Welcome to
Build the Brand then the CommunityGetting your community to know, like and trust you
Find the Right Platform for Your Community
Now that you’ve chosen the model you want for your community, you need to think about the best way to host it. Since a large portion, or the entirety, of your community will exist online, you’ll need to choose a platform that provides what you and your community members want. Even if there’s an offline element to your community, you’ll also want to include interactions through an online forum.
Before looking at the alternatives, there are some fundamental questions to answer:
- How big is your current audience? What is the potential size?
- What are their favorite means of communication?
- What are the tools and skills you will need in order to create and maintain the platform(s)? How can you gain these? Or can you get someone else to do it?
- What budget are you willing to invest, if any?
When you have your answers, you’ll be in a better place to undertake some informed research as you’ll know the parameters that are important to you.
Platform Options
There are a variety of options for where to host your community online. Social media groups are free once you have an account, but many of the other options are paid – the amount varies greatly, from a few dollars a month to 500+.
Whatever platform you choose must be mobile-friendly, as more and more people are using their smartphones and interacting on the go. It must also be easy to use and access by community members and have a good track record of technical stability.
Here are some examples of the choices available:
- Free private groups on social media, e.g. Facebook groups, LinkedIn communities, Twitter communities, Instagram pods
- Membership sites, e.g. AccessAlly, Digital Access Pass
- Built into website using plugins – Facebook-style forum plugins can turn your website into an interactive space, e.g. WP plug BuddyPress, WP Symposium Pro Website, Toolbox, Discourse, MUUT
- Community software – Set up your own group using community software, e.g. Forumbee, Hivebrite, Crowded
- Mobile apps – With a small investment of time and a willingness to learn, you can create and manage your mobile site or application, e.g. Appy Pie, AppMakr, BiznessApps
- Loyalty apps – Stores and restaurants frequently use loyalty programs but other types of businesses can offer them.
Key Takeaways:
- Choose a technical platform that provides what you and your community members want
Action Steps:
- Research platforms and make notes of your findings in the Action Guide.
- Pick your platform based on your business goals and type of community you want to create, and set it up.
A Word
From Tamara
As an entrepreneur myself I completely understand the stress, anxiety and frustration around launching or growing a business. I also know the rewards and life style change the hard work can provide you if you stay focused. I am here to inspire and motivate you to push forward. The fact that you’re investing in your business education let’s me know you’re in this to win. Rest assured I’m here to help you…. These courses are set up to help you understand the basics. To dig deeper into your specific plan of action we will discuss where you are, where you want to be, eliminate any blocks preventing you from getting to the next step and create an action plan.
