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Community engagement is the cornerstone of any successful online community platform. It involves fostering interaction among community members to create a vibrant, engaging community that drives brand loyalty, learning, or collaboration.
If you are an entrepreneur, educator, or organization, choosing the right platform for community engagement is crucial to grow your community and keep members actively involved.
This article will explore the best online community platforms that offer the tools, functionality, and customization options needed to build and manage thriving communities.
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Start FREE TrialThe table below shows all the platforms we will review in more depth in this guide while looking at each one’s pros and cons, features, and pricing.
Before diving in, let’s first explore community engagement platforms—what they are and how they can benefit you.
What is a Community Engagement Platform?
A community engagement platform is a digital tool or software designed to facilitate, manage, and enhance interactions and relationships within a community.
These platforms provide the infrastructure for organizations, businesses, or groups to build and nurture online communities. They offer a range of features and functionalities to support effective communication, collaboration, and engagement among members.
Having said that each community engagement platform is different in terms of design and use case. For example, some might be more well-suited for course creators while others may be better for content creators wanting to offer gated video content exclusively.
Benefits of Using a Community Engagement Platform
The value that community engagement platforms bring to the table is impressive. Here are some of the advantages of using one as part of your online academy and business:
Now let’s go over their most important features and capabilities, to help you decide which factors to focus on when choosing one.
Key Features of Community Engagement Platforms
Choosing the right community engagement platform is a decision that can significantly impact the growth and success of your online community.
That’s why it’s crucial to thoroughly evaluate your options before deciding. Below are some of the most important features to consider:
1. Ease of Use
A user-friendly interface is essential for both admins and community members, greatly influencing the overall user experience. The platform should offer intuitive navigation, making it easy for users to engage in forums, messaging, and other community features without frustration. Onboarding should be seamless, with templates and customizable tools that enhance the user experience by requiring minimal technical knowledge.
2. Scalability
As your community grows, the platform must be able to handle an increasing number of community members without compromising performance. Scalability is key to ensuring that the community experience remains smooth as your audience expands, especially in platforms that support unlimited members.
3. Customization Options
Every community is unique, so the platform should offer robust customization options. Whether it’s customizing member profiles, landing pages, or discussion forums, the ability to tailor the platform to your brand values and community needs is crucial for effective community building.
4. Integration Capabilities
Integrations with other tools like CRM, email marketing, and social media platforms are must-haves for a holistic community strategy. Platforms should offer API access, plugins, and Zapier integrations to streamline workflows and enhance community management. For learning purposes, integration with video conferencing tools like Zoom is essential.
5. Support and Resources
A platform with excellent customer support, a comprehensive knowledge base, and active forums is invaluable for troubleshooting and maximizing the community’s potential. Look for platforms that offer extensive resources, including webinars and live events, to help you get the most out of your community software.
6. Cost-Effectiveness
Pricing is a critical consideration, especially for smaller communities or entrepreneurs. It’s important to evaluate the paid plans and free plan options or free trials, against the key features offered. Consider whether the platform charges transaction fees and if there are any hidden costs associated with scalability or advanced features.
7. Content Creation Tools
You will need robust content creation tools to foster active participation within the community. These tools should include rich text editors, media upload capabilities, and blogging or article-writing options. Additionally, content moderation features are essential to maintain quality and appropriateness, ensuring all contributions align with community standards.
8. Engagement Tools
As expected, engagement tools are key to cultivating an active and connected community. Features like discussion forums, comments, likes, and real-time messaging facilitate interactions, naturally boosting member engagement. Gamification elements such as badges, leaderboards, and point systems can further encourage participation, subtly enhancing involvement and contributing to long-term community retention.
12 Best Platforms for Community Engagement
Now, let’s dive into a detailed review of each community engagement platform, exploring their key features, pricing, and what makes them stand out, along with any potential drawbacks.
LearnWorlds – Our Top Choice
LearnWorlds is a premium all-in-one online course platform that emphasizes community-building, providing a seamless environment for educators, entrepreneurs, and organizations to engage with their audiences. The platform offers a built-in community dashboard that acts as a central hub for interaction, allowing members to connect, share insights, and collaborate effectively.
The community dashboard is intuitively designed, featuring discussion forums, activity feeds with the ability to react to posts, like, upvote, and comment, and course spaces that foster interaction among learners. LearnWorlds also supports customizable community spaces where you can create groups based on interests, course topics, or specific projects, making it easier for community management.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
LearnWorlds offers a 30-day free trial and the following pricing options:
*Pricing information retrieved from LearnWorlds in September 2024.
Mighty Networks
Mighty Networks is a versatile platform designed to build niche communities where members can interact, learn, and grow. It supports creators, coaches, and entrepreneurs by providing tools to create online courses, host events, and foster member interaction and engagement.
Its focus on community-building is complemented by its ability to integrate monetization options, making it a popular choice for those looking to build and manage vibrant online spaces. The platform offers several features including discussion forums, member networking, and customizable content channels.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Mighty Networks offers a 14-day free trial and the following pricing packages:
*Pricing information retrieved from Mighty Networks in September 2024.
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Circle
Circle is a modern community platform designed for creators, brands, and educators who want to build and manage vibrant communities. It offers a clean and intuitive interface allowing easy engagement through discussions, events, and content sharing.
The platform supports community-driven learning and collaboration, enabling users to create spaces for courses, memberships, and events. It is designed to integrate seamlessly with other tools and services, making it a flexible option for those who already have existing ecosystems.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Circle offers a 14-day free trial and has the following pricing plans:
*Pricing information retrieved from Circle in September 2024.
Hivebrite
Hivebrite is a powerful and fully customizable community management platform tailored for organizations, alumni networks, and professional associations. It supports engagement, networking, and member collaboration, providing tools to manage events, content, and member directories.
Hivebrite allows organizations to create a branded experience, complete with custom domains, branding, and content. The platform is feature-rich, offering event management, job boards, fundraising capabilities, and advanced analytics. It integrates with various third-party tools, offering flexibility to organizations with complex needs.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Hivebrite doesn’t provide pricing information on its website. The platform offers the following three pricing plans with custom pricing:
The two higher plans offer additional features and custom pricing based on your needs and community size. Request a demo to get a quote.
*Pricing information retrieved from Hivebrite in September 2024.
Discourse
Discourse is an open-source platform designed for creating modern discussion forums. It is highly customizable and can be tailored to suit a wide range of communities, from small niche groups to large public forums. Discourse emphasizes user interaction through discussions, polls, and badges, fostering a sense of community and engagement.
Discourse offers features like real-time notifications, trust levels, and moderation tools, making it a powerful solution for managing active communities. It also supports integrations with various third-party services, and its open-source nature allows for extensive customization and scalability.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Discourse offers a 14-day free trial and the following pricing packages:
*Pricing information retrieved from Discourse in September 2024.
Bettermode (Tribe)
Bettermode formerly known as Tribe, is a community platform designed to help businesses build branded online communities. It offers a range of tools to foster engagement, including discussion forums, activity feeds, and personalized content recommendations. Bettermode is suited for product-led growth and customer support communities.
The platform provides extensive customization options and integrations with popular tools, making it easy to align with existing workflows. It also supports gamification and rewards, enhancing user engagement. It’s a great choice for businesses looking to create a community that integrates seamlessly with their product or service.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Bettermode comes with a free plan and the following paid plans:
*Pricing information retrieved from Bettermode in September 2024.
Slack
Slack is a widely used communication platform designed for team collaboration and real-time messaging. Initially popularized as a tool for internal team communication, Slack has also been adopted by communities for group discussions, announcements, and networking. It features channels for topic-specific conversations and direct messaging, making it a versatile option for both work and community environments.
While Slack is not a traditional community platform, its robust messaging and integration capabilities make it a popular choice for communities focused on real-time communication and collaboration. It also supports file sharing, and voice and video calls, making it a powerful tool for connecting and engaging members in a fast-paced environment.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Slack offers a free plan with limited features and the following paid ones:
*Pricing information retrieved from Slack in September 2024.
Kajabi
Kajabi is an all-in-one platform designed for creators and entrepreneurs who want to build and sell online courses, memberships, and digital products. It offers a comprehensive set of tools for creating, marketing, and managing digital content, making it a popular choice for those looking to monetize their expertise. Kajabi includes features for course creation, email marketing, landing pages, and analytics.
The platform is particularly strong in its marketing and sales capabilities, with built-in funnels, automation, and a robust CRM. Kajabi is well-suited to individuals and businesses that want a complete solution for creating and selling digital products, without needing to rely on multiple tools and integrations.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Kajabi offers a 14-day free trial and the following pricing packages:
*Pricing information retrieved from Kajabi in September 2024.
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Thinkific
Thinkific is a powerful online course platform designed for educators, entrepreneurs, and businesses to create, market, and sell courses. It offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies the process of building courses, managing students, and tracking performance. Thinkific is known for its flexibility, allowing users to create a wide range of content types, including videos, quizzes, and assignments.
The platform also provides marketing and sales tools, including landing pages, payment gateways, and integrations with various third-party tools. Thinkific is ideal for those who prioritize course creation and management, with a focus on delivering engaging educational experiences to their students.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Thinkific offers a free plan and the following paid packages:
*Pricing information retrieved from Thinkific in September 2024.
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Disciple
Disciple is a community platform designed to help creators and organizations build and manage their own branded communities. It offers a range of features that enable community engagement, including discussion forums, live streaming, and content sharing. Disciple is particularly focused on mobile-first communities, with native apps for iOS and Android, making it easy for members to stay connected and engaged on the go.
The platform provides tools for monetization, such as subscriptions and in-app purchases, making it a popular choice for creators looking to build sustainable communities. Disciple’s flexibility and focus on branded experiences make it an ideal solution for those who want to create a community that reflects their brand’s identity.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Disciple offers packages based on the needs and size of the community. It offers two types of subscriptions – annual and 6-month subscriptions.
Here is the pricing information for the 6-month subscription:
*Pricing information retrieved from Disciple in September 2024.
Discord
Discord is a popular communication platform originally designed for gaming but is widely used by various communities for group chats, voice communication, and content sharing. It offers a range of features that make it ideal for real-time interactions, including voice channels, text channels, and direct messaging. Discord also supports custom roles, permissions, and integrations, making it a flexible platform for managing large and active communities.
The platform is strong in its real-time communication capabilities, allowing members to engage through voice, video, and text. Discord’s focus on live interaction makes it an ideal choice for communities that prioritize real-time engagement and collaboration.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Discord has a free version and can accommodate the needs of any team. It also has paid plans and pricing may vary depending on your country and chosen subscription plan.
While the platform doesn’t provide any pricing information on its website, according to TrustRadius, the platform has two pricing editions:
*Pricing information retrieved from Discord in September 2024.
Facebook Groups
Facebook Groups is a feature of the Facebook platform that allows users to create and manage communities centered around shared interests, activities, or causes. It offers a wide range of tools for engagement, including discussion threads, events, polls, and file sharing. As a social network, Facebook Groups are often used as customer communities – spaces where customers of a brand, product, or service come together to interact, share experiences, and engage with the brand and each other.
The platform is strong in its reach and accessibility, making it easy for members to join and engage. However, Facebook Groups is limited in customization and monetization options, which may be a drawback for those looking to build a more branded or controlled community environment. Facebook Groups can
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Facebook Groups is free to use with no additional costs.
LinkedIn Groups
LinkedIn Groups is designed for professionals to create and participate in communities centered around specific industries, interests, or professional goals. It offers a space for members to engage in discussions, share content, and network with like-minded professionals. It is well-suited for B2B communities, industry associations, and professional networking, leveraging LinkedIn’s vast user base of professionals.
The platform provides tools for moderation, content sharing, and group analytics, making it easier to manage and grow professional communities. LinkedIn Groups is ideal for those looking to foster industry-specific discussions, share knowledge, and build professional connections within a trusted and professional environment.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
LinkedIn Groups is free to use as part of the LinkedIn platform.
Effective Tips for Maximizing Community Engagement
Creating an engaging community requires more than just selecting the right platform—it also involves implementing strategies that encourage active participation, foster connections, and keep your community vibrant.
Here are some practical tips to maximize community engagement on any platform:
1. Encourage Active Participation
One effective way to boost engagement is through gamification features. Many platforms offer leaderboards, badges, and rewards that recognize and celebrate the contributions of community members. These incentives can motivate members to participate more in forums, messaging, and live-streaming sessions.
To further encourage involvement, consider hosting regular live events or webinars where members can interact in real-time, share their insights, and ask questions. Promoting these events through notifications and social media ensures maximum attendance and participation.
2. Leverage User-Generated Content
User-generated content (UGC) is a powerful tool for building an engaging community. Encourage your community members to create and share content related to their experiences, insights, or challenges. This not only adds value to the community but also empowers members by giving them a voice.
You can create discussion forums or dedicated spaces for members to post their content, whether it’s articles, videos, or podcasts. This content can then be highlighted in activity feeds or featured on landing pages to showcase member contributions and stimulate further discussion.
3. Regularly Update Content and Features
Keeping your community dynamic and fresh is key to sustaining engagement. Regularly update your community content by introducing new topics in forums, hosting unique live events, or adding new gamification elements. Keeping the content fresh ensures that members have new reasons to return and participate.
Additionally, consider rotating the spotlight on different members or topics weekly or monthly. This could involve creating themed challenges, spotlighting member achievements, or introducing new customization options for their member profiles.
4. Monitor and Analyze Engagement Metrics
Effective community management involves continuously monitoring and analyzing how members interact with your platform. Most online community platforms offer analytics tools that track engagement metrics such as post activity, event attendance, and user interaction within forums and messaging.
Use these insights to identify what’s working and what isn’t. For example, if live streaming sessions are drawing large audiences, you might want to increase their frequency or explore new formats. Conversely, if a particular forum is inactive, consider revamping its content or closing it in favor of more popular topics.
5. Foster a Welcoming and Inclusive Environment
Creating a safe and inclusive environment is crucial for maintaining a community space where members feel comfortable participating. Use moderation tools to enforce community guidelines and ensure respectful interactions. Additionally, consider having community admins or moderators who can facilitate discussions, welcome new members, and address any issues that arise.
Inclusivity also means recognizing and celebrating the diversity of your community. Highlight different perspectives and encourage discussions on a wide range of topics.
6. Provide Clear Value and Purpose
Finally, always ensure that your community has a clear purpose that resonates with its members. Whether your community is focused on professional networking, learning, or shared interests, members need to see the value in participating.
Regularly communicate the community’s mission and goals, and align your content and features to meet those objectives.
Which Community Engagement Platform Will You Choose?
When choosing a community engagement platform, it’s essential to consider your specific needs, goals, and the type of community you wish to build. Each platform offers unique strengths, features, and opportunities.
Whether you prioritize robust course creation, monetization, or seamless integration with existing tools, there’s a platform tailored to support and enhance your community’s growth and engagement. The right choice will ultimately depend on balancing the features, ease of use, and pricing to best serve your own community’s needs.
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Kyriaki is a Content Creator for the LearnWorlds team writing about marketing and e-learning, helping course creators on their journey to create, market, and sell their online courses. Equipped with a degree in Career Guidance, she has a strong background in education management and career success. In her free time, she gets crafty and musical.
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