Building a thriving online community is one of the most rewarding ways to grow a brand, engage with customers, or connect like-minded individuals around shared interests. Communities foster loyalty, drive engagement, and create a space where members feel valued and heard. Whether you’re a small business, a nonprofit, or a creator, using the right platform is key to ensuring your community grows sustainably.
In 2024, the tools and strategies for community building have evolved significantly. Today’s platforms don’t just allow for discussions—they empower you to host events, monetize your community, gather insights, and deliver a seamless user experience. In this blog, we’ll explore 10 secrets for creating a thriving community by spotlighting the best tools for the job. Each platform comes with unique features, strengths, and considerations to help you make an informed decision.
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1. Mighty Networks
Features:
- Fully customizable community spaces for public and private groups.
- Mobile app access for both iOS and Android devices.
- Course and membership monetization features.
- Event hosting with integrated RSVP tools.
- Analytics dashboard to measure engagement and activity.
Pros:
- Ideal for niche communities and content creators.
- Combines courses, memberships, and community features in one tool.
- Affordable pricing for small to mid-sized businesses.
Cons:
- Limited third-party integrations compared to competitors.
- Advanced features require higher-tier plans.
- Not designed for large-scale enterprises.
Pricing:
Starts at $39/month. Learn more at Mighty Networks.
2. Circle
Features:
- User-friendly platform for creating vibrant online communities.
- Real-time messaging and discussion boards.
- Multi-tier membership plans for monetization.
- Integrations with Slack, Zapier, and Notion.
- Embedded widgets for adding community spaces to your website.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use interface, perfect for beginners.
- Supports community monetization with paid memberships.
- Excellent customer support with guided onboarding.
Cons:
- Limited event-hosting capabilities.
- No dedicated mobile app; relies on mobile web browsers.
- Costs can rise quickly with larger communities.
Pricing:
Starts at $39/month. Learn more at Circle.
3. Tribe
Features:
- Highly customizable, modular community platform.
- Gamification with badges and points to encourage participation.
- Built-in integrations with tools like HubSpot and Zendesk.
- Multilingual support for international audiences.
- API support for custom workflows and automations.
Pros:
- Scalable platform suitable for businesses of all sizes.
- Highly customizable to meet specific community needs.
- Mobile-friendly design with a clean interface.
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve for beginners.
- Advanced features are locked behind higher-priced plans.
- Limited event management options.
Pricing:
Starts at $59/month. Learn more at Tribe.
4. Kajabi
Features:
- All-in-one platform for memberships, courses, and community spaces.
- Drag-and-drop page builder for creating websites and landing pages.
- Built-in email marketing automation tools.
- Analytics to track course performance and member activity.
- Secure payment processing for monetization.
Pros:
- Ideal for course creators who want integrated community tools.
- User-friendly interface with robust tutorials and support.
- Combines multiple tools in one streamlined platform.
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other platforms.
- Limited community-specific features.
- Customization options are basic for advanced users.
Pricing:
Starts at $149/month. Learn more at Kajabi.
5. Discourse
Features:
- Open-source community software with high customizability.
- Organized, threaded discussions for structured communication.
- Gamification features like badges and achievements.
- Responsive, mobile-friendly design.
- Active developer community for custom plugins and integrations.
Pros:
- Free for self-hosted installations.
- Flexible and scalable for growing communities.
- Ideal for organizations needing detailed control.
Cons:
- Requires technical knowledge for setup and maintenance.
- No built-in monetization tools.
- Lacks event-hosting features.
Pricing:
Free for self-hosted; hosted plans start at $100/month. Learn more at Discourse.
6. Podia
Features:
- Simple platform for selling courses, memberships, and digital downloads.
- Built-in email marketing and affiliate program tools.
- No transaction fees on sales.
- Unlimited members and earnings on all plans.
- Community features to connect with students and members.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing with no hidden fees.
- Ideal for small creators and businesses.
- Simple and beginner-friendly interface.
Cons:
- Limited features for larger organizations.
- Lacks advanced customization for community spaces.
- Not ideal for event-heavy communities.
Pricing:
Starts at $33/month. Learn more at Podia.
7. Higher Logic
Features:
- Advanced email automation tools for engaging members.
- Community forums, blogs, and resource sharing.
- Event hosting with reminders and registrations.
- Detailed analytics and reporting dashboards.
- Integrations with CRM and marketing platforms.
Pros:
- Perfect for medium to large organizations.
- Rich reporting tools for data-driven strategies.
- Strong onboarding and training support.
Cons:
- Expensive for smaller businesses.
- Outdated interface compared to newer platforms.
- Requires training for effective use.
Pricing:
Custom pricing. Learn more at Higher Logic.
8. Vanilla Forums
Features:
- Modern forum software with customizable themes.
- Gamification tools like badges and points to reward participation.
- Integration with CRMs and other tools.
- Multilingual support for global audiences.
- Scalable for businesses of all sizes.
Pros:
- Scalable and flexible for growing businesses.
- Easy setup process for beginners.
- Excellent branding options for customization.
Cons:
- High pricing may not suit small businesses.
- Limited event-hosting features.
- Advanced features require higher-tier plans.
Pricing:
Starts at $689/month. Learn more at Vanilla Forums.
9. Wild Apricot
Features:
- Comprehensive membership and event management.
- Drag-and-drop website builder for creating member portals.
- Automated payment processing and renewal reminders.
- Mobile app for members and administrators.
- Built-in email marketing tools.
Pros:
- Excellent for nonprofits and associations.
- Simple interface with reliable customer support.
- Effective event management capabilities.
Cons:
- Outdated design compared to competitors.
- Limited customization options for member portals.
- Higher pricing tiers for small organizations.
Pricing:
Starts at $60/month. Learn more at Wild Apricot.
10. Glue Up
Features:
- Membership management with built-in CRM tools.
- Event ticketing and payment processing.
- Mobile app for real-time community engagement.
- Community discussion boards for networking.
- Email marketing and automation tools.
Pros:
- Great for professional associations and event-heavy communities.
- User-friendly mobile app for admins and members.
- All-in-one solution reduces the need for multiple tools.
Cons:
- Expensive for smaller organizations.
- Can feel overwhelming for beginners.
- Limited customization options for branding.
Pricing:
Starts at $125/month. Learn more at Glue Up.
Conclusion
Creating a thriving online community starts with choosing the right platform for your goals and audience. Smaller businesses and creators may find Circle, Mighty Networks, or Podia to be excellent starting points, offering affordability and simplicity. Larger organizations might benefit from feature-rich platforms like Higher Logic or Glue Up, while those with technical expertise can explore open-source solutions like Discourse.
Remember, the best platform is one that aligns with your community’s needs and vision. Take advantage of free trials and demos to test usability, features, and scalability before making your choice. With the right platform and strategy, you’ll be well on your way to building an engaged, successful community in 2024!
