What is the best way to evaluate community platforms? |
If you're looking to create an online group and have a virtual community, then you're probably aware that we're living in an amazing time for the development of online communities.
Today more than ever, people around the globe seek out new methods to meet people who share the same desires as they do. The problem is that with the many choices to choose from, it is difficult to know how to evaluate the best community-based platforms.
We'll provide specific criteria to evaluate community-based platforms so you can pick the one which is the best fit for your needs. First, let's talk about what an online community platform actually is.
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In this piece...
What exactly is an online platform for community?
4 key criteria for the evaluation of community platforms
4. An excellent support system
What is an online platform for community?
An online community platform is a service in software that allows people to build, organize, manage, and expand online communities in one place.
Also, online community platforms are all based on the creation of a virtual environment that brings people with similar interests together to interact, accomplish goals, and build connections.
The key for creating such virtual spaces is selecting the right platform with an extensive set of functions, great community management software with a wide range of options to earn money for your work.
But now having gotten the fundamental information from the beginning Let's look at how to evaluate community-based platforms.
Four key factors to be considered when testing community-based platforms
Our criteria for community platforms into four key areas: native features and their monetization options, as well as availability and the potential to grow. There are plenty of methods to judge the community-based platform but we think these are all the important elements.
1. Native features
At the final analysis, the most important aspect to evaluate community platforms is to research what kinds of capabilities they offer.
If you're creating an online network, the better options you're able to use for creating the online space you wish to provide your members The better.
But one thing to look at right off the bat is whether the community platform features are native or integrated. Native functions are created by the service creators and designed specifically using their platform in mind. Integrations, on the other side, are typically advertised as simpler and more efficient for those with a business somewhere else already.
The reality is that the small benefit you get by integrating your site doesn't justify the added work and time that you'll spend managing multiple platforms to build an online presence. Unlike native features, which have a seamless interface.
It's likely that you're thinking which native functions that we're talking about. we've compiled a list of the ones that we love:
Your online community for Web, iOS, and Android applications.
Discussion board postings, polls, and Q&As.
Livestreaming and recording video capabilities.
Virtual Events, paid memberships, online courses.
Direct & messages for groups, profiles of members.
Detailed analytics.
This feature will enable the creation of communities that offer a range of options for content and methods that your members can communicate.
2. Many ways to make money
A further important factor in evaluating the community-based platforms is to understand their monetization options.
Paid-for memberships
When the evaluation of monetization options available on a community platform It is important to keep in mind that features and monetization go hand in hand. Take it in this manner that if you're able to offer a multitude of options for developing content and experiences to your customers, it means you have more ways to make money from the content.
One of the most basic functions of a community platform which you'll require to make money from is the capacity to charge members for memberships paid. It could be a once-off per month, annually, or annual membership fee which members in your community have to pay for access.
Virtue events
Another feature of the community platform which has proven to be significant is the capacity to host virtual event.
Virtual events can be an excellent way to earn money as they allow for an array of possibilities, big or small. Additionally, you are able to charge attendees.
If you're running an online social network, you may have big-name presenters be guests in a virtual event for your members. However, you could also host an event as basic as a networking mixer or mastermind group.
Online courses
Online courses are an additional community-building feature you might consider in your marketing strategy.
This isn't within your realm of expertise (and it could be, but it won't be...yet!). However, online courses can be an excellent way to increase member interaction, monetize old content, and expand the reach of your business.
Similar to how online communities bring together people in common goals as well, do the online learning course. When you make an online course, you're building the community you want to create with a particular goal that you will help your members attain.
When you look at community-based platforms that provide online education (which you must!) these features should be easy to implement and fully native. It is possible to integrate these features into your existing course. Circle who will sell you on simply integrating a community in your online class or vice versa, but why should you have two platforms when you could have one platform that can do both?
It doesn't matter if your online community's focus is on spirituality, finance, art as well as self-care, or other than that. Courses online are a fantastic method to gain a fresh perspective to your online community, and re-engage people who've fallen off. One of the best features on a community platform is offering an offer on a community membership when someone takes the online course.
3. Accessibility
Today, we live in an era where more people utilize their phones and tablets , rather than sitting on a desktop or laptop. An important factor in evaluating communities is how available their platform is.
What exactly do we mean by this? When we speak of accessibility, we're talking about the necessity of providing a stellar web and native mobile apps. Some platforms do not provide this function at all which means your members will have to access your group via mobile web page. That's...not great.
It's good to know that there exist a number of platforms that provide native mobile applications that are accessible on iOS as well as Android devices. If you want to go an extra step, however selecting a platform that allows you to create an application that has your personal branding can put you in the most advantageous position.
4. An excellent service system for support
The final criteria for looking at community platforms is something you don't think of the support system for the platform you are using.
At the conclusion of the day it's possible to have all the features on the community platform that you'd like, as well as a myriad of options for monetization and a stunning mobile application. The real-world reality is that you're still going be able to ask issues.
Whether you're a creator that is starting your first online community , or moving an existing community to a different platform, the software provider you go with should have great sources to guide you.
As an example, we have a no-cost community named Mighty Hosts where anyone can join to connect with other creators building communities. You'll not only get an unending supply of connections to the community and resources, but you also get an enormous number of tools for building your own community, getting it started 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 aware of how to utilize these options. Choosing a platform with a great assistance system is crucial.
Ready to get started?
offers you a powerful cultural software platform to connect courses, community along with content and commerce. Plus, Mighty's flexible Spaces allow you to develop what YOU want for your community, not whatever a platform thinks that you need to have. You can choose from features like live streaming, courses, events, discussion forums members' chats, lengthy and short-form content as well as many more! Additionally, you are able to sell access in 135 different currencies, or through token-gating.
Additionally With the Mighty Network, you'll be in a position to provide all the elements with your own branding that is instantly accessible via the internet, iOS, and Android. Do not underestimate the value of your members being able to access your company's brand anywhere they're.
Let's start developing the community that you've always thinking about.