Online Community Tips

For associations, a thriving community is more than just a buzzword; it's the very foundation of their mission and value proposition. While many platforms offer "community" features, associations have distinct operational and engagement needs that demand specialized solutions. When you are shopping for an online community software, it is important to focus on these unique requirements which are above and beyond what is provided by a generic, horizontal solution. 

For member organizations, online communities have long been vital hubs for connection, knowledge sharing, and fostering a sense of belonging. In an increasingly digital world, the ability to effectively engage members online is paramount. Enter Artificial Intelligence (AI) – a transformative force that is rapidly reshaping how these communities operate, from automating mundane tasks to delivering deeply personalized experiences. This blog entry will delve into the profound impact of AI on online community software and, critically, on member engagement, backed by insights and studies.

In today's interconnected digital landscape, your community management platform isn't an island. To truly maximize its potential and deliver an exceptional experience for your members, it needs to work in harmony with the other essential tools that power your organization. Integrating your community platform with other business software streamlines operations, enhances data accuracy, and ultimately strengthens the value you provide to your community.

You've successfully launched an online community for your association – that's a solid first step. But the real measure of its success isn't just the initial sign-ups; it's whether those members stick around, contribute, and find ongoing value. For member organizations, high retention rates are fundamental to a thriving and sustainable community. Do those members stay on for years and years, that's when the benefits of a cumulatively growing community show up.

In today's dynamic world, a membership organization thrives on more than just a roster of names; it flourishes as a vibrant, engaged community. We're talking about dynamic hubs where members connect, share insights, develop skills, and truly feel a sense of belonging. But how do you keep these communities buzzing, active, and genuinely valuable to every member? Its not the complete answer, but it is definitely an important component - gamification. 

It is natural to get bogged down by the sea of information one is exposed to while trying to pick an online community software for your membership. There is no one sized fit all solution, and the right choice depends on context and goals. 

Managing an association isn’t for the faint of heart. Between juggling events, tracking renewals, rallying volunteers, and trying to keep members engaged year round, it is a perpetual flurry of activity. While your association management system (AMS) may handle the logistics behind those operations, it’s your community platform that can keep members connected, informed, and active along the way.

In the quest to cultivate vibrant online communities, it is understandable to inevitably turn to familiar chat applications like Slack or Discord. We all get chat, and its real-time immediacy is undeniably appealing for quick exchanges and team coordination. However, for those aspiring to build something truly enduring – a place where knowledge thrives, relationships deepen, and collective value compounds – these tools often prove insufficient.

Remember the good ol' days of online forums? You might recall those early iterations of "online communities" – perhaps a clunky support forum for a software product or a niche message board for industry professionals. Fast forward to today we've gone through multiple software "phases" - cloud, SaaS, social, gamification, to AI. All of these evolutionary changes have found their way into online community platforms as well. 

For community managers in membership organizations, an online community space isn't just a "nice-to-have" – it's something people now look forward to, and they might be surprised if it's missing. In 2025, The days of static forums are long gone. Dedicated community platforms are now sophisticated hubs, purpose-built to help you cultivate a thriving ecosystem for your members. Let's explore the trends shaping this crucial technology for 2025: