How to pick the BEST online community platform

Choosing an online community platform is HARD...but in this video I break it down into 2 simple steps...helping you decide between Discord, Discourse, Slack, Mighty Networks, Khoros, and many other platforms too.
In this comprehensive tutorial, I delve into the crucial process of selecting the ideal online community platform tailored to your audience's needs.
Whether you are a community manager, developer relations (DevRel) professional, or simply looking to build a vibrant online community, this video offers a simple, straightforward, step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision.
The video begins by categorizing the various online community platforms into three primary types: forums, chat channels, and all-in-one solutions.
Understanding your audience is critical, and we break down potential users into six categories: executives, developers, consumers, gamers, hobbyists, and enthusiasts. Each of these groups has unique preferences and needs, which we align with the most suitable community platforms.
For executives, real-time chat channels like Slack and Telegram are ideal due to their preference for quick, high-value discussions. Developers tend to favor platforms like Discord for real-time interaction, but they also appreciate high-quality forums such as Discourse. Consumers generally seek familiar experiences, making Facebook Groups and comprehensive solutions like Mighty Networks a good fit. Gamers thrive on platforms like Discord, where they can engage in real-time with fellow gamers. Hobbyists benefit from all-in-one platforms like Buddy Boss and Mighty Networks, which offer a range of features for sharing content and hosting events. Enthusiasts, who may have diverse and niche interests, prefer dynamic and interactive communities.
The video also provides detailed recommendations for specific platforms within each category. For forums, Discourse stands out for its feature-rich, open-source nature, while Vanilla Forums offers high customization, and Khoros is suitable for enterprise solutions. In the chat platform category, Slack is excellent for team collaboration but can be costly, whereas Discord is more affordable and packed with community-building features. Telegram offers security and versatility, and Mattermost provides an open-source, self-hosted option. Among all-in-one platforms, Mighty Networks and Buddy Boss are highlighted for their comprehensive and innovative features, while Facebook Groups remain a free and familiar choice for many users.
Throughout the tutorial, real-world examples are used to illustrate the importance of matching the right audience with the appropriate platform. The video concludes with valuable tips on maintaining an active and engaged community, emphasizing practical application and encouraging viewers to share their audience and platform choices in the comments. By following this guide, you will be well-equipped to select the best online community platform for your specific audience, ensuring a thriving and engaging community.
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[@saraswatishaktimayi]

I am trying to find a suitable platform for "crazy people", but it seems to not exist. It is all linear and grid-like or social media-like looking. I wish there was something more fun, less exhausting for the mind, more creative, more fluent, more beautiful and inviting.

[@CigdemOzkan-t3u]

Hey, I need help as I’m new at this. I’m not sure what my audience is but from what you have shared. I think it’s hobbyist audience. I’m trying to look for a platform that I can also use aboard as well. Discord was my number 1 option as I’ve used it and love the system and I have used mighty networks too again love. I’m not sure on the other ones. I know discord is not opened to world wide as I travel a lot before London and turkey. My aim is to host events for my wellness community and have that chit chat women’s community. Is there any suggestions you may have ?

[@jonobacon]

If you are hosting events, you might want a platform such as Mighty Networks. Their event integration is great.

[@katerynatsvilodub7111]

We unite tea masters and tea lovers - and I don’t really know what platform we should use

[@jonobacon]

Very cool! Did you end up choosing a platform?

[@noticelondon]

Self-guided visual routes around London - for exploring, running and finding places to eat, drink and be merry - Considering Facebook groups to validate concepts and get feedback

[@jonobacon]

Love what you are working on. I would recommend something like Mighty Networks instead.

[@noticelondon]

@@jonobacon Hi Jono - Thanks for the reply and a great video. I am going to start with Facebook Groups initially as I want to run events, and I need something simple that fits a one-man band start-up where cash is tight, and I need to develop small local groups with an option to run live events. Great to see you again - I originally came across you on a Photoshop course on Skill Share - you were excellent 👍

[@SurveyorsUK]

surveyors in the uk and students - not sure which category

[@devonrd]

Community of high schoolers 13-17 interested in learning and study methods. I believe the high-speed tendency of this age group would fit a chat function better.

[@glennblack3701]

I'd like to create a community for divorced and divorcing men. Of your categories, I would likely put them in consumers. Any feedback on that would be welcomed.

[@jonobacon]

Best of luck!

[@YounesAlouaniTalks]

What about Kajabi, Circle ?

[@jonobacon]

Good point, I should feature those on other videos. Circle is a great all in one. Kajabi more of an e-commerce platform.

[@YounesAlouaniTalks]

@@jonobacon Kajabi has also a community feature now.

[@ig5651]

What do you recommend for raw vegan/fasting community? They're naturalist and I feel like most would be disconnected enough to get overwhelmed if I send them do Discord or something similar. Would Facebook then be the best option?

[@danstahlberg]

My community are people interested in local history. They like archives and books, and think that sending an email is rocket science. They can spend hours discussing were the old mill was, and if a place should be spelled "Ressbyn" or "Resbyn". I need to get them to start talking about the wiki we are creating together. It was quite a job to get them comfortable with contributing to the wiki in the first place.

[@chriswesley594]

4:27 - DON'T SKIP THIS. "why is this important? well, it's so you commit to action" - yeah, kinda it's so you get engagement. Hahahaha. Congratulations on the straight face though.

[@jonobacon]

Busted.

[@monika1000]

My audience consists of autistic and adhd women and mothers. I chose FB and LinkedIn as platform.

[@jonobacon]

Thanks for sharing!

[@AbdiiHawii]

Ok

[@jonobacon]

Yep

[@tuckerwebb5336]

AWESOME video.

[@jonobacon]

Thanks so much!

[@connerpowersyoutube]

Thank you!!!

[@jonobacon]

Thanks!

[@WeirdWonders-ky6hs]

Do a review on skool

[@godfree2canada]

Xmpp Voip over wifi or data

[@oscari-j9380]

Community interested in music composition and production and AI I think the forum would be the best fit.

[@Goodforthegame]

Sports Betting Community - Forum although all in one might work better

[@CoachFrancineIvey]

All in One or Chat

[@johnlewman1403]

Forum for toymakers specializing in making wood toys of all types

[@jonobacon]

That is awesome!

[@jasonstark8376]

All on one. 😊

[@jonobacon]

Nice!

[@dhandhayogi]

Executives+hobbyists -> first choice - chat; second choice - forums

[@jonobacon]

Great!

[@tcmtrades]

Consumers- all in one

[@OperationsLearningCenter-NNPHI]

Subject Matter Experts in Non-profit environment,

[@jonobacon]

Nice!

[@edgarlangwald2932]

"Just need to get out more" LMAO😂😂

[@jonobacon]

:-)

[@assu830]

entrepreneur and small business owners

[@mihaimunteanu2059]

drummers and chats

[@BhaktisTotalHealing]

Holistic Healing

[@jonobacon]

Nice!

[@ИндисЕрёмина]

Consumers

[@godfree2canada]

Discord unvetted, trolls, recruiters

[@godfree2canada]

Vet users

[@amyklinke1553]

My community is political activism and we're looking to move away from fb groups.

[@jonobacon]

Did you make a final decision on a platform?

[@amyklinke1553]

@@jonobacon not quite yet. We're looking at discord I think. It's not perfect, but will be better than giving up on the group/community

[@godfree2canada]

Mewe

[@whyruhere..]

Hobbyists

[@victorfurtado3976]

GOKOLLAB!!!!