A thriving online community is a powerful way to grow your brand, foster customer loyalty, and create meaningful connections with your audience. In 2024, communities are more than just forums—they’re hubs where members can collaborate, learn, and share. Whether you’re a small business, a nonprofit, or a content creator, having the right tools to build and manage your community can make a significant difference.
With the right platform, you can boost engagement, host events, share resources, and even monetize your community. This blog highlights 10 secrets to creating a thriving community, focusing on the best tools for the job. Each platform offers unique features tailored to specific needs, and we’ll break down their pros, cons, and pricing to help you make the best choice.
Page Contents
1. Mighty Networks
Features:
- Create fully customizable community spaces with private or public options.
- Host events with RSVP features to foster real-time interaction.
- Monetize with paid memberships, courses, and subscriptions.
- Mobile app for iOS and Android for easy access.
- Analytics to track user engagement and community growth.
Pros:
- Combines community, courses, and events in one platform.
- Affordable and accessible for small businesses and creators.
- Easy-to-use interface for non-technical users.
Cons:
- Limited third-party integrations.
- Advanced features are locked behind higher-tier plans.
- Not ideal for very large or complex communities.
Pricing:
Starts at $39/month. Learn more at Mighty Networks.
2. Circle
Features:
- User-friendly design for creating interactive community hubs.
- Support for real-time messaging and threaded discussions.
- Monetize with tiered memberships and exclusive content.
- Embed widgets on your website to integrate the community seamlessly.
- Integrations with Zapier, Slack, and Notion.
Pros:
- Simple and intuitive setup, great for beginners.
- Strong monetization options for small businesses.
- Excellent customer support and onboarding.
Cons:
- Limited event-hosting features.
- No dedicated mobile app, relying on mobile browser support.
- Pricing increases for larger communities.
Pricing:
Starts at $39/month. Learn more at Circle.
3. Tribe
Features:
- Modular design for fully customizable community layouts.
- Gamification tools like badges, leaderboards, and rewards.
- Multilingual support for global communities.
- Integrates with tools like HubSpot, Zendesk, and Slack.
- Advanced API for developers to create custom workflows.
Pros:
- Highly scalable and adaptable to growing needs.
- Excellent integrations with other tools.
- Mobile-friendly and visually appealing design.
Cons:
- Steep learning curve for beginners.
- Many advanced features require higher-tier plans.
- Limited in-built options for hosting events.
Pricing:
Starts at $59/month. Learn more at Tribe.
4. Podia
Features:
- Sell digital products, courses, and memberships all in one place.
- Built-in email marketing and affiliate program tools.
- Unlimited members and revenue on all pricing plans.
- Zero transaction fees on all earnings.
- Community features to engage and connect with members.
Pros:
- Beginner-friendly interface with no hidden fees.
- Affordable for small businesses and creators.
- Great support for selling digital products.
Cons:
- Limited customization for community features.
- Not suited for larger organizations.
- Lacks robust event-management tools.
Pricing:
Starts at $33/month. Learn more at Podia.
5. Discourse
Features:
- Open-source platform offering high flexibility.
- Threaded discussions for clear, organized communication.
- Mobile-optimized for users on the go.
- Gamification options like badges and achievements.
- Strong developer community for plugin support and integrations.
Pros:
- Free for self-hosted users.
- Highly customizable and scalable.
- Perfect for organizations needing detailed control.
Cons:
- Requires technical expertise to set up and maintain.
- No in-built monetization tools.
- Limited support for event hosting.
Pricing:
Free for self-hosted; hosted plans start at $100/month. Learn more at Discourse.
6. Kajabi
Features:
- All-in-one platform for memberships, courses, and community spaces.
- Drag-and-drop page builder for creating custom websites.
- Advanced analytics to track course performance and engagement.
- Built-in email marketing automation for campaigns.
- Secure payment gateway for monetizing memberships.
Pros:
- Perfect for course creators and educators.
- Combines multiple tools in one platform.
- User-friendly with great support and tutorials.
Cons:
- Expensive for small businesses and startups.
- Limited customization for community features.
- Focuses more on courses than community engagement.
Pricing:
Starts at $149/month. Learn more at Kajabi.
7. Higher Logic
Features:
- Email automation tools to keep members engaged.
- Forums, blogs, and resource libraries for sharing knowledge.
- Integration with CRM platforms for managing member data.
- Event tools to organize virtual or in-person gatherings.
- Detailed reporting for tracking engagement metrics.
Pros:
- Great for large organizations and enterprises.
- Strong support and training for users.
- Robust reporting for strategic planning.
Cons:
- Expensive for small businesses.
- Requires training for effective use.
- Interface feels outdated compared to newer tools.
Pricing:
Custom pricing. Learn more at Higher Logic.
8. Wild Apricot
Features:
- Membership management with automated payments and renewals.
- Event registration and ticketing tools.
- Drag-and-drop website builder for member portals.
- Mobile app for managing communities on the go.
- Built-in email marketing for outreach.
Pros:
- Perfect for nonprofits and associations.
- Simple interface with reliable customer support.
- Excellent for event-heavy communities.
Cons:
- Limited customization options.
- Outdated design compared to competitors.
- Costs can add up for smaller organizations.
Pricing:
Starts at $60/month. Learn more at Wild Apricot.
9. Glue Up
Features:
- All-in-one solution for events, memberships, and community engagement.
- CRM tools to track and manage members effectively.
- Mobile app for real-time communication.
- Event ticketing and payment tools.
- Email automation for outreach campaigns.
Pros:
- Strong event-management capabilities.
- Great for professional organizations and associations.
- User-friendly mobile app for admins and members.
Cons:
- Pricing may be prohibitive for small businesses.
- Overwhelming interface for first-time users.
- Limited branding and customization options.
Pricing:
Starts at $125/month. Learn more at Glue Up.
10. Vanilla Forums
Features:
- Customizable forum software with modern design.
- Gamification tools to engage members.
- Integration with CRM platforms and other tools.
- Multilingual support for global communities.
- Scalable solutions for businesses of all sizes.
Pros:
- Highly scalable for growing businesses.
- Easy setup and management.
- Offers great branding customization.
Cons:
- Expensive for small teams or organizations.
- Limited event-hosting capabilities.
- Advanced features restricted to higher-tier plans.
Pricing:
Starts at $689/month. Learn more at Vanilla Forums.
Conclusion
Creating a thriving community requires the right tools to match your vision, budget, and needs. Platforms like Mighty Networks and Circle are excellent for smaller businesses or creators, while tools like Higher Logic and Glue Up cater to larger, event-heavy communities. Open-source options like Discourse are great for tech-savvy users who want control and scalability.
Take advantage of free trials and demos to test these platforms before committing. The ideal choice will help you foster meaningful connections, grow your brand, and ensure long-term engagement. In 2024, your community can thrive with the right strategy and platform!
