It’s no secret that your organization’s success depends on an engaged community of members who are connected, communicating, and participating consistently. Of course, nurturing this kind of commitment to your organization is often easier said than done.

Member engagement applications (apps) and community platforms are empowering organizations to rise to this challenge by providing better ways to communicate and offering more opportunities for engagement and interaction within their communities.

The capabilities afforded by member engagement apps and community platforms can be easily integrated into your event management strategy, so let’s discuss what these platforms are, how they work, why they’re essential to your organization’s mission, and how to choose the right one for your specific needs.

What is a Member Engagement App?

A member engagement app is a specialized application designed to facilitate and enhance interaction among members of a particular group, organization, or community.

These apps aim to keep members engaged by providing a platform where they can easily communicate, participate in discussions, access resources, and stay informed about the latest news and events.

By leveraging the convenience of mobile technology, member engagement apps enable organizations to build a more connected and engaged membership base.

What is a Community Platform?

A community platform is a digital space designed to foster connections, collaboration, and engagement within a community. These platforms offer a range of tools and features that enable members to interact, share ideas, and foster relationships.

Community platforms often include discussion forums, social networking features, event management tools, and resource libraries, creating a comprehensive environment for community members to engage and collaborate.

Why Do You Need a Community Engagement Platform?

Engaging members is a significant challenge for many organizations. Without a dedicated platform, it can be difficult to maintain regular communication, foster collaboration, and encourage participation.

A community engagement platform addresses these challenges by offering a centralized space where members can connect and interact. The benefits of using such platforms include:

• Increased Engagement: A dedicated platform enables members to stay more involved and participate actively.
• Improved Communication: Streamlined communication tools help keep everyone informed and connected.
• Enhanced Collaboration: Members can work together more effectively, sharing ideas and resources.
• Stronger Community Bonds: Regular interaction and collaboration strengthen relationships within the community.

Types of Community and Member Engagement Platforms

There are various types of platforms designed to foster community and member engagement, each offering different features and functionalities. Some common categories include:

• Social Networks: Platforms like Facebook Groups or LinkedIn Groups provide social networking features.
• Collaboration Tools: Software like Slack or Microsoft Teams facilitates real-time collaboration and communication.
• CRM Systems: Customer Relationship Management systems help manage member information and interactions.
• Specialized Community Software or Features: Tools specifically designed for community building and engagement can help boost revenue, membership growth, and retention.

Features to Look for in Member Engagement Apps and Community Platforms

Not all apps are created equal, which is why it’s essential to consider the features and functionalities that will best support your organization’s needs when choosing a member engagement app or community platform.

This can be a real challenge; in fact, choosing the right event technology is one of the five most significant challenges to achieving event goals, according to the 2024 Event Trends Study by Momentive Software.

Focus on these features to guide your decision:

• Discussion Forums: For facilitating conversations and idea sharing
• Messaging Capabilities: For private and group communications
• Event Management Tools: To organize and promote events
• Member Directory: To easily find and connect with other members
• Analytics: To track engagement metrics and measure success

Benefits of Using Member Engagement & Community Platforms

Implementing a member engagement or community platform can lead to numerous positive outcomes for your organization, including:

• Increased Member Participation: Providing more opportunities for engagement leads to higher participation rates.
• Improved Communication: Centralized communication tools facilitate easier communication and help maintain contact.
• Enhanced Collaboration: Members can work together more effectively and efficiently.
• Stronger Community Bonds: Regular interaction helps build a sense of community and belonging.
• Better Resource Management: Centralized access to resources and information.

The Right Platform to Increase Member Engagement

Selecting the most suitable member engagement platform for your organization involves considering several factors, but be sure to focus on each one through the lens of your organization’s unique needs and goals:

• Scalability: Ensure the platform can grow with your organization.
• Customization Options: Look for platforms that can be tailored to your specific needs.
• Integration Capabilities: Choose a platform that integrates with your existing systems.
• User-Friendliness: The platform should be easy to use for both administrators and members. 
• Cost: Consider your budget and the value the platform offers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Member Engagement & Community Platforms

In addition to the features and benefits covered thus far, the following are some of the questions we commonly address when discussing member engagement apps and community platforms with our clients.

What Can a Member Engagement Platform Help You Do?

A member engagement platform is a tool designed to help organizations effectively interact with their members. Here are several key functions it can facilitate:

• Communication: Streamlines communication between the organization and its members through emails, newsletters, forums, and chat features.
• Engagement Tracking: Monitors member interactions and engagement levels, providing insights through analytics and reports.
• Event Management: Organizes events, webinars, and other activities, enabling members to RSVP, participate, and provide feedback.
• Content Management: Distributes relevant content, including articles, videos, and resources, that are valuable to members.
• Surveys and Feedback: Collects feedback through surveys and polls, enabling organizations to understand the needs and preferences of their members.
• Personalization: Offers personalized experiences by tailoring content and interactions to members’ interests and behavior.
• Community Building: Fosters a sense of community by providing forums, discussion boards, and social networking features.
• Reward and Recognition: Implements systems to reward active and loyal members, thereby enhancing motivation and engagement.
• Membership Management: Manages member profiles, renewals, and billing to ensure a seamless user experience.

How Do You Build Member Engagement?

Building member engagement involves several strategies that focus on interaction, value, and community. Here are some key steps:

• Understand Your Members: Conduct surveys and gather data to gain a deeper understanding of member demographics, interests, and needs.
• Provide Valuable Content: Share relevant and high-quality content that addresses members’ interests and challenges.
• Facilitate Communication: Encourage open communication through various channels, including forums, social media, and direct messaging.
• Organize Events: Host events, webinars, and meetups to create opportunities for members to interact and learn from one another.
• Recognize Contributions: Acknowledge and reward active members through recognition programs, badges, and other incentives that recognize their contributions.
• Create Opportunities for Collaboration: Foster collaboration among members through projects, committees, and group activities.
• Regular Feedback: Continuously seek and act on member feedback to improve services and meet their expectations.
• Personalization: Customize interactions and content to cater to individual member preferences and needs.
• Build a Community Culture: Foster a culture of inclusivity, support, and shared values to strengthen community bonds and foster a sense of belonging.
• Use Technology: Leverage technology to automate processes, track engagement, and provide a seamless member experience.

What Are Examples of Community Platforms?

Community platforms are tools that facilitate interaction and engagement among members. Some popular examples include those you’re likely already familiar with and working with, such as:

• Facebook Groups: A widely used platform where members can create and join groups based on shared interests.
• Slack: A messaging app that supports community building through channels, direct messages, and integrations.
• Discord: Originally designed for gamers, now used by various communities for voice, video, and text communication.
• Mighty Networks: A platform that allows organizations to create their own branded communities with rich engagement features.
• Discourse: An open-source discussion platform that provides forum-style interactions.
• Circle: A community platform designed for creators and brands to build and manage member communities.
• Reddit: A network of communities based on people’s interests, where users can post, comment, and vote on content.
• LinkedIn Groups: Professional networking groups where members can share content and engage in discussions.
• Vanilla Forums: A cloud-based forum software that offers customizable and scalable community solutions.
• BuddyPress: A WordPress plugin that transforms a site into a social network with community features.

Taking Member Engagement to the Next Level

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can choose a member engagement platform that will effectively take your organization’s online community to the next level.

You’ll soon realize that member engagement apps and community platforms are invaluable tools for fostering connection, communication, and collaboration.

By leveraging these technologies, your organization will undoubtedly enhance member engagement, build stronger communities, and achieve greater success.