11 best community software online solution platforms

Oct 28, 2022

Are you searching for the ideal online community platform to host your community for your business?

The best program to use for your group can be difficult, considering that factors like user-friendliness and customer service, as well as the flexibility of platforms, and numerous other factors are at stake. In order to ease the burden of this big selection, we've reviewed the top eleven online community software providers with their offerings.

Check out the full details, including the good, the bad and the ugly of the best solutions available. The following article provides a wealth of details on what need to look for on a community website  that will allow you to pick the right one for your business.

What are they exactly?

Platforms to create online communities are computer-based solutions that let you create an electronic space for users to study, communicate, and interact with each other users.

Each platform has advantages and disadvantages. Knowing your priorities can assist in narrowing the choices as we go through the most well-known online community platforms, as well as their capabilities. Let's get to it!

What are the main features to be looking for in a community platform

Community software solutions have the essential component of community, along with other functions that add value and assist with specific goals. When choosing, you must look for the right solution for your organization now and into the future.

Don't focus on certain aspects. Instead, consider all aspects of the program and reflect on how your program fits into the overall vision of your business.

What to look for in a good community-based software product:

Simple to use. There will be many hours spent creating and managing your community. You'll need to enjoy your users' experience. It is essential to ensure that the system you decide to utilize is easy to navigate and assists you effectively. Of course, you would like to find it easy to work with and fun for your customers to utilize!

It is simple to utilize. Members must be able to swiftly sign in when they are hosting an event , or planning to take part. If there's less hurdles in the way of gaining access to the system, the less likely they are to sign up.

integrates with other aspects of your organization. Communities are a large part of an overall ecosystem of services: online courses as well as coaching and other training materials. All of it must have the same style of branding and look in addition, it must be simple to transfer from one area to another.

It is a combination of sales and marketing functions. There's no way to develop a social network that nobody is aware of. Ideally, the platform should include tools for promoting your membership by selling memberships, as in selling other goods.

Informative analysis. To provide a excellent experience for your members that draws them in and keep them interested, you should know what's working, and what isn't. Analytics tools provide you with the information you need to know about the behavior of your customers and their preferences to help you focus your efforts to the most efficient ways.

The top 11 community software online solution firms

Take a look around the most popular online community softwares currently available.

1.

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Benefits of this include:

The ease of use. makes it super easy to set up and operate your community online. Your community can be as a stand-alone product or employ it as an enhancement to your training or coaching courses.

Multi-level. You can create both paid and free communities in order for creating an "membership funnel" for your company. The free membership you offer can draw potential customers by way by providing them with a place to communicate with fellow members of your community as well as with you. Then, use 's robust marketing tools to sell the paid-for community where members will have access to exclusive content and benefits.

An extensive integration with the sales and marketing technology systems. One of the highlights of HTML0 is the complete set of tools to help build businesses. Users have access to all the range of tools, which comprise:

  • Builder for websites
  • Landing page builder
  • Software for marketing emails
  • Funnel builder
  • Pages for ordering and processing payments
  • The host of the podcast

All your devices are built to integrate, removing the headache of making tech integrations, or diagnosing issues. Sign up and then you're all set to rock and roll.

An integrated and complete solution can also help you save money. Investing in one-off products or creating your own stack, you'll be able to spend hundreds of dollars each month. You only pay one cost per month that will cover all the things necessary to run successful online businesses.

The Basic plan costs $119 per month and comes with three digital services (a community, as well as two additional) and up to 10,000 contacts. In the event that you exceed the limits of the Basic plan, you can upgrade to the Growth plan at the price of $159 per month. There are 15 products to choose from as well as up to 25,000 contacts.

Try it for no cost for 14 days

It has everything your online business will require. Everything you need in one location. Yes! Let's go!

2. Facebook groups

facebook-group-screenshot

If you're a Facebook user likely belong to at minimum, if not all of a Facebook group. Facebook lets you create private groups, which allows you to communicate with your followers either for business or private motives.

Facebook group memberships are completely free however, there are hidden costs regarding the credibility of Facebook and its confidence. The trust of the public in the business has declined by 66% over recent years.

As an example, when she set up a Facebook group to host the members of the community, Kathryn Aragon discovered that many of her members were not actively using Facebook. In order to boost the number members joining her group, she had move her group to a different site.

The major benefits of Facebook as a social media platform to build the community are

Security. The content within the group might only be accessible to members who are not members.

discussion. Posts and comments enable members to talk about topics live in real time. Updates from the group are delivered directly to the members. This makes it easier to communicate with members.

Members management. Group administrators can easily control the members in the group and their access permissions.

Some of the negatives are the lack of ownership (that's the most significant issue) as well as a lack of site management or member directory. The members aren't the site'scustomers. They're Facebook's customers. Don't forget about the massive Facebook downtime which occurred during October of 2021, which led small companies across the world to instantly be denied access to their communities and their clients.

Another major issue raised by owners of community websites is the absence of assistance in person or even support forums for help in troubleshooting.

3. Discord

discord-website

In the realm of gaming, Discord has become a wildly popular social media platform with an array of gamers. Its goal is to provide a platform in which users can connect with each other over similar interests.

Discord is an internet-based program used by a community-focused firm. Discord offers real-time video and audio chats. Furthermore, it provides custom roles that distinguish between admins and members. In light of its gamer and techno-related roots, its design has a dark tone which may or not fit with the style of your organization. There aren't numerous options to brand the membership area.

It offers the following advantages:

AI-Powered Bots. The bots are programmable to greet new members and customize the experiences. Members will know of the fact that this is a real robot that's interacting with them. You are able to create pleasant experiences with it, while providing useful details.

Reliable, secure private channels. Discord doesn't have a time limit and therefore it feels like being in the same room. It's known for its privateness and its channels are completely private, which allows members to feel safe in their discussions.

Moderator Academy. This is a comprehensive source for novice and veteran moderators to level up their skills in community management.

However, establishing your Discord community can be a challenge. That means a learning curve which means you may not get the most benefit out of Discord's community. Your Discord server will be in the same community that users of your server are So it's competing for interest.

Discord is offered for free. All you have to do is install the application and install it. You can upgrade to Discord Nitro ($99.99 a year) for access to more emoticons and uploads with more capacity. You can also get HD video as well as a variety of other improvements.

4. Mighty Networks

mighty-networks-website

Mighty Networks offers an online learning platform that has a built-in community feature. The platform is sturdy, and permits personal branding as well as functions which encourage community participation.

The key element to Mighty Networks features include:
   

Mobile access. This community site online has mobile apps that allow members to connect with each with one another on the move. It's actually much simpler to interact via your smartphone rather than on the internet.

Email alerts. Members receive email notifications of any new activity within the community. They receive a brief reminder to sign in to see what they may not be aware of.

Branding. Mighty Network allows you to create a branded space with a similar look and feel similar to the appearance of your site. Just apply your logo's color on tabs, buttons icons, hyperlinks and other elements.

It's important to note the reality it is the case that Might Networks is a community-focused platform. If you want to create various kinds of products in order to grow your business, you may need to purchase other programs and software to host them.

5. Hivebrite

hivebrite-website

Hivebrite provides a complete platform for community management specifically made specifically for nonprofit and education organizations. It is used by over 500 institutions such as Vanderbilt University, WWF, and Sabin Vaccine Institute.

Prices are not displayed on their website. For a chance to try Hivebrite on your own You'll need to sign up for Demos this indicates they're only offering corporate pricing plans.

The site offers attractive functions. The community you manage can be named after a brand. Additionally, you can control your community's content, members and tools for marketing in one spot.

Some of the top options offered by Hivebrite are:

Live feed. It's possible to livestream community members to hold real-time events.

access rights. With Hivebrite, you are able to assign access rights to different users, such as students or alumni. Additionally, you can make tiers of membership that provide greater access for members who pay.

Modular capabilities. As your community expands, you can to use different options. There are forums, events, and networking groups. messages, media center as well as a job board or directory.

The most difficult part is integration of your database and with other technology. Most likely, you'll need engage an IT specialist to develop the APIs that allow you to sync your database with various software.

6. Tribe.so

tribe.so-website

Tribe is a community-based programmable platform with an app ecosystem that permits the integration of third party apps, as well as ways to integrate Tribe into other applications and sites. The use cases for Tribe are education for customers and customer satisfaction, and also assistance for customers who have brands, brand management, along with feedback from customers.

With Tribe the primary functions take care of vital community elements. Applications can enhance your abilities. As an example:

  • Slack provides admins and moderators the possibility of getting messages about various occasions.
  • Zapier connects your community with the other tools which are an integral part of your tech stack.
  • Google Analytics helps you measure activities in your local community.

Tribe comes with the following features:

Social-sharing. Tribe includes Open Graph tags that allow social sharing. It allows you to post content that is not part of the communityand attract attention from members who are not yet.

Integration. Third-party integrations with over 30 different apps let you connect your communities with the tools you're using already.

Modification panel. Tribe gives you the ability to allow users to modify, alter, or block content from users. You can also archive posts from the past to ensure your feed stays free of clutter.

Tribe is free to as many as 100 members. The Plus Plan costs $59 per month, allows more apps and more than 2,500 members. To get the best benefit from the app, users must change to the Premium plan for $299 per month. This allows you to remove the Tribe logo, use its webhooks and API in addition to extending membership up to 25,000.

7. Circle.so

circle.so-website

Circle will help you build an online community for your courses and coaching programs, as well as customer service. It is designed to ease the process of building communities by allowing users with the ability to build content, create discussion areas, facilitate discussions and make money from the membership. It has rich choices and allows you to create an area with logos that match the design of your site.

Some of Circle's standout features are:

Integrations that are straightforward. Circle plays nicely with tools from third parties, such as email marketing software, Slack, Wordpress, and it allows you to market your community , or even integrate it with other products.

Spaces which are private and confidential. You can create separate areas for different members within your. As an example it is possible to designate a particular space just for core members , as well as a separate space for premium members.

Searchable member directory. It allows members to connect with one another through custom profiles and filters for search.

Circle is $35 per month, and comes with an 4% transaction fee per user. The Basic plan gives you only the essentials you need for your group, including discussions and private messaging. Make the upgrade to the Premium Plan ($89 per month, plus a% transaction fee per user) to access Live streaming and courses and advanced analytics.

There may be a need to shell out extra money for additional features like additional space for administrators and additional areas for email white-labeling and customized Single Sign-On (SSO).

8. Vanilla Forums

vanilla-forums-website

Vanilla Forums has been created to enable mid-sized businesses as well as businesses to offer outstanding customer support. It's frequently utilized to provide support for customers, service to customers as well as product marketing and branding awareness.

Vanilla provides a good user experience, integration with your current technology stack and flexible adjustments to match the look of your company.

The most important aspects of Vanilla Forums include:

Knowledge Base. You can create Self-Service Help Centers within your community, which include user guides as well as assistance materials.

Surveys can be made to fit your needs. With Vanilla Forums it is possible to send customizable surveys to your community for immediate responses.

Open source community. You can download Vanilla's open source software at free and also run your own community. Are you passionate in technology? Help us to improve the code.

The website is not ideal for individuals who want to create or run businesses on their own, as prices aren't listed on the website. If you're interested, it's possible to set up an appointment with one of the sales representatives.

9. WildApricot

wildapricot-website


   

WildApricot could be described as an integrated platform that was designed initially to assist organizations and non-profits. Today, it serves clubs, associations, as well as chapters on both state and local levels.

Wild Apricot has a self-serve layout that allows you to modify every part of your group. The system of gamification and trust lets you promote high-quality content and features that are user-friendly available as well as make moderating simpler.

It contains these essential attributes:

Event Management. Plan events such as online auctions, virtual conference, or webinars. Get sponsors for your events. Also, you can make your own calendar of events and set up registration forms for your events.

Donations. With WildApricot, it is possible to accept donations and share how you are progressing towards your goal of donating. Additionally, you can export your donation records for easier monitor and track donations.

CRM. Like , WildApricot provides an CRM (customer relationship management) tool that includes the most comprehensive member directory. It can be used from anywhere.

Third-party software is required in order to assist you with marketing and run your company. They'll likely be integrated with WildApricot which includes WordPress, Mailchimp, and Zapier. However, payment processing is only available for U.S. and Canada residents.

It is possible to try WildApricot free with up to 50 contacts. It will cost you more when your network grows

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

10. Disciple Media

disciple-media-website

Disciple Media is a community platform made up of three elements comprised of a console, which handles the content you post via your mobile or desktop device, and an mobile application which allows users to participate in an online community that gives users the possibility of interacting via their desktops.

The platform is designed to be utilized by creators, founders, and influencers looking to create their own brand-name social platform.

Disciple Media includes the following features:

Different designs. You can store your content and then access it from a central area. Make use of folders, groups and lists to create your own structure to suit your users.

Mobile app. Disciple Media is similar to a social network because the mobile user experience is targeted at users. There is a web app that is however, it lacks capabilities compared to the mobile application.

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

Cost of Disciple depends on the amount of people who participate and your choice of mobile, web or both:

  • Web-only monthly cost of $46 per 100 individuals
  • For mobile only, $458 a month for 500 users
  • Mobile and Web $500 for 500 members

Other features add API whitelabeling, API whitelabeling. There is also a cost for community coaching members, support for members, as well as mastermind-related features.

11. Vibely.io

vibely.io-website

Vibely.io was created by two ex- Asana staffers, Teri Yu and Theresa Lee, who looked to disrupt the creator communities using a positive mindset. Their tagline "Built exclusively by females, not by gamer dudes" provides a glimpse of the vibe they're going to create.

Vibely.io is a creator-controlled internet community platform that lets creators communicate with their followers, and also collect user-generated content.

Vibely.io's most well-known features are:

A commitment to positivity. Vibely has a commitment to not allowing spam, trolls and even violent behavior. Its goal is to create an environment where all users feel welcome.

tools for accountability and challenges. This app has leaderboards, challenges and trackers to keep everyone motivated.

Ambassadors. Vibely allows you to appoint individuals in your community who will help you with accommodating and managing your members.

The possibility of creating an Vibely community free of charge with no limit to the number of members, ambassadors or super administrators. On the standard plan, it's not possible to accept the recurring payment. The Mastermind system allows for payment to be accepted, and takes 10% of revenue.

The best online community software solutions firm

There's plenty to think about when selecting the ideal online community-building platform. It is essential to have tools that will help you build the foundation, promote and advertise your community. Your platform should be easy to use for you as well as the users.
   
    As you can see from our reviews, there are many good choices - but one stands out as an all-inclusive business platform.

It allows you to create and sell a vibrant and lively community. It also lets you market other digital offerings like online courses and coaching courses. Additionally, it provides you with all the tools you need to market and sell these products, so you can expand and grow a profitable knowledge business.

If your goal is creating a forum it's possible to consider one of the other communities we've reviewed. Based on the size of your community the possibility of a forum could be cost-effective (or even completely free).

Software that is free can make you subject to other regulations and algorithm, but they also limit your opportunities for growth. The software they offer is not as powerful as required and usually limit the number of users you can be able to accept.

Your community becomes yours. You determine the rules, terms and costs, regardless of whether it is either paid or free.

If you're looking to build an online social media network This is the all-in-one solution. With video tutorials and walkthroughs that will help you get going fast. By joining The University You have access to the fundamentals of running an online community. It is available for free to everyone who wants access to it.

Get started on your cost-free 14-day trial as of now!

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