Ep 115: How to Choose a Community Platform

Apr 30

How to Choose a Community Platform

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of community platforms available and unsure which one to choose for your business? You're not alone. Let’s talk about the complexities of selecting the perfect community platform that aligns with your unique needs and goals. From understanding the core community strategy to conducting a detailed needs assessment and evaluating platform options, I provide a comprehensive roadmap to help you make an informed decision that sets your community up for success. As you listen to this full episode, make sure to pay close attention to these key takeaways.

Start with a Solid Community Strategy:

Establishing a core community strategy based on my Community Cultivated Framework™- cause, culture, communication, and connection is essential. These 4 pillars are the foundation for choosing a platform that complements your community's purpose and goals, ensuring long-term success. If you want to go in-depth on these 4 pillars, go to freecommunitytraning.com and watch my 7-minute training video.

Conduct a Thorough Needs Assessment:

Evaluate your current and future needs meticulously, considering factors like community size, engagement levels, content hosting requirements, and integration with other tools. Prioritize must-have features to streamline the platform evaluation process and align with your community's growth trajectory.

Evaluate Platform Options Carefully:

Look beyond surface-level features and focus on non-negotiable aspects such as budget, integration capabilities, and company stability. Consider factors like mobile-friendliness, content guidelines, and long-term viability to make an informed decision that supports your community's evolution.

Prioritize Flexibility and Scalability:

Choose a platform that can adapt to your evolving needs and growth path. Assess the platform's flexibility in accommodating changes, the resources required for management, and its alignment with your business goals to ensure seamless scalability and long-term success.

Make Data-Driven Decisions:

Rate platform features on a scale of zero to three based on their relevance and performance. Zero indicates non-existent features, while three signifies exceptional functionality. Utilize this evaluation method to narrow down your options and make a confident choice that aligns with your community's unique requirements and future aspirations.

Selecting the Right Platform for Your Community:

Selecting the right community platform is a pivotal decision that can significantly impact the success of your community and business. By following a structured approach, starting with a clear strategy, conducting a thorough needs assessment, and evaluating platform options meticulously, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your goals and fosters community growth.

Remember, prioritize your unique needs and future scalability to set your community up for sustained success. Ready to explore further insights on community platforms and enhance your community-building strategies? Then you need to join my Cultivate program where I go much more in-depth on choosing the right community platform and community-building strategies for your business.

Listen to the full episode here.