We talk a lot about growing audiences. Followers. Subscribers. Numbers. But what if the real growth happens in your community — the space where your audience actually connects, learns, and collaborates?
An online community gives people more than content — it gives them belonging. It’s where conversations turn into relationships, and relationships turn into opportunities.
A few simple ways businesses are building community right now:
- Creating spaces for peer connection and idea sharing
- Offering group courses or challenges that foster learning
- Hosting live sessions, Q&As, and virtual events
- Organizing resources and replays so members always have value to return to
And yes, there are powerful tools that make it easy — platforms like Mighty Networks, Kajabi, Circle, Podia, Tribe, and MemberSpace allow you to host conversations, courses, and events while keeping your community engaged.
But the real magic? It’s in the intention and design. The way you structure, welcome, and engage your members determines whether your community simply exists or truly thrives.
In today’s digital world, a thriving community can be the heartbeat of your business — connecting your audience, encouraging collaboration, and turning followers into loyal supporters. But with so many platforms available, how do you choose the right one?
Key Considerations When Choosing a Community Platform
Engagement Style – Do you want your community to thrive on real-time chat and live interactions, or do you prefer slower, threaded discussions and a content-library approach?
Content vs. Connection – Is your priority providing structured courses and resources, or is fostering conversation and peer-to-peer connection the main focus?
Branding & Control – Some platforms allow full customization of your space, control over member data, and seamless integration with your existing business tools. Others may be more limited.
Scaling & Cost – Consider how your community will grow over time. What features will you need as your membership increases (moderation, events, live streaming), and how does that affect costs?
Ownership vs. Rental – Some platforms give you full ownership and control, while others operate as “rented” spaces, leaving you subject to changes in platform rules or features. Choosing the right model can impact your long-term strategy.
Popular Platforms and What They’re Best For
Mighty Networks
Combines conversations, courses, live events, and content libraries in one platform. Highly customizable and professional — ideal for membership hubs, programs, or coaching communities. Perfect if you want a mix of content, connection, and structured engagement.
Kajabi
Focused on course creation, membership sites, and marketing automation. Great for creators who want to offer structured learning, digital products, and community engagement in one platform.
Circle
Built for creators, coaches, and online course leaders. Combines discussion feeds, member profiles, and content organization with the ability to host courses. Perfect for structured learning programs or membership communities with organized content.
Podia
Offers memberships, online courses, digital downloads, and webinars. Simple, user-friendly platform ideal for small businesses and creators who want an all-in-one solution without complex setup.
Tribe
Provides forums, ideation spaces, member directories, and customization options. Works well for communities that need rich discussions and flexible branding with strong engagement features.
MemberSpace
Allows you to turn any website into a membership site with access control and gated content. Great for businesses that want full ownership over their website while offering premium membership content.
Every platform has its strengths — some are better for real-time chat, others for structured courses, and others for long-term content management. Choosing the right platform depends on your goals, audience, and the type of engagement you want to foster.
If you’ve been thinking about creating a space for your people to gather — to learn, grow, and support one another — start small, start intentional, and let connection lead the way.
If all of this feels overwhelming and you aren’t sure which platform is best for your business, I help entrepreneurs and small businesses plan, set up, and manage communities that engage, grow, and support your goals — making sure your members feel connected and valued.
