11 top community software online solution platforms

Do you want to find the most effective online community platform for hosting your business's branded community?

The process of selecting the ideal software for your community could seem overwhelming because of elements such as user friendliness, support for customers and platform versatility and many more aspects are on the line. In order to lessen the pressure of the right choice We've looked at the top eleven community software providers online available that are available.

Read the full section to find out everything you need to know about the good, bad, and the ugly of the most highly rated options available there. The article has a great deal of details on what need to look for when choosing an online community platform , which will help you make the ideal option for your needs.

What exactly are these businesses?

Platforms for online community are solutions for software which allow you to create the appearance of a virtual space that allows members to learn, connect and communicate with others.

Different platforms offer different advantages. Understanding your needs can help narrow the options as we review some of the most popular communities online as well as their capabilities. We'll get started!

What to look for in a community platform

Community software has a basic functionality for community, as well as additional options that are beneficial as they help you achieve specific goals. When choosing, you must look for the right solution for your organization today as well as in the near future.

Don't focus on particular aspects. Instead, consider the whole package and consider how the program integrates into the overall strategy of your company.

Things to look for when you are looking for a top community-based software program

Simple and simple to understand. It's likely that you'll spend several hours developing and managing your community. It's essential to provide the best time. Make sure the platform is intuitive and lets you work effectively. Additionally you'd like it to be easy and enjoyable for your users to utilize!

Simple to access. Your guests should be able quickly join when you are organizing an event, or seeking to join. There should be fewer hurdles to getting into the system and the easier it is for participants to participate.

Integrates with the rest of your company. A majority of communities comprise an entire network of services including online training courses and training materials. All of it must have the same brand style and look, as well as it is easy to travel from one place to another.

includes sales and marketing functions. It is impossible to grow the network of someone that no one knows about. The best platform will come with tools to assist you in helping advertise your group, offer memberships, and upselling your other products.

Insightful analytics. To provide a great experience to your customers that draws them in and keeps them interested, you should know what's working, and what's not. Analytics tools provide you with all the details you need regarding your member's behaviour and preferences , allowing you to focus your efforts on your most efficient methods.

11 of the best community software online solution firms

Take a look the most popular online community applications currently in use.

1.

Benefits of this include:

Simple. makes it super easy to create and run your online community. Your community can be an independent product, or utilize it as an additional benefit to your course or coaching programs.

Multi-level. You can create community that is free and paid to create a "membership funnel" for your business. Your free membership can attract new customers with the help of providing them the opportunity to communicate with your business and peers. Utilize's powerful marketing tools to market the paid-for community where members will have access to premium content or benefits.

Deep integration into the sales and marketing technology system. One of the advantages of HTML0 is the complete set of business-building tools. When you sign up as a user, get access to the whole toolkit which includes:

• Web Builder
• Builder of landing pages
• Marketing software to send emails
• Funnel builder
• Pages for payment processing and ordering
• The host of the podcast

Your tools are designed for use together, removing the hassle of building tech integrations and diagnosing issues. Sign in and then play and roll.

This is a comprehensive solution which can help to reduce costs. If you invest in one-off goods as well as creating your own tech stack, you can effortlessly invest hundreds of dollars each month. There is only one monthly cost that includes all the things you require to manage an online enterprise that's successful.

The Basic plan will cost you $100 each month. It includes 3 digital products (a community and two others) in addition to up to 10,000 contacts. Once you've outgrown the basic plan, it is possible to upgrade into the Grow plan with a the one-time cost of $159. You get 15 different products as well as up to 25,000 contact.

Try it for no cost for 14 days

It has everything your online company needs. All you need to be aware of. Yes! Let's go!

2. Facebook groups

If you're an active Facebook user, then you likely belong to at the very minimum one group on Facebook. Facebook allows you to create private groups, where it is possible to interact with your audience for personal or business reasons.

Facebook's Facebook groups are free. However, there are hidden fees related to the trust of users and their reputation. Trust in the company has fallen by 66% over the past few years..

As an example, when she created the Facebook group to host the community Kathryn Aragon discovered that many of the members no longer engaging on Facebook. To increase the number of members who joined her community She decided to move the community to a different platform.

The main benefits that come with Facebook as a social media platform that fosters community arethe following:

Security. The content within the group is only accessible to other members.

Discussion. Posts and comments permit members to debate issues in real-time. Updates from the group are sent directly to members. This allows for a more efficient communication.

Control of members. Group administrators can easily manage group members as well as their permissions.

The disadvantages of this are that there is no control over the website (that's a biggie) and there's no member directory or website administration. Members do not count as Facebook'scustomers. They're Facebook's customers. Let's not forget the enormous Facebook outage that occurred in the month of October 2021. It caused small businesses around all around the world to cut the access to their social networks and their clients.

A major complaint made by community members is that there's no support that is direct, as there are just support forums that can be used to troubleshoot issues.

3. Discord

Since it gained traction in the realm of gaming, Discord has grown into a very popular social platform accessible to all kinds of players. Its goal is to offer areas where players can connect in common interests.

An online community-based software business, Discord offers real-time video as well as audio calls. Also, the platform has roles customized for separating the members from the administrators. Due to the gaming aspect and its geeky background it has dark themes and could not match your business's style. There's not a lot of options to design your membership spaces.

It includes the following functions:

AI-Powered Bots. Bots can be programmed to welcome new users to make the experience more personal. Users will know of the fact that the bot interacts with them. You are able to create enjoyable experiences using it while providing useful facts.

Reliable, secure private channels. Discord does not have the time-lag that makes it appear as if you're in the same room. This is an extremely popular option for privateness and security. Discord channels are private, allowing users to be secure when they chat.

Moderator Academy. This is a complete resource for first-time and veteran moderators who want to improve their community management skills.

It's a disadvantage that creating your Discord community isn't easy. It means you'll need to learn which means it's possible that you won't get the greatest benefit from this platform. Your Discord server will be part of the same community as the communities where your users participate in. This means you'll be competing for their interest.

Discord is free to download. Just download the app and configure it. It is also possible to upgrade to Discord Nitro ($99.99 each year) for more emoticons larger uploads and better quality video along with a few other upgrades.

4. Mighty Networks

Mighty Networks offers an online learning platform with built-in community functions. The system is robust, and permits personalized branding as well as functions that encourage community involvement.

It is the key to Mighty Networks features include:
   

Mobile access. The online community website offers a mobile-friendly app that lets users to interact with other members on the go. It's actually simpler to interact using your mobile phone rather than using the internet.

Email alerts. Members get email alerts when there's new community activity. They get a brief reminding to log in and look over what they might be missing from their radar.

Branding. Mighty Network allows you to make a branding website with a similar look and feel to your site. Simply apply your logo's colors to hyperlinks for tabs, buttons as well as icons.

It's crucial to know that Might Networks is a community-focused platform. If you want to create different kinds of products to grow your business, you may need to purchase additional applications and the software to host the products.

5. Hivebrite

Hivebrite It is a community management system that is all-in-one designed for nonprofits and education institutions. It serves more than 500 institutions such as Vanderbilt University, WWF, and Sabin Vaccine Institute.

Prices are not displayed on their site. For a chance to test Hivebrite You'll need to sign up for Demos this is an indication they only offer price plans for corporations.

They do come with attractive capabilities. Your community is able to be branding. It lets you organize your community's information and marketing tools in one place.

A selection of the best-known options offered by Hivebrite are:

Live feed. It's possible to livestream community members to organize events in real time.

access rights. With Hivebrite, you are able to assign access rights to different groups of users like students or alumni. It is also possible to create different levels of membership that offer greater access to members paying.

Modular capabilities. As your community evolves, you can switch on various features. You can choose to use forums, events and networking groups. message center, media center and even a job board or directory.

The main challenge is connecting the platform to your database as well as other technologies. Most likely it is necessary to hire an IT expert to complete an API to integrate the platform using various tools.

6. Tribe.so

Tribe is a community-building platform, with an app-based ecosystem that permits direct connections with companies from third parties, in addition to methods to incorporate the community into other applications or websites. Some examples of usage cases include customer education and satisfaction as well as help for customers, relations branding, leading in branding, and feedback from customers regarding products.

In Tribe the primary features provide the necessary communities components. Application can improve your capabilities. Examples:

• Slack gives admins and moderators the option of getting notifications about various events.
• Zapier links your network to additional tools within your tech stack.
• Google Analytics helps you measure the activities of your audience.

Tribe is a collection of the following attributes:

Social Share. Tribe includes Open Graph tags which allow social sharing. It's simple to share content on the Tribe community in order to attract interest from prospective members.

Integration. Third-party integrations with more than 30 applications allow users to link their community as well as the tools that you already use.

Modification Panel. Tribe gives you the possibility to permit modifications, edit, or block content posted by users. You can also archive old content to ensure that your feed is free from chaos.

Tribe is completely free for the first 100 users. The Plus Plan costs monthly at $59 and allows you use users to use Plus applications and over 2,500 users. If you want to get the most value from the app You'll need to move into the Premium Plan at $299 a month. It allows you to eliminate any Tribe logo, use its API and webhooks as well as increase the number of members to 25,000.

7. Circle.so

Circle can help you create communities around your classes, coaching, or assistance for customers. It aims to simplify the process of creating communities by allowing you to create pages and content that facilitate discussion and earn money from your membership. It offers a range of features and allows you to make a space with your logo that is in line with the site you have created.

The most notable features of Circle include:

Simple integrations. Circle works well with other tools from third parties like the email marketing software Slack, Wordpress, and  it allows you to market your company or incorporate it with other products.

Spaces which are hidden and secure. You can create distinct spaces for various members of your membership. As an example, you could have the option of creating one area to accommodate the core members, while another area is exclusive to the most expensive members.

Searchable member directory. Members can join each other by creating their own profile fields and search filters.

Circle is priced at $35 per month , and it comes with an 4% transaction fee per user. The base plan offers the basic features of your community, which includes messages and conversations. You can upgrade to the Premium Plan ($89 monthly plus a 1percent transaction fee per user) to unlock Live streaming courses Online classes, live streaming courses and advanced analysis.

You may find that you'll need be charged extra for additional the extra features like additional space for administrators, additional spaces, email white-labeling, and customized single sign-on (SSO).

8. Vanilla Forums

Vanilla Forums is designed to enable mid-sized businesses and large enterprises to provide a superior customers with a superior experience. It's often used for the help of customers, customer experience along with product marketing as well as the promotion of brands.

Vanilla offers a great user experience, a seamless integration with your existing tech stack, as well as flexible customizations to suit the design of your business.

Principal aspects of Vanilla Forums comprise:

Knowledge Base. You can create Self-Service Help Centers within your local community. It includes user guides and aid documents.

Customization of surveys. With Vanilla Forums you can create customized surveys for your audience for direct responses.

Open source community. You can download Vanilla's open source code at no cost, and then create your own community. Feeling techy? There is a way to provide the code source.

This platform is less ideal for creators who are independent and sole-preneurs. Prices isn't visible on the site. If you're interested in this platform, it's possible to schedule an appointment with an agent regarding sales.

9. WildApricot

WildApricot offers an entire platform originally designed specifically for associations and nonprofits. Today, it is used by chapters, clubs and associations that are state- and local-level.

Wild Apricot has a self-serve layout that allows you to modify every part of your community. The reputation system and gamification allow you to showcase high-quality content, unlock member features and even automate moderation.

It is a great source of:

Event management. Plan events such as auctions online, virtual conference, webinars and more. It is also possible to find sponsors for your event. Additionally, you can build your own event calendar and create event registrations.

Donations. With WildApricot, you can take donations, and then track progress towards your goals for donations. You can also export your donation records for easier track and manage the donation.

CRM. Like , WildApricot has a CRM (customer relationship management) software that comes with the largest member directory and is available from any location.

It's important to employ the services of third parties to promote and manage your company. Most will integrate with WildApricot such as WordPress, Mailchimp, and Zapier. Payment processing, too, is restricted for U.S. and Canada residents.

You are able to test WildApricot no cost for up to 50 contacts. Costs will rise in the event that your reach increases.

• $100 for 100 contacts
• 60 dollars a month to 250 contacts
• Rent of $110 per month for 500 contacts.
• $190 a month for 2 000 contacts

10. Disciple Media

Disciple Media is a community platform comprising three elements comprised of a console, which manages your content on devices that are mobile or desktop, and a mobile application where members are able to join a web-based community, and a desktop space to engage.

This platform is specifically designed for founders, creators, and influential personalities who wish to create their own brand-name online social network.

Disciple Media includes the following characteristics:

Multiple designs. You can store and share content from one central place. Use folders, groups, and lists to create an unique structure for each user.

Mobile application. Disciple Media is like a social networking as the mobile-friendly experiences are designed for the user. There is a web app however it is limited in its capabilities compared to the mobile app.

In-app purchases. Disciple lets you create sponsorships and in-app purchases and convert your customers into members.

Cost of Disciple is dependent on the number of members as well as your preference of either mobile, web or both.

• Exclusively on the web $46 per month for 100 members
• Mobile only. $500 per month at $458 for 500 users.
• Mobile and Web: $504 for 500 members

The add-ons are API whitelabeling, API whitelabeling, and. Furthermore, you'll have to pay to coach in the community as well as member support and mastermind features.

11. Vibely.io

Vibely.io was created by two ex- Asana employee Teri Yu and Theresa Lee and they wanted to challenge the existing creator communities by adopting a positive attitude. Their tagline "Built with women in mind, not gamers," provides a sense of the kind of vibe they intend to build.

Vibely.io is a creator-controlled online community platform that allows creators to interact with fans and collect user-generated content.

Vibely.io's most popular features include:

A commitment to positive thinking. Vibely has a commitment to refraining from allowing spam, trolls, or other forms of violence. Its goal is to create an environment that's inclusive of everyone.

Tools and challenges for accountability. This app has tasks, leaderboards and trackers to ensure that everyone is engaged.

Ambassadors. Vibely lets you choose individuals in your community who will aid in the acceptance and supervision of your members.

Start your own Vibely community free of charge without any limit to the number of ambassadors, members and super-administrators. But, with the base plan, it's not possible to take regular payments. The Mastermind plan unlocks payments in addition to taking 10% of revenue.

The top online community software business

There are a variety of factors to take into consideration when selecting the most suitable online platform for community building. It is essential to have tools that can help you create markets, sell and grow your community, along with the platform must be user-friendly both for the members.
   
    According to our analysis we found plenty of good options One stands out as an all-inclusive business platform.

It only allows you to create and promote a vibrant and vibrant community along with other digital services like courses, online coaching, and online training. It also gives you all the resources you require to market and sell your products so that you can grow and scale an effective business based on knowledge.

If your goal is to create a forum, it's possible to choose any of the communities we've looked at. Knowing the number of members in your group, that alternative may be a reasonable choice (or perhaps free).

The free software choices can leave users subject to various rules and algorithms, while also limiting your growth potential. These programs lack the functionality that you require and typically limit the amount of users that you are allowed to accept.

The community you join is yours. Your terms, conditions, and cost of membership, whether paid or unpaid.

If you're looking to create an online presence, then this is the perfect all-in-one tool. Through tutorials, videos as well as video walks, it will help you get online quickly. Through The University it is possible to gain access to training on the basics of running an online community. It is available free to all users.

Begin your complimentary 14-day trial today!

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