In today’s digital age, online communities have become integral to businesses and organizations worldwide.
These communities help create a sense of belonging, facilitate knowledge sharing, and foster engagement among members.
To effectively manage these online communities, having the right tools at your disposal is essential. That’s where online community management software comes in.
With numerous platforms available, deciding which one best suits your needs can be challenging.
This comprehensive buyer’s guide will help you navigate through the top 11 online community management software of 2023, making your decision-making process a breeze.
Mighty Networks
Mighty Networks is a powerful online community management software enabling businesses to create custom-branded communities easily.
With a robust set of features, it allows you to build and manage an engaged community while also offering e-learning and membership options.
Key Features:
Custom branding
Mobile app support
Member segmentation
E-learning and course creation
Multiple membership tiers
Analytics and Reporting
Advantages:
Custom branding for a unique community appearance
The comprehensive feature set, including e-learning and memberships
Mobile app support for on-the-go access
Disadvantages:
Limited customization options compared to some competitors
No built-in integration with popular CRM tools
Free Trial: 14 days
Pricing: Plans start at $23/month (billed annually)
Circle
Circle is an all-in-one platform designed specifically for creators and organizations looking to build thriving online communities.
Its sleek and modern interface makes it easy to use, and its integration capabilities enable you to connect with your existing tools seamlessly.
Key Features:
Custom domains and branding
Integration with Zapier, Slack, and other popular tools
Content moderation and member management
Built-in analytics
Private and public spaces
Direct messaging and group chats
Advantages:
Modern, user-friendly interface
Seamless integration with popular tools
Custom domains and branding for a professional appearance
Disadvantages:
No built-in e-commerce functionality
Limited analytics compared to some competitors
Free Trial: 14 days
Pricing: Plans start at $39/month
Tribe
The Tribe is a cloud-based online community management software that focuses on creating white-label social networks.
It comes with a wide range of features, including content discovery, reputation management, and user analytics, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes.
Key Features:
White-label community platform
AI-powered content discovery
Customizable widgets and API access
Integration with popular tools
Gamification and reputation management
User analytics and reporting
Advantages:
A white-label community platform for full customization
AI-powered content discovery for a personalized user experience
Extensive integration capabilities
Disadvantages:
No dedicated mobile app
Limited gamification features
Free Trial: 14 days
Pricing: Plans start at $49/month
Vanilla Forums
Vanilla Forums is a popular, customizable, and scalable community management platform.
It caters to businesses looking for a flexible solution tailored to their needs.
Its powerful moderation tools and extensive integrations make it an excellent choice for managing large online communities.
Key Features:
Customizable themes and plugins
Single sign-on (SSO) and social login support
Advanced moderation tools
Integration with CRM, marketing automation, and helpdesk software
Gamification features
Detailed analytics and reporting
Advantages:
Highly customizable and scalable platform
Powerful moderation tools for large communities
Extensive integrations with popular software
Disadvantages:
The steeper learning curve for customization
No dedicated mobile app
Free Trial: 30 days
Pricing: Custom pricing based on requirements
Higher Logic
Higher Logic is an enterprise-grade online community management software for associations, non-profits, and businesses.
Its comprehensive suite of tools includes automation, analytics, and integrations, making it a go-to platform for managing and engaging large online communities.
Key Features:
Custom branding and design
Automation rules and workflows
Discussion forums, blogs, and resource libraries
Integration with CRM and AMS systems
Advanced analytics and reporting
Dedicated mobile app
Advantages:
Enterprise-grade platform with a comprehensive feature set
Custom branding and design for a unique community appearance
Dedicated mobile app for on-the-go access
Disadvantages:
Higher price point compared to some competitors
Less suited for smaller businesses with limited resources
Free Trial: Demo available upon request
Pricing: Custom pricing based on requirements
Khoros
Khoros is an industry-leading community management software built for businesses looking to create highly engaged and loyal communities.
It combines powerful analytics, automation, and AI to deliver a top-notch user experience.
Key Features:
Customizable community platform
AI-powered content moderation
Extensive integration capabilities
Advanced analytics and insights
Gamification and reputation management
Mobile app and responsive design
Advantages:
Industry-leading platform with powerful analytics and AI
Extensive integration capabilities
Mobile app and responsive design for easy access
Disadvantages:
Higher price point compared to some competitors
It may be overwhelming for smaller businesses
Free Trial: Demo available upon request
Pricing: Custom pricing based on requirements
Discourse
Discourse is an open-source online community management software that promotes civil and constructive discussions.
Its user-friendly interface, robust moderation tools, and extensive customization options make it popular among businesses and organizations.
Key Features:
Open-source platform
Open-source platform
User-friendly interface
Advanced moderation tools
Customizable themes and plugins
Integration with popular devices and platforms
Gamification and trust system
Built-in analytics
Advantages:
An open-source platform for maximum customization
User-friendly interface and robust moderation tools
Built-in analytics for community insights
Disadvantages:
Requires technical knowledge for setup and customization
Limited integration capabilities compared to some competitors
Free Trial: 14 days (for hosted plans)
Pricing: Self-hosted is free; hosted plans start at $100/month
Mobilize
Mobilize is an online community management software designed for businesses and organizations looking to streamline member communication and engagement.
Its user-friendly platform offers a range of features, including event management, email marketing, and analytics, making it a versatile choice.
Key Features:
Centralized member directory
Email marketing and automation
Event management and RSVP tracking
Integration with CRM and other tools
File sharing and collaboration
In-depth analytics and reporting
Advantages:
Streamlined member communication and engagement
Versatile platform with features like event management and email marketing
Affordable pricing for budget-conscious organizations
Disadvantages:
Limited customization options compared to some competitors
No dedicated mobile app
Free Trial: 14 days
Pricing: Plans start at $40/month
Telligent Community
Telligent Community is an enterprise-grade community management software that allows businesses to build, manage, and measure the success of their online communities.
Its robust features, including content management, collaboration, and analytics, make it a top choice for organizations looking for scalable solutions.
Key Features:
Customizable community platform
Content management and collaboration tools
Integration with CRM, marketing automation, and helpdesk software
Advanced analytics and reporting
Gamification and reputation management
Mobile app and responsive design
Advantages:
Enterprise-grade platform with robust features
Scalable solution for growing organizations
Extensive integration capabilities
Disadvantages:
Higher price point compared to some competitors
The steeper learning curve for customization
Free Trial: Demo available upon request
Pricing: Custom pricing based on requirements
Zoho Connect
Zoho Connect is a team collaboration and online community management software designed for businesses of all sizes.
Its affordable pricing and its suites of features, such as task management, file sharing, and social intranet, make it an attractive option for budget-conscious organizations.
Key Features:
Team collaboration and social intranet
Task management and file sharing
Customizable interface and branding
Integration with Zoho Suite and other popular tools
Built-in analytics and reporting
Mobile app support
Advantages:
Affordable pricing for budget-conscious organizations
The comprehensive feature set for team collaboration
Integration with Zoho Suite and other popular tools
Disadvantages:
Limited customization options compared to some competitors
Basic analytics compared to some competitors
Free Trial: Forever free plan available; 15-day free trial for paid plans
Pricing: Plans start at $3/user/month (billed annually)
Influitive
Influitive is an online community management software focusing on customer advocacy and engagement.
It helps businesses create a branded community where customers can connect, share their experiences, and become brand advocates.
Key Features:
A customizable and branded community platform
Customer advocacy and referral programs
Gamification and rewards system
Integration with CRM, marketing automation, and customer support software
Advanced analytics and reporting
Mobile app and responsive design
Advantages:
Focus on customer advocacy and engagement
A customizable and branded community platform
Gamification and rewards system for increased engagement
Disadvantages:
Less suited for organizations without a strong focus on customer advocacy
No built-in e-commerce functionality
Free Trial: Demo available upon request
Pricing: Custom pricing based on requirements
Choosing the right online community management software can be a daunting task.
However, by carefully considering your organization’s unique needs, you can find the perfect platform to manage and engage your community effectively.
This comprehensive buyers guide has outlined the top 11 online community management software available in 2023, highlighting their key features and benefits.
Whether you’re a small business looking for an affordable solution or an enterprise needing a scalable platform, this list has an option that will meet your needs.
As you evaluate each software, remember to consider factors such as scalability, integration capabilities, pricing, and features that align with your community’s requirements.
With the right online community management software in place, you’ll be well-equipped to foster a thriving and engaged community that drives success for your organization.