Building a strong community is like throwing a great party. You want the right vibe, an inviting atmosphere, and a space where people can interact effortlessly. Just like a party needs good music, snacks, and games, your online community needs the right platform to thrive. Let's explore the best platforms for community engagement of 2024 and help you choose the one that will make your online hangout the place to be!
What is a Community Engagement Platform?
Before we dive into the bells and whistles of the top platforms, let's clear up what a community engagement platform is. Imagine a virtual space where people with shared interests come together to chat, share ideas, and maybe even learn something new. It could be anything from a discussion board to a fully integrated ecosystem of videos, courses, live streams, and more. Whether you're a business, nonprofit, educator, or just building a fan base, these platforms give you the tools to host your online party.
Key Features to Look for in a Community Engagement Platform
Not all platforms are created equal. Some are built for businesses, others for course creators, and others even cater to nonprofits. When picking the best community platform, these are the core features to keep in mind:
Personalization and Branding
Your community should feel like your community. Platforms like Mighty Networks and Kajabi let you customize the look and feel, whether it's the colors, logos, or unique URLs. This makes your community a reflection of your brand and creates a welcoming atmosphere.
Content and Course Creation
If you're teaching, you need a platform that seamlessly integrates courses with community interaction. Thinkific and Kajabi shine here, offering built-in tools to create live and pre-recorded lessons, quizzes, and assessments—all in the same space where your members engage with each other.
Analytics and Engagement Tracking
Tracking who's engaging with what content is crucial for understanding your community. Platforms like Mighty Networks and Disco offer robust analytics, showing you which posts get the most love and where your community may need a boost.
Mobile Access
Everyone's on their phones, so your platform should be too. Whether it's a native app like Mighty Networks offers or a mobile-friendly experience, accessibility on the go is non-negotiable.
The Best Platforms for Community Engagement in 2024
Now that we've covered the must-have features, let's examine the top platforms and what they offer.
1. Mighty Networks – The All-in-One Powerhouse
If you're looking for a platform that does it all—courses, events, memberships, discussions—Mighty Networks is your go-to. It's the Swiss Army knife of community platforms, perfect for creators who want a one-stop shop for content creation, course hosting, and community engagement. With features like polls, live streaming, and full customization, it's designed for those who want to build not just a community but a whole ecosystem.
Why We Love It:
- Combines content creation, events, and community in one place.
- Mobile-friendly with branded app options.
- Robust tools for selling memberships and courses.
2. Thinkific – Best for Course Creators
If teaching and learning are your jam, Thinkific is a dream. This platform excels at combining courses with a vibrant community space. It's ideal for educators who want to create courses while keeping students engaged in discussions, challenges, and events. You can even run live webinars right from the platform!
Why We Love It:
- Seamless course integration with community engagement.
- Built-in tools for quizzes, certificates, and learning assessments.
- Flexible pricing options for creators at all levels.
3. Skool – Gamified Learning and Engagement
For creators who love gamification, Skool is the playful, engaging option. It's simple and affordable, focusing on community learning with built-in leaderboards, badges, and challenges to keep members coming back. Plus, Skool keeps things streamlined, so you don't need a Ph.D. in tech to run it.
Why We Love It:
- Gamification tools that motivate users.
- Simple interface with no hidden costs.
- Great for keeping communities active and engaged.
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4. Slack – Business and Team Collaboration
You probably know Slack as a business tool, but it's also an excellent platform for team-based communities. With real-time messaging, channels, and third-party integrations (think Google Drive and Zoom), it's perfect for professional communities where collaboration is vital.
Why We Love It:
- Perfect for real-time collaboration.
- Tons of integrations for work-focused communities.
- Great for teams looking for a productive, organized space.
5. Kajabi – Best for Digital Product Creators
kajabi
If you're a content creator selling courses, memberships, or coaching, Kajabi is a killer all-in-one solution. It not only has robust community tools but also integrates sales funnels, email marketing, and course hosting. It's a bit pricier, but the value for digital entrepreneurs is hard to beat.
Why We Love It:
- Combines community engagement with marketing tools.
- Great for creators who want to monetize their content.
- Offers courses, webinars, and challenges to keep members engaged.
Free vs. Paid Platforms: Which Is Right for You?
You might think, "Do I need to pay for a platform, or can I get away with something free?" Well, it depends.
Free Platforms
Options like Slack and Facebook Groups are excellent if you're just starting. They offer basic features like chat, file sharing, and even video calls. But you'll hit a ceiling pretty quickly—there's limited customization, and monetization features are usually lacking.
Paid Platforms
If you want more advanced features like course creation, member analytics, or monetization options, platforms like Mighty Networks or Kajabi are worth the investment. They're designed to grow with your community and offer many tools to keep engagement high.
How to Choose the Right Platform for Your Community
Still undecided? Here are a few pointers to help you choose the right platform:
- Define Your Goals: Are you building a learning community, a social network, or a business-focused collaboration space? Platforms like Thinkific are great for education, while Slack excels in business settings.
- Consider Your Budget: Free platforms are great for starting out, but investing in a paid platform like Mighty Networks or Kajabi could be worth it if you want robust tools for growth and monetization.
- Test Before You Commit: Many platforms offer free trials (like Mighty Networks and Skool), so take advantage of these to find the best fit for your needs.
Conclusion: Building a Thriving Online Community
Your community platform is your home base. It's where your members gather, chat, learn, and grow together. The key is finding a platform that fits your goals and budget while offering the right tools to engage people. Whether you're a content creator, business leader, or educator, there's a perfect platform out there for you. So pick your platform, set up your space, and watch your community thrive!
