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How To Choose The Right Online Community Platform in 2024
Every community needs a home. But finding the right platform can feel like searching for a unicorn in a field of horses.
Here's a tip: Don't settle for just any online community platform.
Your community members deserve better. They crave connection, value, and a space that feels uniquely theirs.
Ready to build a thriving online community that keeps members coming back? Let's learn how to choose an online platform that'll make your community want to join in and tell their friends about.
Hold Up – Do You Actually Need a Community Platform?
Before diving into community strategy, let's pause. Free online communities are exploding – Just to give you an idea, 76% of internet users participated in an online community in 2020. And that number is projected for growth
But does that mean you need a dedicated community engagement platform?
The short answer? We say yes.
But still, let's look at the benefits and signs it's time to level up.
Benefits of Building a Community
Communities unite people around a particular topic, allowing them to connect and engage in meaningful ways.
We are looking for authentic connections.
...and community platforms not only create a sense of belonging but can even spark innovation, co-working, knowledge sharing, and more.
In fact, a staggering 84% of global internet users have used online platforms to connect with groups sharing their interests.
That's serious engagement potential.
Signs You’re Ready for a Dedicated Platform
Is your community on social media outgrowing Facebook groups or Discord?
Craving a branded space to call your own?
While Slack and Discord are great starting points, they have limitations. A dedicated community management platform like LoftOS offers deeper engagement tools, data insights, and the freedom to shape your community's digital home.
If you're spending more time managing platforms than nurturing connections, it's time to take the next step.
What Are Main Types of Online Community Platforms
We already said it, not all online spaces are created equal.
From learning hubs to local or regional communities, and even matchmaking-focused online platforms, there's a spectrum of community types.
The key? Choose the one that aligns with your goals and member needs.
Curious about the full range of options? Dive into our guide and learn the 7 most popular types of online communities.
The Best Online Community Platform Have These Features in Common
Let's cut through the noise. While every platform boasts unique perks, the cream of the crop share some non-negotiable features.
These are the building blocks of a thriving digital community.
User-Friendly Interface and Engagement Tools
As a community builder, you need a platform that does the heavy lifting.
The best ones make community engagement strategies feel effortless.
Every community space should revolve around a topic that sparks meaningful conversations, right? But here's the thing – your community strategy shouldn't feel like just another social media platform.
Look for features like peer-to-peer messaging, collaboration features, and tools to host immersive events.
Think about it...why juggle separate apps that get quite expensive when one platform can handle RSVPs, ticket sales, and webinars? Whether you're launching a product or hosting a meetup where the whole world can join, your platform should make it seamless.
Customizability and Branding Options
When choosing a community engagement platform, make sure it's customizable.
Your digital space should be an extension of your brand experience, not a generic forum. It should feel familiar to your brand and community members alike.
Look for management tools that let you tweak colors, add logos, and create a cohesive look. LoftOS, takes customization to the next level, with a built-in website builder, flexible databases, and everything else you need to forget traditional tech delays and launch your online community 10x faster.
Remember, your community is unique – shouldn't its online home reflect that? Don't settle for a one-size-fits-all approach when you can have a tailor-made digital hangout.
Show Me the Money: Monetization That Actually Work
Let's talk money.
Make sure the platform you choose lets you monetize your community. Whether you're offering free and paid tiers or exclusive content, you need options.
Unlike a community on a social platform, you shouldn't need to create workarounds to generate revenue. Look for built-in tools for memberships, digital products, or even event ticket sales. Your community is valuable – your platform should help you turn that value into income.
Don't leave money on the table with limited monetization features.
Privacy So Tight, Your Data Feels Safe and Sound
In 2024 keeping your community safe isn't just nice – it's non-negotiable.
When you choose a community platform, prioritize rock-solid security. Your user experience should feel secure for you and your members as well. Don't risk losing trust (or worse, facing legal issues) with weak privacy measures.
Insist on a platform that's GDPR-compliant and takes data protection seriously. Remember, a breach can destroy community trust in seconds. Your members are sharing their thoughts and data – make sure you're worthy of that trust.
Robust Member Management, Networking and Permissions
Your platform should be a powerhouse for managing member databases.
Whether you're serving business owners, researchers, startups or regional organizations, control over access to the community is crucial. Look for granular permissions that let you create tiered memberships or exclusive spaces for your members.
But don't stop there – prioritize networking features that spark connections.
Bonus points for matchmaking capabilities that help members find their tribe within your tribe. Remember, a thriving community is all about meaningful connections – your platform should make those happen easily.
Analytics That Don't Make Your Brain Hurt
Choosing the right community platform means finding one with analytics you'll actually use.
Forget overwhelming dashboards – look for a platform that offers clear, actionable insights. You should easily track engagement, growth, and what content resonates.
The best platforms translate data into plain English, helping you make informed decisions. Don't settle for guesswork when managing your community. Insist on analytics that guide your strategy without requiring a data science degree. Your future self will thank you.
Plays Well with Others: Integration Capabilities
When selecting a community platform, think beyond its standalone features.
The best community software plays nice with your existing tech stack. Look for robust API access and pre-built integrations with popular tools.
For example, LoftOS comes with webhooks, to easily alert platform admins about new customers or triggering notifications in other systems (like your CMS).
Your community platform should enhance your workflow, not complicate it. Don't let a siloed platform hold you back – choose one that fits seamlessly into your digital ecosystem and grows with your needs.
Things To Consider: How To Choose the Best Community Engagement Platform?
Selecting the perfect digital home for your tribe requires careful consideration.
It's not just about flashy features – it's about finding a platform that aligns with your community's unique needs and your long-term goals.
Now that we've looked into the features when choosing and online community platform, let's break down 3 key factors you should weigh before making this crucial decision.
What Do Your Members Actually Want?
Ever stop to ask what your members want from your community?
Some crave to build relationships, exchange knowledge, while others might be all about matchmaking.
Take a look from Matchmaker.ruhr, who used LoftOS to connect 5000+ innovative startups within the Metropole Ruhr's ecosystem and beyond.
Consider how you want your members to interact. Are you aiming for deep discussions, quick knowledge shares, or both?
As a community manager, your job is to facilitate these connections. Choose a platform that supports the type of engagement your members truly value.
Matching Your Goals to Platform Features
Selecting the right platform requires a clear vision of your community's purpose.
Are you building a support member community, an innovation hub, or a professional network for entrepreneurship? When choosing community software, align features with your objectives.
If you're focused on knowledge sharing, robust content management is key.
For networking communities, prioritize member directories and connection tools. Don't be swayed by shiny features you'll never use. Instead, focus on tools that directly support your community's mission and growth strategy.
Room to Grow (Without Growing Pains)
Opt for a platform that fits your needs today but can scale for tomorrow.
Your community will evolve – make sure your platform can keep up. Look for flexibility in user limits, storage, and feature sets.
Can you easily add new sections or change your community structure as you grow? Beware of platforms that force you into expensive upgrades or limit your expansion.
The right choice should feel like a partner in your growth, not a constraint. Your future self will thank you for thinking ahead and choosing a platform with room to breathe.
The Future of Online Community Is Here. It’s Called LoftOS.
Looking for community management software that doesn't just keep up, but sets the pace? Meet LoftOS, the platform of choice for forward-thinking community builders.
Take Lower Saxony's innomatch, for example. They created a platform to centralize all startups, institutions, investors and key players in the region. It's not just about bringing people together – it's about fostering a thriving ecosystem where social innovation flourishes.
Even tech giants like Deutsche Telekom trust LoftOS.
Their TechBoost platform is a dynamic reseller marketplace where startups showcase innovative solutions to established companies' challenges.
Using LoftOS's highly customizable business matchmaking system, TechBoost connects these startups with the right corporate partners, facilitating deals and driving innovation.
No matter if you’re building a community around your brand, a social cause, or industry, you need a solution that grows with you. From engagement tools to robust analytics, LoftOS has everything you need to nurture connections, drive meaningful interactions and giving your community a digital home.
Want To Build an Online Community Platform That’s More Than Just a Bunch of Usernames?
Look, there are plenty of great options to host your community. But as a community leader, you need more than just a digital hangout spot.
You need a platform that turns usernames into real connections.
Ready to start building your community without the headache? Our templates make it ridiculously easy. Click, customize, and launch your dream online community.
Why wait? Your tribe is out there, waiting for you to bring them together.
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