What do I need to look out for in a community platform?
How to find the right solution for your community
If you want to build or professionalize a community, you are faced with an important decision: Which platform is the right one? The choice has a direct impact on engagement, monetization, data protection and long-term growth. This article will help you understand the most important criteria and choose the right platform for your goals.
1.
Own platform vs.
Third-party networks
Many communities start on social networks such as WhatsApp, Slack, Facebook or LinkedIn. The disadvantage: you don't own the data or the environment there. The platform determines visibility, advertising and access.
Watch out for:
Full control over content and members
Own domain and branding (white labeling)
No dependence on algorithms
coapp tip: With coapp, you run your community under your own brand - with complete control over content, communication and data.
2.
Range of functions for real interaction
A community thrives on exchange and collaboration. That's why your platform should be able to do more than just publish posts.
Important Features are e.g:
Events such as workshops, meetings or webinars
Booking system for e.g. coaching or meetings
Member profiles with picture, name, headline, company, bio and tags
Payment functions for memberships or events
coapp offers you:
Events, groups, messaging, booking, payments, API integrations and even a white label app - all on one platform .
3.
Data protection & security
GDPR compliance is mandatory, especially in Europe. Therefore, make sure you have clear statements on data storage, processing and encryption.
Important:
Hosting in the EU
Data encryption (in transfer & at rest)
Available AV contracts (Data Processing Agreements)
coapp meets all data protection requirements according to GDPR - hosted in certified EU data centers .
4.
Payment function
With an integrated payment function, memberships, coaching sessions, events and workshops can be booked and billed directly via the community platform - transparently, mobile and automatically.
If you want to generate revenue through your community, the platform should actively support you.
Examples of sources of income:
Memberships
Event tickets
Bookings of resources
coapp allows all this with integrated payment functions via Stripe and customizable platform fees. Learn more
5.
Scalability & price structure
Plan not only for the start, but also for growth. Make sure that the platform can grow with your community - in terms of functionality and price.
coapp models at a glance:
Free entry for small groups
Scalable plans up to enterprise level
Optional white label app for maximum brand loyalty
6.
A dedicated app - making the community a mobile experience
With your own white label app, your community can be experienced on mobile - completely in the look of your brand, with Features for events, member profiles, chats and content.
A modern community is not only active on the desktop. Younger target groups in particular expect a seamless mobile experience - preferably as a dedicated app in the App Store. This not only boosts engagement, but also your brand perception.
Advantages of your own community app:
Mobile use anytime & anywhere
Push notifications for direct interaction
Brand loyalty through own logo and app name
Seamless user experience for members
coapp gives you a fully white-label-capable app:
Your logo, your name, your app
Available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store
Technically maintained and regularly updated - without additional effort for you
GDPR-compliant, EU-hosted, secure
Costs:
One-off set-up fee: €3,999
Monthly maintenance: €399
(plus VAT, subject to change)
This makes your community not only a digital but also a mobile-native experience - under your own brand. Learn more
Conclusion
The right platform is individual - but can be planned
The best community platform is the one that suits your goals, your target group and your business model. Pay attention to control, interaction, data protection, monetization and scalability - then nothing will stand in the way of your community success. 🚀
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