What is the best way to evaluate community platforms? |
If you're trying to build a virtual community , then you probably know that we're living in the most exciting time in the development of online communities.
Today more than ever individuals from all over the world seek out new methods to meet people with the same desires as they do. The problem is that with so many options to choose from it can be hard to decide how to judge the best community-based platforms.
We'll provide the most precise criteria for evaluating community-based platforms so you can pick the one that makes the most sense for you. But first, let's define what an online community platform actually is.
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In this piece...
What exactly is an online community platform?
4 key criteria for evaluating community platforms
4. Great service system for support
What is an online platform for community?
A community online platform is a service in software which allows users to create communities, organise, run, and develop online communities in one place.
So, online community platforms all revolve on creating a virtual community which brings individuals with the same interests together to interact with each other, achieve goals and build connections.
and the most important thing to creating these kinds of virtual environments is to choose the right platform with an extensive set of functions, great community management software as well as a variety of ways for you to monetize the work you do.
However, now that we've gotten the basic facts from the beginning let's look at how to evaluate community-based platforms.
4 key criteria for evaluating community platforms
We've broken down our requirements for community-based platforms into four main categories: native capabilities and monetization, accessibility, and the potential to grow. Although there's a myriad of ways to evaluate an online community We believe that these four categories cover all the important elements.
1. Native features
In the end of the day the primary factor to assess community platforms is researching what kind of capabilities they offer.
If you're creating an online network, the better options are available to design the online space you wish to create for your members more options you have, the better.
One thing to check out for right off beginning is whether community platform features are native or integrated. Native features are developed by the service creators and designed specifically to work with their platform. Integrations, on the other of the spectrum, are usually advertised as simpler and more efficient for those with a company elsewhere.
In reality, the small benefit you get by integrating your site doesn't justify the added work and time you'll be investing juggling multiple platforms for the online communities you have. Unlike native features, which can be seamless.
It's possible that you're wondering 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 posts as well as polls and Q&As.
Livestreaming and recorded video functionality.
Virtual Events, paid memberships, online courses.
Direct & group messaging, member profiles.
Detailed analysis.
This feature will enable the creation of communities that offer a range of options for content and methods that your members can communicate.
2. There are many ways to earn money
Another important aspect in evaluating communities is to know the options for monetization.
Memberships paid for
When the evaluation of monetization options available on a community platform It is important to keep in mind that features and monetization are inextricably linked. Take it in this manner that if you're able to offer a multitude of options for creating content and experiences for your customers, it means you have more ways to make money from your content.
One of the basic tools that you'll need to make money from is the capacity to charge for paid memberships. It could be a once-off month, annual or monthly fees that users of your community are charged to access.
Virtue events
Another community platform feature which has proven to be crucial is the capability to organize virtual occasions.
Virtual events are an ideal way to make money from your event since they are able to take on a plethora of scopes big or small. Additionally, you are able to charge attendees.
If you're managing an online community, it's possible to invite famous presenters on a live event hosted by your members. However, you could also host an event as basic as a networking mixer or mastermind group.
Online courses
An online course is another community building feature that may be considered as part of your marketing strategy.
It might seem like this isn't within your realm of expertise (and this could not be...yet!). But online courses are a great way to spur members' engagement, make money from old content, and expand your business.
Similar to how online communities bring together people with a shared goal, so too, does an on-line 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 evaluate community platforms offering online classes (which is a must!) the features you choose should be easy to implement and fully native. These platforms are like Circle which will attempt to sell you on simply integrating a community into your online course or vice versa, but why should you have two platforms when there is one that does both?
There's no need to worry if your group is focused on spirituality, finance, art as well as self-care, or other than that. Courses online are a fantastic opportunity to open the eyes to your online community, and re-engage people who've fallen off. One of the best features on a community platform is being able to offer discounts on community membership when someone takes your online course too.
3. The availability
Our society is in an era where users are using their smartphones and tablets , rather than sitting on a desktop computer. A crucial aspect to evaluate community platforms is seeing how accessible their platforms are.
What exactly do we mean by this? When we speak of accessibility it's about the necessity of providing a stellar web and the native mobile experience. Some platforms do not provide this feature at all, meaning that your customers will have to access your community from a mobile-friendly web site. That's...not great.
It's good to know that there exist a number of platforms out there that offer native mobile applications that are available on iOS and Android devices. If you want to go one step further, choosing a platform that permits you to build a white label app with the branding of your choice will place you in the best possible position.
4. A great service system for support
The most important factor to take into consideration when the evaluation of community-based platforms is one you don't think of not having a support mechanism on the platform you are using.
The end of the day it's possible to have every one of the features on the community platform that you want, a plethora of options for monetization as well as a fantastic mobile application. The truth is that you're still going be able to ask concerns.
If you're a developer who is building your first online community , or moving an existing community to a brand new platform the service provider you sign up with will have a wealth of sources to guide you.
As an example, we provide a community for free called Mighty Hosts that anyone can join and network to other creators who are building communities. This means that you're not just getting an increasing number of connections to the community, but also an immense quantity of information for creating your own community, getting it started and taking them to the next stage.
It does not matter what options you have at your disposal If you're not aware of how you can make the most of these options. Choosing a platform with a great service is essential.
Are you ready to begin?
It is a robust cultural software platform that lets you connect courses, community as well as content and business. Plus, Mighty's flexible Spaces let you choose to design what you want for your community, not whatever a platform thinks it should offer. You can choose from features such as live streaming, classes, events, discussion forums and member chats, as well as long or short-form material as well as more! And you can offer access to 135 distinct currencies, or through token-gating.
In addition, with a Mighty Network, you'll be in a position to provide all the pieces with your own branding, instantly available on web, iOS, and Android. Don't underestimate the power of having your customers capable of accessing your website wherever they go.
Let's begin creating the community you've been thinking about.