Building an online community for your members might feel like a big step, but it’s one of the best things you can do to keep them engaged and connected. Think of it as creating a virtual gathering space where your members can share ideas, ask questions, and support each other—whether it’s about their work, your association’s mission, or just finding a sense of belonging.
An online community can do more than just bring people together. It can make your members feel like they’re part of something bigger, keep them coming back, and even help your association grow. When done right, it’s a win-win: your members get value, and you create a stronger, more vibrant association.
So where do you even start? Don’t worry—it’s not as overwhelming as it sounds. In this article, you’ll learn how to set clear goals, pick the right tools, and create a thriving online space your members will love. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to take the first steps toward building a community that works for everyone.
Why an Online Community is Essential for Your Association
You might be wondering, “Do we really need an online community?” The answer is probably yes—and here’s why. Your members want more than just a place to pay dues or attend events; they’re looking for connection, value, and a way to engage with others who share their interests or challenges. An online community gives them that space, 24/7.
What is an Online Community?
At its core, an online community is a dedicated space where your members can interact, share resources, and build relationships. It might look like a forum on your website, a group in your membership software, or even a standalone platform. What’s important is that it’s a space designed specifically for your members to connect with each other and with you.
The Benefits for Your Association
Creating an online community isn’t just for your members—it’s a smart move for your association, too. Here’s what you’ll gain:
- Deeper Member Engagement: Members who feel involved and valued are more likely to stick around.
- Networking Opportunities: A strong community makes it easy for members to share ideas, collaborate, and grow professionally.
- A Platform for Sharing Resources: Whether it’s event updates, industry insights, or helpful tools, your community becomes the go-to place for information.
- Stronger Retention Rates: When members see value in their membership, they’re less likely to let it lapse.
By creating an online community, you’re building more than just a feature—you’re creating a space where your members can feel connected and supported. It’s not just something they want; it’s something they’ll come to rely on.
Step 1: Define Your Community’s Purpose and Goals
Before diving in, take a step back and think about what you want your online community to achieve. Without a clear purpose, it’s easy for the community to feel aimless or, worse, fall flat. Start by answering one simple question:
Why are you building this community in the first place?
Establish Clear Objectives
Every great community starts with a clear purpose. What do you want your members to get out of it? Maybe it’s a place for industry professionals to swap insights, a resource hub for sharing tools and knowledge, or even a virtual networking space. Whatever it is, be specific about your goals and tie them back to your association’s mission.
Here are some examples to get you thinking:
- Encouraging collaboration among members in similar industries or roles.
- Providing a space to discuss hot topics, trends, or challenges in your field.
- Building stronger connections between members and your association.
Understand Your Audience
Your community is for your members, so it’s crucial to understand their needs and preferences. Take some time to research:
- Who are your members? Are they seasoned professionals, newcomers, or a mix? Each group might want something different from the community.
- What challenges do they face? Your community should be a place where they can find solutions, whether that’s through peer advice, shared resources, or direct support from your association.
- What motivates them? Are they looking for professional growth, networking, or a sense of belonging? Knowing this will help you shape a community they’ll actually want to join.
By setting a strong foundation with clear goals and a deep understanding of your members, you’ll ensure your community is built to meet their needs—and yours. Everything else flows from here.
Step 2: Choose the Right Platform
Now that you know what you want your community to achieve, it’s time to think about the “where.” Choosing the right platform is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The platform you pick will shape how your members interact, how easy it is for you to manage, and ultimately, how successful your community becomes.
Key Considerations
Not all platforms are created equal, so it’s worth doing your homework before committing to one. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
- Ease of Use: Your platform should be simple for both your members and your team to navigate. A confusing or clunky platform can discourage participation right from the start.
- Integration with Existing Tools: Look for something that connects seamlessly with your current systems, like your association management software (AMS) or CRM. This will save you time and hassle in the long run.
- Customization: Can you tailor the platform to match your branding and the needs of your members? A personalized experience makes the community feel more professional and welcoming.
- Scalability: As your membership grows, your community should be able to grow with it. Choose a platform that can handle increased activity and features as needed.
Popular Platform Options
To give you a head start, here are some common choices for hosting an online community:
- Dedicated Community Platforms: There are platforms specifically designed for creating and managing online communities. These options often come packed with features and offer a high level of customization to fit your association’s needs.
- All-in-One Association Software: If you’re already using software like MemberClicks or Wild Apricot, you might be able to use their built-in community features. This can simplify your workflow and keep everything in one place.
- Social Media Groups: Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn can work for informal communities, but they offer less control over branding and member data.
Test Before You Commit
Before making a final decision, take advantage of free trials or demos. Involve a small group of members to test the platform and provide feedback. Their input will help you find a solution that feels intuitive and valuable to the people who will actually use it.
By choosing the right platform, you’re setting your community up for success. It should be a place your members are excited to visit, not a frustrating tool they avoid. The effort you put into this decision now will pay off in stronger engagement down the road.
Step 3: Plan the Community Structure
Once you’ve chosen a platform, it’s time to figure out how your community will actually work. Think of this step as building the blueprint—it’s where you’ll decide what the community will look like, how members will interact, and how it will be managed. A well-structured community is easier to navigate and more inviting for members to engage.
Define Roles and Responsibilities
Every thriving community needs people to keep it running smoothly. Start by identifying who will manage and oversee the community:
- Community Managers or Moderators: Assign staff or volunteers to monitor discussions, enforce rules, and keep the community active. These people are the backbone of your online space.
- Member Contributions: Decide whether members can start their own discussions, post content, or suggest new topics. Giving them ownership can increase engagement.
- Support Roles: Have a plan for technical support or responding to questions about how to use the platform.
Create a Clear Community Framework
A well-organized community is easier to navigate and more likely to keep members coming back. Start by laying out the key areas or topics your community will cover:
- Discussion Categories or Groups: Think about what’s most relevant to your members. For example, you might have sections for industry trends, job postings, event updates, or professional development.
- Rules and Guidelines: Set clear expectations for behavior to keep the space welcoming and productive. This can include rules about respectful communication, posting etiquette, and how to handle disagreements.
- Content Calendar: Plan regular posts or prompts to keep discussions lively. For example, you might feature a “Question of the Week” or highlight upcoming events.
Make It Intuitive
Think like your members when designing the structure. Organize the community in a way that makes sense to them, not just to you. Test the layout and navigation with a small group before rolling it out to everyone. If it feels intuitive, members are more likely to dive in and participate.
Taking the time to carefully plan your community’s structure will make it easier for members to find value and engage from the start. This is where you set the stage for meaningful interactions and long-term success.
Step 4: Launch Your Online Community
With your goals, platform, and structure in place, it’s time to bring your online community to life. A successful launch is all about creating excitement, building momentum, and ensuring a smooth experience for your members from day one.
Develop a Rollout Strategy
A thoughtful launch plan can make all the difference in how your community is received. Consider these steps to set yourself up for success:
- Start Small with a Soft Launch: Begin with a select group of members—such as staff, volunteers, or highly engaged members—to test the platform. Use this phase to gather feedback, troubleshoot issues, and make adjustments before opening it up to everyone.
- Create a Launch Timeline: Map out your key launch milestones, including when to invite early users, when to open the community to all members, and when to start promoting it externally.
Announce to Your Membership
Generating excitement around your community launch will help get members on board. Here’s how you can spread the word:
- Leverage Your Existing Channels: Use email campaigns, newsletters, and social media to introduce the community. Focus on how it benefits your members and what makes it unique.
- Highlight Key Features: Showcase what your community has to offer, such as discussion boards, exclusive content, or networking opportunities.
- Create a How-To Guide: Make it easy for members to join and navigate the community by providing step-by-step instructions or a quick video tutorial.
Engage Early Adopters
Encourage early users to jump in and get involved. These members can set the tone for the community by starting discussions, answering questions, or sharing resources. Recognize and thank them for their contributions to keep them motivated.
Launching your online community is about more than just opening the doors—it’s about creating a welcoming environment that makes members excited to participate. With the right strategy, you’ll build momentum that keeps the community growing and thriving.
Step 5: Foster Engagement and Growth
Launching your community is just the beginning. To keep it thriving, you’ll need to encourage participation and create an environment where members feel excited to connect. Engagement doesn’t happen by accident—it requires a mix of thoughtful planning and consistent effort.
Encourage Participation
Your members might need a little nudge to get started, especially if they’re not familiar with online communities. Here’s how you can spark activity:
- Start the Conversation: Post engaging questions, share industry news, or highlight discussion topics to get the ball rolling.
- Host Regular Events: Organize webinars, live Q&A sessions, or virtual meetups to bring members together.
- Use Polls and Surveys: These are simple yet effective ways to invite interaction and gather input from your members.
Build a Sense of Community
The best online communities feel personal and welcoming. Focus on fostering relationships among your members:
- Welcome New Members: Send a personalized welcome message or feature them in a “Meet the Member” post.
- Facilitate Networking: Create spaces for members to connect based on shared interests or goals, like industry-specific groups or regional meetups.
- Encourage Peer-to-Peer Support: Highlight success stories or examples of members helping each other. It reinforces the value of the community.
Recognize and Reward Engagement
People love to feel appreciated, so recognize members who actively contribute. This could include:
- Shoutouts: Feature active members in newsletters or social media posts.
- Badges or Titles: Offer virtual rewards, like “Top Contributor” or “Community Champion,” to acknowledge participation.
- Exclusive Perks: Provide small incentives like event discounts or early access to resources for highly engaged members.
Grow Your Membership
As your community gains traction, look for ways to expand its reach:
- Invite Non-Members to Join: Offer a sneak peek or trial membership to show prospects what they’re missing.
- Leverage Word of Mouth: Encourage current members to invite their colleagues or peers to join the community.
- Promote on Multiple Channels: Use your website, email campaigns, and social media to continually attract new members.
By actively fostering engagement and growth, your online community will transform into a vibrant hub of activity where members feel connected, valued, and invested. The stronger the engagement, the more valuable the community becomes for everyone involved.
Step 6: Monitor and Optimize
Creating an online community is an ongoing process—it’s not something you can set and forget. To ensure long-term success, you’ll need to keep an eye on how things are going and make adjustments along the way. Monitoring engagement, gathering feedback, and refining your approach will help your community stay relevant and valuable for your members.
Track Performance Metrics
Start by keeping tabs on how your community is performing. Most platforms have built-in analytics that can give you insight into what’s working and what’s not. Look at metrics like:
- Engagement Rates: How often are members logging in, posting, or participating in discussions?
- Active Users: What percentage of your members are consistently using the community?
- Popular Topics: Which areas or discussions are getting the most attention?
By tracking these numbers, you can identify what’s resonating with your members and where there might be room for improvement.
Gather Feedback
Your members are the best source of information about what’s working—and what isn’t. Make it easy for them to share their thoughts:
- Surveys and Polls: Ask members for their input on features, content, or overall experience.
- Open Feedback Channels: Create a space within the community for members to share suggestions or ideas.
- One-on-One Conversations: Reach out to highly engaged members for more in-depth feedback.
The more you understand your members’ needs, the better you can tailor the community to meet them.
Adjust and Refine
Based on the data and feedback you collect, make adjustments to keep the community fresh and engaging:
- Enhance Features: Add or improve features based on member requests or emerging trends.
- Revisit Rules and Guidelines: Update your community guidelines if certain behaviors or issues are recurring.
- Introduce New Content: Regularly add new discussions, resources, or events to keep things lively.
Stay Flexible
Remember, an online community is a living thing. Member needs, preferences, and expectations will evolve over time, so staying flexible is key. Regularly review your goals and strategies to ensure they align with what your members value most.
By monitoring and optimizing your community, you’ll create a space that grows and evolves alongside your members. This ongoing effort will not only keep the community vibrant but also reinforce its importance as a central part of your association’s success.
Tips for Long-Term Success
Building an online community is a marathon, not a sprint. Sustaining its growth and keeping members engaged over the long haul requires a combination of consistency, creativity, and adaptability. Here are some tips to ensure your community remains a thriving space that members return to again and again.
Consistency is Key
Keeping your community alive and thriving requires regular effort. If members log in and see little activity or outdated content, they’re likely to lose interest. By maintaining a steady flow of fresh content and being consistently present as a leader, you create a rhythm that keeps members engaged and encourages them to check back regularly.
- Keep Content Fresh: Regularly share new posts, resources, or updates to keep things interesting.
- Stick to a Schedule: Plan and stick to a content or event calendar. Whether it’s weekly Q&A sessions or monthly newsletters, regular activity gives members a reason to stay engaged.
- Be Present: Make sure moderators and community managers are visible and active. Responding to questions and encouraging discussions shows members you’re invested in their experience.
Listen to Your Members
Your members are the best source of insight into what’s working and what could be improved in your community. They’re the ones using it every day, so their feedback is invaluable. By staying open to their ideas and willing to adapt, you’ll show them that their voices matter and keep the community aligned with their evolving needs.
- Adapt to Feedback: If members suggest new features, topics, or improvements, take those ideas seriously and act when possible.
- Stay Open to Change: The needs of your members may shift over time. Be ready to adjust your community’s focus or structure to stay relevant.
Celebrate Milestones and Achievements
People love being part of something that’s growing and successful. Celebrating key moments in your community’s journey—whether it’s a new milestone, a member’s accomplishment, or an anniversary—helps build a sense of pride and belonging. These celebrations also remind members of the value of staying engaged.
- Celebrate Membership Growth: Highlight milestones like reaching a certain number of members or discussions.
- Recognize Individual Contributions: Regularly thank and spotlight members who add value to the community through their participation.
- Mark Special Occasions: Use anniversaries or key achievements as opportunities to host events or offer perks.
Encourage Member-Led Initiatives
One of the best ways to foster engagement is to let your members take ownership of parts of the community. When they feel empowered to lead discussions, organize events, or contribute resources, it shifts the dynamic from a one-way relationship to a collaborative effort. This involvement deepens their connection to the community.
- Peer-Led Discussions: Encourage members to start their own discussions or share their expertise.
- Volunteer Moderators: Invite dedicated members to help moderate or lead specific sections of the community.
- Collaborative Projects: Organize opportunities for members to work together, like co-hosting webinars or creating shared resources.
Measure and Adjust
No community strategy is perfect from the start, and that’s okay. The key is to treat your community as a work in progress—always learning, iterating, and improving. Regularly reviewing your goals, analyzing trends, and experimenting with new ideas ensures your community stays relevant and engaging over the long term.
- Review Your Goals: Periodically assess whether your community is meeting its original objectives. Adjust as needed.
- Analyze Trends: Look for patterns in engagement and adapt your strategies to capitalize on what’s working.
- Experiment with New Ideas: Don’t be afraid to test new approaches, features, or content to keep things fresh.
By following these tips, you’ll create a dynamic, welcoming community that stays valuable for your members year after year. The more you invest in its long-term success, the more your members will see it as an essential part of their association experience.
Bring Your Members Together, Anytime, Anywhere
Building an online community is more than just launching a platform—it’s about creating a space where your members feel connected and valued. With the right plan, you can foster deeper engagement, collaboration, and loyalty within your association.
Follow the steps in this guide to get started, and remember, a thriving community takes consistent effort and care. Your members are ready to connect—now it’s your turn to make it happen.
Looking for the perfect tool to get started? MemberClicks’ CommUnity software makes it easy to create a vibrant, user-friendly online space for your members. With customizable features, seamless integrations, and a focus on engagement, CommUnity is designed to help associations like yours thrive.
