In 2020 I decided to finally launch and build a paid online community but then came the big decision…what online platform do I choose?
There’s so many tools out there for building online communities in memberships, after a ton of research and playing around with different tools, I found that Circle was the perfect fit for what I wanted to achieve with my community, Web Designer Pro™.
Let me walk you through my top 10 favorite features that make Circle the best platform for building a thriving online community.
1. User Experience (UX) Design
First off, let’s talk about the design and user experience. Circle’s interface is clean, intuitive, and user-friendly. You can switch between dark and light modes, and it combines the best elements of platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Slack. It’s an all-in-one solution, which means no more juggling multiple platforms or dealing with clunky integrations.
2. Customizable Spaces
One of Circle’s standout features is the ability to create and customize spaces. In Web Designer Pro, we have spaces for general discussions, wins and successes, member accountability, and more. Each space can be tailored with different layouts—feeds, grids, or card views—to suit the needs of your community. This flexibility keeps members engaged and makes it easy to organize content.
3. Live Stream Capabilities
The live stream feature is a game-changer. You can host scheduled events, small group meetings, and webinar-style calls directly within Circle. This makes it super easy to conduct Q&As, trainings, workshops, and presentations, all in one place.
4. Events Integration
Circle’s events feature is incredibly versatile. You can categorize events within specific spaces, like upcoming calls or community hangouts, and host both virtual and in-person events. This comprehensive calendar keeps everyone on the same page and enhances community engagement.
5. Integrated Courses
The course feature in Circle is a real winner. I can host all my courses within the platform, providing members with access to coaching, community, and courses all in one place. The course builder is super user-friendly, supporting video uploads and customizable modules, and it keeps students on track with a sidebar for easy navigation.
6. Native Paywall
Circle’s native paywall feature supports different access levels and price points without needing third-party plugins. This simplifies the process for members to choose between monthly and annual subscriptions, enhancing the overall user experience and making it easy to manage memberships.
7. Custom Profile Fields
Custom profile fields let members provide specific information relevant to your community. In Web Designer Pro, we have fields for website platform choice, builder choice, specialties, and collaboration preferences. This information is searchable, making it easy to connect with members based on their profiles.
8. Workflows
Workflows automate tasks like onboarding emails, welcome messages, paywall messages, and engagement reminders. This feature reduces the need for separate email software or CRMs and allows for personalized communication with all members, keeping the community active and engaged.
9. Community and Company Support
Circle not only provides an exceptional tool but also fosters a strong customer community. This includes events, live showcases, and extra training, ensuring you are never alone in your journey. Circle’s commitment to innovation and improvement is evident in their regular updates and transparent roadmap.
10. Embedding Capabilities
A hidden gem of Circle is its embedding feature, which allows you to embed the community or specific spaces into other websites. This flexibility is perfect for integrating community aspects into larger sites, making Circle even more versatile.
Final thoughts
Choosing Circle for Web Designer Pro has been one of the best decisions for my business. It has enabled me to create a thriving community with coaching, courses, and comprehensive member interaction, all in one place. With features like customizable spaces, live streaming, integrated courses, and a supportive community, Circle stands out as the ultimate platform for building and managing online communities.
To see how Circle can transform your community, check out my step-by-step tutorial and an in-depth look at Web Designer Pro. If you’re ready to give Circle a try, grab a free 14-day trial at joshhall.co/circle
Additional Resources
- Step-by-Step Beginner’s Tutorial
- In-Depth Look at Web Designer Pro
- Get a Free 14-Day Trial of Circle
