Evaluation of Community Platforms |
If you're looking to establish an online group , then you're likely aware of the fact that we're in an amazing time for online community building.
Today more than ever individuals from all over the world are looking for new ways to meet people with the same interests as them. However, with the many choices to choose from, it is difficult to determine how to assess communities and platform.
We'll provide specific criteria to evaluate community-based platforms so you're able to pick one you think is most appropriate for you. Before we get started, let's clarify what is actually a community website is.
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In this article...
What is an online platform for community?
four key elements to consider when the evaluation of community platforms
What is an online platform for community?
A community online platform is a service in software which allows users to create, organize, manage, and develop online communities at once.
Thus, online communities platforms are all based around building a virtual space that connects people who share similar interests together to interact to achieve their goals, as well as create connections.
And the key to creating those kinds of virtual environments is to choose the right platform with a robust set of features, great community management software, and multiple ways to make money from your work.
But now that we've gotten the basic facts out of the way, how about we break down how you approach evaluating community platforms.
4 key criteria for the evaluation of community platforms
Our criteria of community platforms into four areas: native features and monetization, accessibility, and opportunities to expand. Although there's a myriad different ways to assess the community-based platform We believe that these four categories cover the most important aspects.
1. Native features
In the final analysis the primary factor to evaluate community platforms is to research what kinds of capabilities they provide.
If you're creating an online network, the better choices you're able to use for creating your virtual environment you'd like to create for your members The more options you have.
But one thing to look out for from the bat is whether the community platform features are integrated or native. Native functions are created by service developers and specifically designed using their platform in mind. Integrations, on the other hand, are often promoted as easier and quicker for creators with a company elsewhere.
The reality is that the small benefit you get from using integrations doesn't outweigh the additional effort and time that you'll spend trying to manage multiple platforms for an online presence. Unlike native features, which are seamless.
You might be wondering what native capabilities are we talking about. So, we've compiled a list of the ones we like:
Your online community for Web, iOS, and Android apps.
Discussion board postings, polls, and Q&As.
Livestreaming as well as recorded video capabilities.
Virtual Events, paid memberships, online courses.
Direct and group messaging, member profiles.
Detailed analytics.
The features allow the creation of an online community that offers a variety of ways for your community members to interact.
2. Many ways to make money
A further important factor in evaluating community platforms is understanding the options for monetization.
Memberships paid for
In the process of the evaluation of monetization options available on the community platform It is important to keep in mind that features and monetization go hand in hand. Consider it this way If you're given numerous options when it comes to developing content and experiences to your users, it also implies that you can find more methods to make money off of your content.
One of the basic community platform features that you'll need to monetize is the capability to charge members for memberships paid. This could be a one-time, annual, or monthly subscription fee that members in your community have to pay to access.
Virtual events
Another community platform feature that has proved to be important is the ability to hold virtual events.
Virtual events can be an excellent way to earn money as they allow for many different forms, both large or small. You could charge per person who attends.
If you're running an online group, you may host famous speakers 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 another community building feature that you might consider in your strategy for monetizing.
It might seem like this isn't at your fingertips (and you might not be...yet!). But online courses are the perfect way to boost members' engagement, make money from old content, and expand the reach of your business.
In the same way that online communities unite people around a common goal the same is true for an online course. If you design an online course you're creating the community you want to create with a focused goal you will help your members reach.
If you are evaluating community platforms that offer online courses (which is a must!) the features you choose should be readily implemented and accessible. There are platforms like Circle that will try and make you believe that they can integrate the community features to your online course, or vice versa, but why have two platforms when there is one that does both?
It doesn't matter if your group is focused on spirituality, finance, art and self-care or anything else. Courses online are a fantastic method to gain a fresh perspective at your community online as well as re-engage individuals who've dropped off. A great community platform feature is being able to offer a deal on a group membership when someone is taking your online course too.
3. Availability
Today, we live in an era where many people use their phones or tablets instead of sitting down at the desktop PC. An important factor in evaluating community platforms is seeing how available their platform is.
What is this? If we're talking about accessibility, we're talking about the need for the best web and native mobile app experience. Some platforms do not provide this feature at all, so your users will have to access your online community via a mobile-friendly web site. That's...not great.
It's good to know that there are a few platforms that provide native mobile apps that are available on iOS and Android devices. If you'd like to go a step further, however, choosing a platform that allows you to create an app that is white-label with your own branding will put you in the most advantageous position.
4. An excellent support system
The final criteria for looking at community platforms is something you might not think about: having a support system for the platform you are using.
The end of the day there's no doubt that you have access to all of the features of a community platform you want, a plethora of options for monetization as well as a fantastic mobile app. But, the truth is that you're going to have issues.
No matter if you're a designer in the process of creating your first online community , 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 provide a community for free called Mighty Hosts, which anyone is able to join to connect to other creators who are building communities. You'll not only get an ever-growing well of connections with other community members and resources, but you also get an enormous quantity of information for creating your own community, getting it started, and bringing your community to the next step.
Don't forget, it does not matter what options are available to you If you're not able to utilize these options. Choosing an option with a solid service is essential.
Ready to get started?
provides you with a powerful culture software platform that lets you connect courses, community, content, and commerce. Plus, Mighty's flexible Spaces give you the option to develop what YOU want to build your community, not what a platform decides you should have. There are a variety of features available like live streaming, courses, events, discussion forums members' chats, lengthy as well as short-form content, and more! You can also offer access for sale in 135 diverse currencies and with token-gating.
Additionally by utilizing the Mighty Network, you'll be able to offer all of these pieces together with your own branding that is instantly accessible via the internet, iOS, and Android. Do not underestimate the value of having your customers capable of accessing your brand wherever they are.
Let's start developing the community that you've always dreaming of.