The 7 Best Community Management Platforms for Course Creators in 2024

Building a thriving community around your content is crucial for long-term success. But let’s face it – managing that community can quickly become a full-time job. Not to mention, having a Facebook group here, a forum there, and a whole lot of email threads can be messy, time-consuming, and not very effective.

That’s where community management platforms come in. These tools have been a game-changer for countless educators I know.

In this guide, we will explain what these platforms are, what they can help you do, and which features to look for. We will also list the best platforms and help you choose your favorite.

Are you looking to take your community to the next level? This article will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to create a vibrant online community that not only supports your courses but becomes a valuable asset in itself.

Here are the top community management platforms in a nutshell:

Platform	Key Features	Target Audience	Pricing
LearnWorlds	Robust course creation tools, Interactive Video Editor, Customizable learning paths, Built-in Community, Advanced Analytics, Mobile app, White-labeling	Educators, Trainers, Coaches, Entrepreneurs, Businesses, Non-profits	Starts at $29/month Pro Trainer: $99/month Learning Center: $299/month High Volume & Corporate: Custom pricing
Mighty Networks	Customizable community spaces, Online courses and events, Member profiles and messaging, Native mobile app, Monetization options	Creators, coaches, entrepreneurs	Community: $49/month Courses: $119/month Business: $219/month Path-to-Pro: $360/month Mighty Pro: Custom pricing
Circle	Spaces for different topics, Member profiles and directories, Direct messaging, and group chats, Event management, Integrations with other tools	Creators, small businesses, online communities	Basic: $49/month Professional: $99/month Business: $219/month Enterprise: $399/month Circle Plus: Custom pricing
Hivebrite	Event management and ticketing, member directories, Content management system, Customizable branding, Advanced Analytics	Professional networks, alumni groups, large organizations	Connect: Starts from $799/month Scale & Enterprise: Custom pricing
Discourse	Threaded discussions, Real-time notifications, Moderation tools, Integrations with other tools, Mobile-friendly design	Tech-savvy communities, forums, discussion boards	Basic: $50/month Standard: $100/month Business: $300/month Enterprise: Custom pricing
Bettermode	Customizable community structure, Integrations with various tools, Gamification features, analytics, and reporting, Mobile responsive	Brands, businesses, community managers	Lite: $24/month Pro: $59/month Business: $119/month Enterprise: Custom pricing
Slack	Channels for topic-based discussions, Direct messaging, File sharing and integrations, Searchable message history, Customizable notifications	Teams, businesses, collaborative communities	Pro: $7.25/user/month Business+: $12.50/user/month Enterprise Grid: Custom pricing

Key Features	Target Audience	Pricing
LearnWorlds
Robust course creation tools, Interactive Video Editor, Customizable learning paths, Built-in Community, Advanced Analytics, Mobile app, White-labeling	Educators, Trainers, Coaches, Entrepreneurs, Businesses, Non-profits	Starts at $29/month Pro Trainer: $99/month Learning Center: $299/month High Volume & Corporate: Custom pricing
Mighty Networks
Customizable community spaces, online courses and events, member profiles and messaging, native mobile app, monetization options	Creators, coaches, entrepreneurs	Community: $49/month Courses: $119/month Business: $219/month Path-to-Pro: $360/month Mighty Pro: Custom pricing
Circle
Spaces for different topics, member profiles and directories, direct messaging and group chats, event management, integrations with other tools	Creators, small businesses, online communities	Basic: $49/month Professional: $99/month Business: $219/month Enterprise: $399/month Circle Plus: Custom pricing
Hivebrite
Event management and ticketing, member directories, content management system, customizable branding, advanced analytics	Professional networks, alumni groups, large organizations	Connect: Starts from $799/month Scale & Enterprise: Custom pricing
Discourse
Threaded discussions, real-time notifications, moderation tools, integrations with other tools, mobile-friendly design	Tech-savvy communities, forums, discussion boards	Basic: $50/month Standard: $100/month Business: $300/month Enterprise: Custom pricing
Bettermode
Customizable community structure, integrations with various tools, gamification features, analytics and reporting, mobile responsive	Brands, businesses, community managers	Lite: $24/month Pro: $59/month Business: $119/month Enterprise: Custom pricing
Slack
Channels for topic-based discussions, direct messaging, file sharing and integrations, searchable message history, customizable notifications	Teams, businesses, collaborative communities	Pro: $7.25/user/month Business+: $12.50/user/month Enterprise Grid: Custom pricing

What is a Community Management Platform?

A community management platform is a Swiss Army knife for community builders. It’s a comprehensive software solution designed to help you create, grow, and manage your online community all in one place.

But it’s more than just a fancy forum or a glorified social media community group. These platforms offer tools that help you engage with your community members, moderate discussions, analyze engagement metrics, and even integrate with your course content.

Here are some key characteristics of community management platforms:

• They provide a centralized hub: All community activities happen in one place, making it easier for you to manage and for members to engage.
• They offer customizable spaces: You can create different areas for various topics, courses, or user groups.
• They have engagement tools: Features like polls, Q&As, and challenges to keep members active and involved, increasing retention.
• They allow content management: Tools to create, schedule, and organize posts and resources.
• They feature analytics: Insights into community health, member engagement, and growth trends.

For course creators, these platforms offer a way to extend the learning experience far beyond the boundaries of course content creation.

They provide a space where students interact, share insights, support each other, and continue learning long after completing the last module of your course. It’s like creating a living, breathing ecosystem around your educational content.

Benefits of Using a Community Management Software

Using a robust online community management platform can compensate you generously—and by that, I do not only mean revenue-wise. Should you decide to invest in it, you can enjoy several advantages.

These are some of the key benefits you can expect to get in return:

• Enhanced learner engagement: A well-managed community keeps students motivated and connected throughout their learning journey. We’ve seen course completion rates skyrocket after implementing a community platform.
• Improved course completion rates: When students feel supported and connected to their peers, they’re more likely to stick with the course. The community becomes a source of motivation and accountability.
• User-generated content: A vibrant community naturally produces a wealth of user-generated content. Discussions, questions, and shared experiences all contribute to a rich knowledge base that complements your course material.
• Customer support streamlining: Community members often help each other, reducing the load on your support team. It’s beautiful to see students who’ve mastered a concept helping those who are struggling.
• Valuable feedback: Your community becomes a goldmine of insights into student needs, preferences, and pain points. This feedback is invaluable for improving your existing courses and developing new ones.
• Brand loyalty: A strong community fosters a sense of belonging, advocacy, and loyalty to your brand. Students who actively engage in the community are more likely to purchase additional courses and recommend them to others.
• Additional revenue streams: A thriving community opens up opportunities for upselling, cross-selling, and even premium membership models. Some educators I know have turned their communities into significant revenue sources in their own right.
• Continuous learning: The community extends the learning experience beyond the course timeline. Students can continue to learn, share, and grow long after they’ve completed your course.
• Networking opportunities: Your community can become a valuable networking space for your students, adding extra value to your courses.
• Reduced churn: Engaged community members are less likely to ask for refunds or leave negative reviews. The community adds value that goes beyond the course content itself.

💁🏻 Learn how to motivate and engage your learners to complete your online course.

💁🏻 Here’s why customer satisfaction should be a top priority for your business.

Pro Tip: If you already have an online presence on social networks, consider using a social media management tool like Sprout Social (which offers social listening) to streamline and monitor your community-building efforts. Working closely with influencers can also help you increase customer engagement.

Key Features of Community Management Platforms

If you are looking to create a more dynamic and impactful educational environment for your learners, a community management tool will undoubtedly be an invaluable asset to your online business.

Now, looking closely into what makes a great community management platform, we’ve found that the following functionality and features are absolute must-haves:

1. User-friendly interface: Ease of use is non-negotiable. If your platform is clunky or confusing, members won’t engage, and you’ll spend more time troubleshooting than building a community. Look for intuitive navigation and clean, modern design to improve your customer experience.
2. Customizable spaces: Your community should reflect your brand and cater to your needs. The best platforms allow you to customize the look and feel of your community and create tailored spaces for different topics or courses.
3. Discussion forums: The heart of any community. Look for platforms that offer threaded discussions, easy-to-use formatting options, and the ability to categorize and tag posts for easy navigation.
4. Content management: You need robust tools to create, schedule, and organize content. This includes the ability to post text, images, videos, and files and scheduling features for consistent content delivery.
5. Member profiles: Allowing users to create personalized profiles helps foster connections between members. Look for options to customize profile fields relevant to your community.
6. Notifications: Real-time alerts keep members engaged and informed. The best platforms offer customizable notification settings for both you and your members.
7. Analytics: You can’t improve what you can’t measure. Look for platforms that offer detailed metrics on engagement, growth, popular content, and other key performance indicators.
8. Moderation tools: Strong moderation features are essential for maintaining a positive community atmosphere. These features include content filters, user reports, and the ability to manage and moderate posts easily.
9. Integration capabilities: Your community platform should play nice with your other tools. Look for platforms with robust API access and pre-built integrations with popular course platforms, CRMs, and marketing tools.
10. Mobile app: In today’s on-the-go world, having an Android and iOS app for your community is crucial for keeping members engaged wherever they are.

But it’s not just about having these features—it’s about how well they work together to create a seamless community experience. The best platforms blend these features in a way that feels natural and intuitive.

As an educator or entrepreneur looking to foster a vibrant learning community, you need a cohesive and efficient community management tool. LearnWorlds checks off all the features from the list and offers everything you need to succeed under one roof. Take it for a spin for free today!

Top 7 Community Management Platforms for Course Creators

After exploring different platforms, I’ve found that certain ones stand out for course creators. Below is a brief introduction to each platform, highlighting its strengths and limitations to help you choose the best one for your community management needs.

Here’s my rundown of the top contenders:

#1 LearnWorlds – Our Top Choice

LearnWorlds is an all-in-one eLearning platform that helps you create and sell online courses. Its powerful built-in community management features make it easy to create communities, membership sites, and course discussions for your learners.

The platform offers a dedicated community space that allows learners to share posts, images, polls, like/react, comment via their timelines, and follow or mention each other. It also comes with a comprehensive suite of tools for course creation, including an AI Course Creator, video editing, assessments, and customizable learning paths, all integrated within a community-focused environment.

Moreover, it offers detailed analytics and reporting, a native mobile app, and a no-code Website Builder with advanced customization abilities.

Key Features

• Robust course creation tools
• AI Course Creator
• No-Code Website Builder
• Interactive video editor
• Customizable learning paths
• Built-in community features
• Advanced analytics and reporting
• Native mobile app

Pros & Cons

Pricing

LearnWorlds offers a 30-day free trial and the following pricing options:

• Starter: $29/month
• Pro Trainer: $99/month
• Learning Center: $299/month
• High Volume & Corporate: Contact sales

*Pricing information retrieved from LearnWorlds in July 2024.

#2 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 features like discussion forums, member networking, and customizable content channels.

Key Features

• Customizable spaces
• Live streaming capabilities
• Seamless online course integration
• Robust member profiles and networking features

Pros & Cons

Pricing

Mighty Networks offers a 14-day free trial and the following pricing packages:

• Community Plan: $49/month
• Courses Plan: $119/month
• Business Plan: $219/month
• Path-to-Pro Plan: $360/month
• Mighty-Pro Plan: Custom pricing

*Pricing information retrieved from Mighty Networks in July 2024.

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#3 Circle

Circle is a modern community platform crafted for creators seeking to build engaging spaces for discussions, events, and content sharing. It offers an intuitive interface that supports seamless interaction between members and allows users to create a customized community hub that aligns with their brand.

The platform lets you build both open and private communities, offering added privacy and control access flexibility. It focuses on providing a streamlined experience that integrates well with other tools, making it an attractive choice for those looking to foster active and connected communities.

Key Features

• Intuitive discussions and spaces
• Live streaming and events
• Seamless integration with major course platforms
• Powerful moderation tools

Pros & Cons

Pricing

Circle offers a 14-day free trial and has the following pricing plans:

• Basic: $49/month
• Professional: $99/month
• Business: $219/month
• Enterprise: $399/month
• Circle Plus: Custom pricing

*Pricing information retrieved from Circle in July 2024.

#4 Hivebrite

Hivebrite is a community management platform tailored for professional networks, alumni groups, and large organizations. It offers extensive customization options and a broad range of features, from event management to advanced analytics, rich database filters, and profile update trackers that enhance community administration.

Other handy community features include direct messaging, an RSS feed, and personalized weekly newsletters. The platform is designed to support the complex needs of professional communities, ensuring a highly engaging and interactive experience for members.

Key Features

• Comprehensive event management
• Built-in job boards
• Mentorship program tools
• Advanced analytics and reporting

Pros & Cons

Pricing

Hivebrite offers the following three pricing plans:

• Connect: starts from $799/month (billed annually)
• Scale: Custom pricing (customized permissions and user access, visibility restrictions, additional membership options, and more)
• Enterprise: Custom pricing (advanced onboarding, dedicated support, and advanced functionality for groups and sub-communities)

Scale and Enterprise plans offer additional features and custom pricing based on needs and community size. You need to request a demo to get a quote.

*Pricing information retrieved from Hivebrite in July 2024.

#5 Discourse

Discourse is an open-source discussion platform designed to create dynamic, engaging community forums. It supports in-depth conversations with threaded discussions, real-time notifications, and robust moderation tools.

The platform has strong customization options and other valuable features like categorization, badges, and a reputation system, encouraging active participation and member contribution. Its open-source nature allows for extensive customization, making it a favorite for tech-savvy communities looking to host structured and detailed discussions.

Key Features

• Open-source and highly customizable
• Excellent for in-depth, threaded discussions
• Strong SEO capabilities
• Powerful moderation and trust level system

Pros & Cons

Pricing

Discourse offers a 14-day free trial and the following pricing packages:

• Basic: $50/month
• Standard: $100/month
• Business: $300/month
• Enterprise: Custom pricing

*Pricing information retrieved from Discourse in July 2024.

#6 Bettermode (Tribe)

Bettermode is a robust community management platform for creating branded, interactive communities. It provides extensive customization options, allowing users to design community spaces with specific branding and layout preferences. Features include discussion forums, detailed member profiles, and a reputation system with badges.

Bettermode also supports content management, advanced analytics, and monetization options. It integrates with various tools and incorporates gamification elements to enhance engagement. While it offers powerful tools for community building, it may require more setup and come with higher costs for advanced features.

Key Features

• White-label community platform
• Built-in gamification tools
• Ideation and Q&A formats
• Extensive API for custom integration

Pros & Cons

Pricing

Bettermode comes with a free plan and the following paid plans:

• Lite: $24/month
• Pro: $59/month
• Business: $119/month
• Enterprise: Custom pricing

*Pricing information retrieved from Bettermode in July 2024.

#7 Slack

Slack is a widely used communication platform designed for team collaboration but is also effective for community management. It excels in real-time messaging with features like organized channels, threaded conversations, and direct messaging for private interactions.

Users can share files easily, integrate with numerous third-party apps, and utilize bots for automation. However, its primary focus on communication means it lacks some specialized community management tools, and high message volumes can be overwhelming. The platform offers a user-friendly interface but may incur additional costs for advanced features.

Key Features

• Channels for topic-based discussions
• Direct messaging
• File sharing and integrations
• Searchable message history
• Customizable notifications

Pros & Cons

Pricing

Slack offers a free plan with limited features and the following paid ones:

• Pro: $7.25/user/month
• Business+: $12.50/user/month
• Enterprise Grid: Custom pricing

*Pricing information retrieved from Slack in July 2024.

Remember, the “best” platform depends on your specific needs, budget, and community goals. A brand community will differ from a learning community, for example, so I always recommend taking advantage of free trials (if offered) to test-drive different options before deciding.

Choosing the Right Platform for Your Needs

Selecting the best community management platform for your online courses is a crucial decision that can significantly impact the success of your business.

Here’s a step-by-step approach to making this important choice:

Step 1: Assess your community size and growth potential

Consider your current community size and where you expect it to be in 6 months, a year, or even 5 years. You want a platform that can grow with you without requiring a what-could-be painful migration down the line.

Start by looking into your current member count, from your existing email list or social media platforms, like dedicated Facebook or LinkedIn groups. Also, evaluate your projected growth rate so that you can gauge your scalability needs for the future.

Step 2: Identify your integration needs

Make a list of all the tools you currently use and plan to use in the future. The right community platform should complement your existing tech stack. Course platform compatibility should be a priority, so look for a platform that integrates with marketing tools and connects to CRM systems.

Step 3: Determine your budget

Be sure to consider the pricing and any costs associated with setup, customization, or scaling as your community grows. This includes any upfront costs, ongoing monthly or annual fees for the platform, or even additional costs for add-ons or increased usage. Doing so will help you decide if the platform is a viable long-term solution.

Step 4: Prioritize essential features

Create a prioritized list of features based on your community goals and management style. This will help you focus on platforms that offer what’s truly important to you. While comparing your options, it might help to focus on your ‘must-have features’, ‘nice-to-have features’, and ‘features you can live without’.

Step 5: Evaluate user experience

If the platform is difficult to use, engagement will suffer. Consider the learning curve for both you and your community members. Check the platform’s interface intuitiveness to ensure it is user-friendly and easy to use and navigate. Don’t forget to check it on mobile devices too, to test its mobile responsiveness.

Step 6: Assess support and resources

Even the best platforms can have issues, so good support is crucial. Look for platforms with responsive support teams and comprehensive documentation. Reviews can say a lot about the quality of customer support, so make sure you check those first. You can also look for any training resources available or whether the platform has an active user community.

Step 7: Consider customization options

Your community should feel like an extension of your brand. Evaluate how much you can tailor the platform to your unique needs. Opt for a platform that offers extensive customization and branding capabilities. Consider the flexibility of the layout and prioritize the ones that support custom feature development.

Step 8: Test drive top contenders

There’s no substitute for hands-on experience. Make sure you utilize free trials to the max and set up a test community on the platforms you are interested in to get a feel for how they work. You can always involve your team members in the evaluation process.

When searching for a community management platform, finding the best fit for your needs and goals is the only thing that matters.

Contact other course creators or community managers to get their insights on this. But most importantly, trust your instincts. If a platform feels right and meets most of your criteria, then it’s a good choice.

Which Community Management Platform Will You Choose?

Building and managing a thriving online community is no small feat, but with the right tools and strategies, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. A strong community can be the secret sauce that transforms your online courses from good to exceptional.

It’s not just about delivering content; it’s about creating an ecosystem where learners can connect, support each other, and continue growing.

💁🏻 Read Effective Community Management: Best Practices for Success

As you work on your community, don’t be afraid to experiment, learn from successes and failures, and enjoy the process. The connections you’ll make and your impact on your learners’ lives are truly priceless.

Here’s to building vibrant, engaged, and transformative learning communities! Your future self – and your learners – will thank you for the effort you put in today.

Ready to give it a go? Get your 30-day free trial with LearnWorlds today.