Building and Elevating Your Online Community with a Mobile App
An online community is an invaluable tool for fostering connections, sharing ideas, and nurturing a sense of belonging. To build and elevate online communities to new heights, a mobile app can be a game-changer.
Let’s explore the benefits of building an online community by outlining the steps to elevate it through a strategically developed mobile app.
Start with a strong online community
A thriving online community is the cornerstone of success. Begin by defining your community’s purpose and identifying your target audience. Understanding the essence of your community sets the stage for a robust foundation that can seamlessly transition to a mobile app.
Identify the need for a mobile app
Recognizing the right time to introduce a mobile app is crucial. Increased member engagement and a demand for mobile access are key indicators. As your community flourishes, the convenience of a mobile app becomes increasingly relevant.
Even so, according to Community Brands 2023 Association Trends Study, just one-quarter of association professionals actually have an engagement strategy.
Start to imagine how to leverage a community engagement platform like a mobile app by downloading our whitepaper: 10 Ways to Increase Member Engagement with a Mobile App.
You’ll access valuable insights to elevate your community including communicating in a streamlined environment and facilitating networking to strengthen that community.
Define mobile app objectives
Outline clear goals for your mobile app. Whether it’s boosting member engagement, improving accessibility, or exploring new revenue streams, having specific objectives guides the development process and ensures the app aligns with your community’s vision.
Budget and resource allocation
App development requires careful financial planning. Budget for development, maintenance, and marketing to ensure a sustainable and successful launch. Proper resource allocation is essential for meeting your objectives and maintaining the app’s long-term viability.
Click here to watch our thought leadership webinar, Beyond budget approval: Next steps for successful software selection
App development and features
Explore essential features for your community mobile app, such as member profiles, real-time notifications, discussion boards, and event integration. Each feature should enhance the user experience and contribute to the overall value of the community.
Choosing development partners
Selecting the right development partners is critical. Evaluate whether in-house development or outsourcing aligns with your goals and resources. The right team can make a significant impact on the success of your app.
When choosing the right mobile app development partner, be sure to take a look at their references and portfolio: “The ratings and reviews provided by previous customers serve as evidence of the quality of work and the level of expertise in mobile app development that you seek.”
“The team at TripBuilder Media has been amazing. I can’t imagine a better mobile app development and maintenance experience than what I have experienced with TripBuilder Media.” — LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES
App design and user experience (UX)
Prioritize a user-friendly design that emphasizes simplicity, easy navigation, and mobile responsiveness. A well-designed app ensures that users have a positive and enjoyable experience, encouraging regular engagement.
“My client had not had the best experience with past mobile apps … TripBuilder Media knocked it out of the park!” — ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT CENTER
Testing and feedback
Rigorous testing is essential before launch. Encourage feedback from early users to identify and address any issues. A thorough testing phase sets the stage for a smooth and trouble-free user experience.
Launch and promotion
Craft a comprehensive launch plan that includes marketing and promotion strategies. Building anticipation and encouraging members to download the app are crucial steps in ensuring a successful launch.
Member training and support
Provide resources and guides to help members get started with the app. Establish channels for support and assistance, ensuring a seamless transition for all users.
TripBuilder Media has more than 25 years of experience empowering leading organizations with the tools they need to refine how they communicate and engage. Our dedicated team of experts guide every step of your journey to make sure your community engagement platform optimizes the member and attendee experience.
Monitor and gather data
Utilize data analytics to monitor app performance. Insights gathered from user behavior and engagement can drive improvements and inform future strategies.
Member engagement through the app
Explore strategies for increasing member engagement within the app. Gamification has proven to advance member engagement, along with member-generated content, and discussion forums, all of which contribute to a dynamic and vibrant community experience.
Download our whitepaper featuring STLE, which has depended on TripBuilder Media’s mobile solutions, like Mobile 365™, which resulted in a 97% increase in member engagement.
Feedback loop and iteration
Acknowledge the iterative nature of community and app development. Embrace feedback from members to drive continuous improvement, ensuring the app evolves to meet the changing needs of your community.
Measuring success
Define key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the app’s success. Align these metrics with your defined objectives, providing a clear picture of the app’s impact on your community.
Transitioning your online community to the next level with a mobile app is a strategic move that promises enhanced member engagement and community growth.
Trust TripBuilder Media to elevate your online community
Consider this comprehensive guide your roadmap to navigate the intricate process, ensuring a seamless experience for your members and the achievement of your community goals.
“TripBuilder Media has one of the best approaches to customer service of any vendor we work with. They take the time to understand each individual need as well as our overall goals. We would recommend them to anyone.” — RAYMOND JAMES
Embrace the power of technology in an innovative mobile app to build a stronger, more connected community for the future.
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