Building a thriving online community is like cultivating a beautiful garden – it takes dedication the right tools and a good understanding of what makes things flourish.
In today’s digital landscape finding the perfect platform to nurture your community is essential.
That’s why I’m excited to share my insights on the 12 best platforms for community engagement in 2024 – a collection of tools I’ve personally tested and experimented with to bring my own online communities to life.
Ready to take your online community to the next level? 🔥 Learnworlds is a powerful platform that’ll help you build a vibrant community around your brand or expertise. 🧠 Learn more about Learnworlds and start building your thriving community!
Choosing the Right Platform: A Journey of Discovery
Ready to take your online community to the next level? 🔥 Learnworlds is a powerful platform that’ll help you build a vibrant community around your brand or expertise. 🧠 Learn more about Learnworlds and start building your thriving community!
Before we dive into the specific platforms let’s talk about the essential features that make a platform truly exceptional.
Finding the perfect match for your community is like finding the right pair of shoes – it’s all about fit and function.
User Experience Matters: A Smooth Sailing Journey
Imagine a platform that’s so intuitive even your grandma could navigate it with ease.
That’s what we aim for in the world of online communities.
A platform should be user-friendly for both administrators and members making it easy to find information engage in discussions and navigate effortlessly.
Think seamless onboarding with clear instructions and helpful guides that don’t require a tech degree to decipher.
Scalability: Growing with Your Community
Just like a vine that spreads its roots your community will grow and your platform needs to keep pace.
Scalability is key – ensuring the platform can handle an increasing number of members without compromising performance.
You don’t want your community to hit a wall because the platform can’t handle the traffic.
Customization: Branding Your Unique Oasis
Each community has its own personality and vibe.
That’s why customization is crucial.
The ability to tailor the platform to your brand values and community needs makes it feel like a true reflection of your vision.
Think of it as adding a personal touch to your digital space from customized member profiles to unique discussion forums.
Integration: Connecting the Dots
A platform that can seamlessly integrate with other tools you’re already using is a dream come true.
Imagine connecting your community platform with your email marketing system your CRM or even social media – it streamlines your workflow and elevates your community management game.
Support: A Helpful Hand Along the Way
Just like having a trusted advisor by your side a platform with exceptional customer support is invaluable.
Look for platforms that offer a comprehensive knowledge base active forums and even webinars and live events to help you get the most out of your community software.
Pricing: Finding the Right Fit for Your Budget
Pricing is a significant factor especially for smaller communities or entrepreneurs.
Explore free plans free trials and compare paid plans to see what fits your budget.
Consider whether the platform charges transaction fees or has any hidden costs associated with scalability or advanced features.
12 Platforms for Community Engagement: A Deep Dive
Now let’s dive into the 12 platforms that have captured my attention and proven their worth in the community engagement landscape.
1. LearnWorlds: The Powerhouse for Education and Community
LearnWorlds is a premium all-in-one online course platform that emphasizes community-building.
It’s a favorite among educators entrepreneurs and organizations seeking a seamless environment for connecting with their audience.
Features that Make it Shine:
- Community Dashboard: Imagine a central hub for interaction where members can connect share insights and collaborate effectively. Think discussion forums activity feeds with the ability to react to posts and course spaces that foster interaction among learners.
- Customizable Community Spaces: Create groups based on interests course topics or specific projects making it easier to manage your community and foster focused discussions.
Pricing:
- Starter: $24/month – ideal for solopreneurs with small communities
- Pro: $79/month – suitable for growing communities
- Business: $249/month – perfect for organizations with larger communities
- Enterprise: Custom pricing for large-scale communities
Why I Recommend It: Learnworlds excels in its ability to create a truly engaging learning environment making it ideal for online educators and those who want to build a community around their expertise.
2. Mighty Networks: Niche Communities with Monetization Power
Mighty Networks is a versatile platform for building niche communities.
It empowers creators coaches and entrepreneurs to create online courses host events and foster member interaction and engagement.
Features that Make it Shine:
- Monetization Options: Integrate monetization options to build sustainable communities with features like subscriptions paid events and premium content.
- Discussion Forums: Facilitate interaction with customizable discussion forums and group chats.
- Customizable Content Channels: Create dedicated spaces for specific topics courses or events.
Pricing:
- Free: Limited features suitable for testing the waters
- Basic: $99/month – ideal for small communities
- Pro: $249/month – suitable for larger communities
- Growth: $549/month – designed for expanding communities
Why I Recommend It: Mighty Networks stands out as a great choice for building niche communities with a focus on creating engaging content and fostering a strong sense of belonging.
3. Circle: Modern Community-Building for Creators and Brands
Circle is a modern community platform designed for creators brands and educators who want to build a vibrant and accessible community.
Features that Make it Shine:
- Clean Interface: Circle boasts a clean and intuitive interface making it easy for members to engage through discussions events and content sharing.
- Community-Driven Learning: Create spaces for courses memberships and events allowing members to learn and grow together.
- Seamless Integration: Connect with other tools and services to build a seamless ecosystem.
Pricing:
- Free: Limited features suitable for testing the platform
- Professional: $49/month – ideal for small communities
- Growth: $149/month – suitable for larger communities
- Enterprise: $349/month – designed for large-scale communities
Why I Recommend It: Circle excels in its user-friendliness and its ability to create a cohesive community experience making it a strong choice for brands and creators who want to build a space where members feel connected and valued.
4. Hivebrite: Powering Organizations and Associations
Hivebrite is a powerful and fully customizable community management platform particularly well-suited for organizations alumni networks and professional associations.
Features that Make it Shine:
- Engagement and Networking: Supports member collaboration networking and engagement with tools for managing events content and member directories.
- Branded Experience: Create a unique and consistent brand experience with custom domains branding and content.
- Feature-Rich Platform: Offers event management job boards fundraising capabilities and advanced analytics.
Pricing:
- Starter: Custom pricing
- Growth: Custom pricing
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Why I Recommend It: Hivebrite is a powerhouse platform for organizations looking to create a robust online community with a focus on engagement networking and a professional brand presence.
5. Discourse: Open-Source Power for Dynamic Discussions
Discourse is an open-source platform built for creating modern discussion forums.
Its high degree of customization makes it ideal for a wide range of communities from small niche groups to large public forums.
Features that Make it Shine:
- User Interaction: Fosters a strong sense of community and engagement with discussions polls and badges.
- Real-Time Notifications: Stay informed with real-time notifications trust levels and moderation tools.
- Open-Source Nature: Offers extensive customization and scalability.
Pricing:
- Free: Limited features suitable for testing the platform
- Starter: $100/month – ideal for small communities
- Business: $300/month – suitable for larger communities
- Enterprise: Custom pricing for large-scale communities
Why I Recommend It: Discourse is an excellent choice for communities that thrive on lively discussions and want a platform that can be tailored to their specific needs.
6. Bettermode (formerly Tribe): Building Branded Communities for Businesses
Bettermode (formerly Tribe) is a community platform designed to help businesses build branded online communities.
Features that Make it Shine:
- Discussion Forums: Foster engagement with discussion forums activity feeds and personalized content recommendations.
- Product-Led Growth: Well-suited for communities focused on customer support and product-led growth.
- Customization and Integrations: Seamlessly align with existing workflows with extensive customization options and integrations with popular tools.
Pricing:
- Free: Limited features suitable for testing the platform
- Growth: $299/month – ideal for small communities
- Pro: $999/month – suitable for larger communities
- Enterprise: Custom pricing for large-scale communities
Why I Recommend It: Bettermode is an excellent choice for businesses that want to create a community that integrates seamlessly with their products and services.
7. Slack: Real-Time Communication for Communities in Motion
Slack is a widely used communication platform initially designed for internal team communication.
However its robust messaging and integration capabilities make it a popular choice for communities focused on real-time communication and collaboration.
Features that Make it Shine:
- Channels for Focused Discussions: Create channels for specific topics allowing for organized and targeted conversations.
- Direct Messaging: Connect with other members through direct messages for personal conversations.
- File Sharing Voice and Video Calls: Facilitates collaboration with file sharing voice calls and video conferencing.
Pricing:
- Free: Limited features suitable for small communities
- Pro: $8/month per user – ideal for larger communities
- Business+: $15/month per user – suitable for businesses with more advanced needs
- Enterprise Grid: Custom pricing for large enterprises
Why I Recommend It: Slack is a powerful option for communities that prioritize fast-paced communication collaboration and real-time engagement.
8. Kajabi: Monetizing Expertise Through Community and Courses
Kajabi is an all-in-one platform for creators and entrepreneurs looking to build and sell online courses memberships and digital products.
Features that Make it Shine:
- Comprehensive Toolset: Offers tools for creating marketing and managing digital content including courses emails and landing pages.
- Marketing and Sales Powerhouse: Features built-in funnels automation and a robust CRM to maximize sales.
- Community Features: Includes basic community features to foster interaction among members.
Pricing:
- Basic: $149/month – ideal for individual creators
- Growth: $249/month – suitable for growing businesses
- Pro: $399/month – designed for larger businesses
Why I Recommend It: Kajabi excels in its marketing and sales capabilities making it an ideal choice for those looking to monetize their expertise and create a community around their offerings.
9. Thinkific: Course Creation Powerhouse with Community Features
Thinkific is a powerful online course platform designed for educators entrepreneurs and businesses to create market and sell courses.
Features that Make it Shine:
- User-Friendly Interface: Simplifies the process of building courses managing students and tracking performance.
- Flexible Content Creation: Create a wide range of content types including videos quizzes and assignments.
- Marketing and Sales Tools: Offers landing pages payment gateways and integrations with third-party tools.
Pricing:
- Free: Limited features suitable for testing the platform
- Basic: $49/month – ideal for individual creators
- Pro: $99/month – suitable for growing businesses
- Growth: $299/month – designed for larger businesses
Why I Recommend It: Thinkific is ideal for those who prioritize course creation and management with a focus on delivering engaging educational experiences.
10. Disciple: Mobile-First Communities for Creators and Organizations
Disciple is a community platform designed to help creators and organizations build and manage their own branded communities.
Features that Make it Shine:
- Mobile-First Focus: Offers native apps for iOS and Android making it easy for members to stay connected on the go.
- Monetization Options: Supports subscriptions and in-app purchases enabling creators to build sustainable communities.
- Branded Experiences: Create communities that reflect your brand identity.
Pricing:
- Starter: $49/month – ideal for small communities
- Growth: $99/month – suitable for larger communities
- Enterprise: Custom pricing for large-scale communities
Why I Recommend It: Disciple is an excellent choice for those who want to create a mobile-first community that reflects their brand and fosters a strong sense of belonging.
11. Discord: Real-Time Engagement for Gaming and Beyond
Discord is a popular communication platform initially designed for gaming communities but now widely used by various communities.
Features that Make it Shine:
- Real-Time Communication: Offers voice channels text channels and direct messaging for real-time interaction.
- Custom Roles and Permissions: Manage large and active communities with custom roles permissions and integrations.
- Live Interaction: Focuses on live engagement through voice video and text.
Pricing:
- Free: Limited features suitable for small communities
- Nitro: $10/month – additional features and benefits
- Nitro Classic: $5/month – additional features and benefits
Why I Recommend It: Discord is a strong choice for communities that prioritize real-time engagement collaboration and a focus on live interaction.
12. Facebook Groups: Leveraging Social Media for Community Building
Facebook Groups is a feature within the Facebook platform that allows users to create and manage communities centered around shared interests activities or causes.
Features that Make it Shine:
- Reach and Accessibility: Leverages Facebook’s vast user base making it easy for members to join and engage.
- Discussion Threads Events Polls and File Sharing: Provides tools for fostering communication and engagement.
Pricing:
- Free: No additional costs.
Why I Recommend It: Facebook Groups is a convenient option for building communities leveraging the existing social network particularly suitable for customer communities where members can connect with the brand and each other.
13. LinkedIn Groups: Professional Networking and Knowledge Sharing
LinkedIn Groups is designed for professionals to create and participate in communities centered around specific industries interests or professional goals.
Features that Make it Shine:
- Professional Focus: Provides a space for discussions content sharing and networking with like-minded professionals.
- B2B Communities: Well-suited for B2B communities industry associations and professional networking.
- Moderation and Analytics: Offers tools for moderation content sharing and group analytics.
Pricing:
- Free: No additional costs.
Why I Recommend It: LinkedIn Groups is ideal for those looking to build professional communities focused on industry-specific discussions knowledge sharing and building connections within a trusted environment.
Strategies for Maximizing Community Engagement
Choosing the right platform is just the beginning.
Here are some strategies to boost engagement and create a thriving community:
1. Embrace Gamification: Fueling Motivation and Participation
Gamification features like leaderboards badges and rewards can motivate members to actively participate in forums messaging and live events.
It’s a fun and effective way to recognize and celebrate their contributions.
2. Host Live Events and Webinars: Bringing Your Community Together
Regular live events and webinars provide a platform for real-time interaction allowing members to share insights ask questions and connect with each other.
Promote these events through notifications and social media to ensure maximum attendance.
3. Empower User-Generated Content (UGC): Giving Your Community a Voice
Encourage members to create and share content related to their experiences insights or challenges.
UGC adds value to the community and empowers members by giving them a platform to express themselves.
4. Keep It Fresh: Continuously Evolving Your Community
Regularly update your community content with new topics events and gamification elements.
Keep the content fresh and exciting to encourage members to return and participate.
5. Monitor and Analyze: Learning from Your Community’s Insights
Most platforms offer analytics tools to track engagement metrics such as post activity event attendance and user interaction.
Use these insights to identify what’s working and what’s not.
Adjust your strategies based on what resonates with your community.
6. Foster a Safe and Inclusive Environment: Building a Welcoming Space
Use moderation tools to enforce community guidelines and ensure respectful interactions.
Encourage diversity of perspectives and create a welcoming space for all members to feel comfortable participating.
7. Define a Clear Purpose: Guiding Your Community’s Journey
Communicate your community’s mission and goals regularly and align your content and features to meet those objectives.
Members need to see the value in participating and understand the shared purpose that binds them together.
Finding Your Perfect Community Engagement Platform: A Final Word
Choosing the right community engagement platform is a journey of discovery experimentation and continuous learning.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution but by carefully considering the features ease of use pricing and your community’s specific needs you can find the ideal platform to foster connections drive engagement and build a thriving online community that truly resonates with your vision.
Ready to take your online community to the next level? 🔥 Learnworlds is a powerful platform that’ll help you build a vibrant community around your brand or expertise. 🧠 Learn more about Learnworlds and start building your thriving community!