How to Choose an Online Community Platform
Building an online community can be a game-changer for connecting with your audience, fostering engagement, and growing your brand or business. But with so many platforms available, how do you choose the right one? This guide will walk you through the process of searching for the best community platform tailored to your needs. Whether you’re a small business owner, a creator, or a community manager, these steps will help you make an informed decision.
Step 1: Define Your Purpose and Goals
Before you start exploring platforms, get clear on why you want a community and what you hope to achieve. Ask yourself:
- What’s the main purpose? Is it customer support, networking, education, engagement, or monetization?
- Who’s your audience? Are they tech-savvy professionals, casual hobbyists, or loyal customers?
- What outcomes do you want? Examples include increased customer loyalty, revenue from memberships, or a space for peer-to-peer knowledge sharing.
Example: If you’re a fitness coach, your goal might be to create a paid community where members access workout plans and support each other. If you’re a software company, you might want a free community for users to troubleshoot issues and share feedback.
Action: Write down your top 3 goals and the audience you’re targeting. This will guide your search.
Step 2: Identify Must-Have Features
Different platforms offer different tools, so list the features that align with your goals. Here are some common ones to consider:
- Discussion Tools: Forums, chat rooms, or threaded conversations for member interaction.
- Monetization Options: Subscription tiers, one-time fees, or course sales if you plan to earn revenue.
- Content Hosting: Ability to upload videos, PDFs, or courses directly on the platform.
- Events and Live Features: Support for webinars, live streams, or virtual meetups.
- Customization: Branding options like logos, colors, and layouts to match your identity.
- Moderation Tools: Features to manage spam, enforce rules, and ensure a positive environment.
- Analytics: Insights into member activity, engagement, and growth.
- Integrations: Compatibility with tools you already use (e.g., email marketing software or payment processors).
Tip: Prioritize 3-5 features that are non-negotiable based on your goals. For instance, if education is key, focus on platforms with course-building capabilities.
Step 3: Set a Budget
Community platforms range from free to hundreds of dollars per month, depending on features and scale. Consider:
- Free Options: Good for testing (e.g., Facebook Groups, Discord), but often limited in customization and ownership.
- Paid Plans: Typically $20-$200/month for mid-tier platforms with robust features.
- Scalability Costs: Some platforms charge more as your member count grows—factor this into long-term planning.
Example: A small creator might start with a $50/month plan, while a business with 1,000+ members might need a $200/month enterprise solution.
Action: Decide your monthly budget and whether you’re okay with transaction fees (common on some platforms).
Step 4: Research and Compare Platforms
Now it’s time to explore your options. Here’s a starting point with some popular platforms (as of February 23, 2025) and what they’re best for:
- Circle: Great for creators and businesses wanting an all-in-one solution with discussions, courses, and events. Starts at $49/month.
- Mighty Networks: Ideal for branded communities with AI-powered engagement tools and course hosting. Starts at $39/month.
- Skool: Perfect for simple, community-driven learning with a focus on gamification and engagement. Starts at $99/month.
- Kajabi: Best for creators combining community with courses, marketing, and sales funnels. Starts at $149/month.
- Thinkific: Suited for education-focused communities with strong course-building tools. Offers a free tier and paid plans from $49/month.
How to Research:
- Visit platform websites for feature lists and pricing.
- Search for reviews on sites like G2 or TrustRadius using keywords like “best community platforms 2025.”
- Look at posts on X to see what real users are saying about ease of use or pain points.
Action: Make a shortlist of 3-5 platforms that match your goals, features, and budget.
Step 5: Test the User Experience
A platform might look great on paper, but how does it feel to use? Test it out:
- Sign Up for Trials: Most platforms offer free trials (e.g., 14 days for Circle or Kajabi). Create a sample community to see how intuitive it is.
- Check Mobile Access: Ensure it works well on phones—many members will use it on the go.
- Invite a Friend: See how easy it is for someone else to join and navigate.
Tip: Pay attention to loading speeds, design simplicity, and whether the interface feels cluttered or clean.
Step 6: Evaluate Support and Scalability
You’ll need help as you grow, so consider:
- Customer Support: Is it email-only, or do they offer live chat or phone support? Check response times in reviews.
- Learning Resources: Look for guides, tutorials, or a knowledge base to troubleshoot issues.
- Scalability: Can the platform handle growth? Some limit members or charge more as you expand.
Example: A platform like Mighty Networks offers robust support and scales well, while a free tool like Reddit might cap your control as your community grows.
Action: Contact support with a question during your trial to test their responsiveness.
Step 7: Make Your Decision
Compare your shortlist based on:
- How well each meets your goals and must-have features.
- Cost versus value—don’t just go for the cheapest option if it lacks essentials.
- Your gut feeling from the trial—did it feel right for you and your audience?
Final Tip: Start small. Choose a platform with a free or low-cost plan to test your community idea, then upgrade as you grow.
Bonus: Avoid Common Pitfalls
- Overcomplicating: Don’t pick a platform with features you won’t use—it’ll overwhelm you and your members.
- Ignoring Ownership: Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook Groups) are easy but risky—you don’t own the data or control the experience.
- Skipping Feedback: Once launched, ask early members what they think of the platform to ensure it works for them too.
Ready to Start?
By following this guide, you’ll narrow down the overwhelming sea of options to find a platform that fits your vision. Whether it’s fostering customer loyalty, sharing expertise, or building a thriving hub, the right tool exists—you just need to find it. Start with your goals, test a few options, and watch your community come to life!
Happy searching!