're building an online community that has a specific goal in mind that you'll help your students achieve.
When you evaluate community platforms that offer online courses (which is a must!) these features should be readily implemented and accessible. These platforms are like Circle which will attempt to convince you to integrate communities in your online class and vice versa. But why would you need two different platforms when there is one platform that can do both?
It doesn't matter whether your community is about the arts, finance, spirituality and self-care or anything other than that. Courses online are a fantastic method to gain a fresh perspective on your online community as well as re-engage individuals who've dropped off. An excellent feature of a community platform is the ability to provide discounts on group membership when someone is taking the online course.
3. Availability
Today, we live in a time where more and users are using their smartphones or tablets instead of sitting down at the desktop PC. An important factor in evaluating community platforms is seeing the extent to which they are accessible.
What is this? When we talk about availability it's about the importance of having an excellent web experience and a native mobile app experience. A lot of platforms do not offer this feature at all, so your users are required to connect to your online community via a mobile web page. That's...not great.
The good news is that there are several platforms out there that offer native mobile apps that are available on iOS and Android devices. If you want to go a step further, however selecting a platform that allows you to create an app that is white-label with your personal branding can put your company in the ideal position.
4. Great service system for support
The most important factor to take into consideration when the evaluation of community-based platforms is one that you may not have thought of: having a support system for the platform you are using.
In the conclusion of the day there's no doubt that you have access to all of the community platform features you desire, an abundance of options for monetization, and an amazing mobile app. The reality of the situation is that you're going be able to ask questions.
Whether you're a creator in the process of creating your first community online or transitioning an existing one over to a new platform, the service provider you sign up with should have great tools to assist you.
We have a no-cost community named Mighty Hosts, which anyone is able to join to connect with other creators building communities. So you're not only getting an increasing number of connections with other community members as well as an enviable amount of resources for building your own community, getting it started, and bringing it to the next stage.
It isn't a matter of how many choices are available to you If you're not aware of how you can make the most of these options. Make sure you select an option with a solid service is essential.
Ready to get started?
offers you a powerful cultural software platform that allows you to combine community, classes, content, and commerce. Additionally, Mighty's customizable Spaces let you choose to create what YOU need for your community, not whatever a platform thinks it should offer. You can choose from features like live streaming, courses discussions, events, forums, member chats, long as well as short-form content, and more! And you can offer access to 135 distinct currencies or with token-gating.
In addition, with the Mighty Network, you'll be able to offer all of the elements under your brand's name, instantly available on web, iOS, and Android. Don't underestimate the power of your users being capable of accessing your brand wherever they are.
Let's start creating the community you've been dreaming of.