6 must-have features in an Online Community Platform: A Checklist

Imagine a thriving online space where your customers, clients, and learners aren't just usernames on a screen – they're active participants, brand advocates, and a constant source of valuable insights. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, this dream can become a reality with the right online community platform. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the one with the features that truly matter? Fear not, fellow community builder! This blog post is your roadmap to choosing the perfect platform, complete with a handy checklist to ensure you don't miss a beat.

Here at Wylo, we understand and believe in the power of online communities. We believe fostering genuine connections is key to building brand loyalty and propelling your business forward in the long term. That's why we've developed a user-friendly platform packed with features designed to empower you to create a thriving online community – a virtual oasis where your audience feels welcome, valued, and engaged. Let’s get started with the 6 important features/aspects every community should have.

5 must-have Features in an Online Community Platform

1. Tools to Spark Conversations and Build Connections ft. Forums

Engaging content and interactions are the lifeline of any online community. Your platform should allow you to create a variety of content formats, from classic quick discussions to informative blog posts and polls via forums. Look for features like:

• Discussion forums: Dedicated spaces for casual and in-depth conversations on specific topics related to your brand or industry.

• Member profiles: Allow members to connect with each other, fostering a sense of belonging.

• Multimedia support: Integrate images, videos, and other multimedia elements to keep your content visually appealing and engaging.

Example: Let's say you run an online community for pet owners. Your platform should allow you to easily create blog posts with helpful pet care tips, host live Q&A sessions with veterinarians, and even share funny pet memes to keep things lighthearted.

2. Fostering Engagement & Deeper Relationships ft. Chats

Forums are great for holistic discussions. But to take engagement further and deeper, chats are the solution. A successful online community thrives on interaction with fellow members. Your chosen platform should offer features that encourage different types of chats and build a strong sense of community. Look for:

• Community chat: The Discord-level (or Slack) lets you and your members interact on the go without overwhelming.

• Direct Messages: Just like on Instagram or LinkedIn, DMs will let you and your members chat with each other personally.

• Live streaming: This brings real-time engagement, instant feedback, and a sense of connection, making your community vibrant and interactive.

Think of it like this: Imagine your online community as a bustling town square. These features are like the park benches, cafes, and bulletin boards that encourage people to gather, chat, and share ideas.

3. User Management and Moderation ft. Community Management

Building a thriving online community requires striking a balance between fostering open communication and maintaining a safe and inclusive environment. Your platform should provide tools for:

• Member approval and access control: Run an open community or a closed community - ensure only authorized users can access your community and prevent spam or disruptive behavior.

• Content moderation tools: Moderate discussions, remove inappropriate content, and ensure a positive and respectful environment for all members.

• User roles and permissions: Assign different levels of access and permissions to members, like moderators or administrators, to streamline community management.

• Customization: Imprint your branding all over your community that it feels like an extension of your brand in all beautiful ways.

Remember: Your online community is a reflection of your brand. By providing a safe and inclusive space, you demonstrate your commitment to fostering a positive and respectful environment for everyone.

4. Monetization and payments ft. Courses, Events, Memberships & Digital Store

Monetization is probably the most important aspect of running communities, especially true if you are into the coaching business. So make sure the following features are in the community platform you are going to pick.

• Courses: Structured learning modules designed to educate and engage your community members, offering a blend of video lessons, quizzes, and interactive content to enhance the learning experience.

• Memberships: Tiered access levels that provide exclusive content, resources, and perks, creating a sense of value and loyalty among your community members.

• Digital Store: A centralized marketplace where you can sell digital products like eBooks, templates, and courses, allowing members to easily purchase and access your offerings.

• Events: Interactive sessions such as webinars, workshops, and live Q&A sessions that foster real-time engagement, networking, and learning opportunities within your community.

Showcase: What’s so cool about these features is that not all of them within these features have to be monetized. Instead, think of this - have a few courses, events, digital products, and maybe a membership for free while monetizing everything else within your community. This will be a great way to pull in more members to your community as well.

5. Data-Driven Decisions for Continuous Growth ft. Analytics

Building a successful online community requires ongoing optimization. Your platform should offer analytics tools that allow you to track key metrics such as:

• Member growth: Track how your community is growing over time and identify areas for improvement.

• Engagement levels: See which types of content resonate most with your audience and tailor your strategy accordingly.

• Monetization: Analyze what items are selling like fire and who is buying them.

Data is your friend! By understanding your audience and how they interact within the community, you can make data-driven decisions to keep your online space thriving.

6. Seamless Integration with Existing Tools ft. Workflow

Chances are, you already use a variety of CRM, marketing, and communication tools. Your online community platform should integrate seamlessly with these existing tools to streamline your workflow while automating a few mundane tasks. Look for features like:

• Third-party tool integration: Integrate with third-party tools to streamline your whole community workflow.

• Automation within the community: Automate the mundane tasks of your community so the tools do most activities, saving you time and effort.

There you have it! The six essential features/aspects you need to consider when choosing an online community platform.

That said, Wylo is your all-in-one customizable community platform for building and managing a powerful online community. Our user-friendly platform offers most of the features mentioned above! From intuitive content creation tools to robust analytics dashboards, Wylo empowers you to create a vibrant space where your audience feels valued, heard, and empowered to be your biggest cheerleader.

So ready to build a community that buzzes with excitement? Don't wait any longer! Sign up for a free trial of Wylo today and experience the transformative power of online communities.