What should we keep in mind when comparing community software features?

Image by: Jeremy Keith

There are literally hundreds of online community platforms on the market. Some of them are simple. Some are complex. Some are in between.

When you’re comparing your options, it’s helpful to look at a platform’s features through these two lenses:

1. End users: Any feature that faces the end-user (your members, prospects, other constituents) must be simple to use. Simplistic, even. Usability is extremely important. Look for large fonts, big buttons, and a few clear paths to engagement. Providing the user with too many options tends to overwhelm or frustrate a member to the point of inaction.
2. Power users: Features that are intended for use by community managers, administrators and power users can be more complex, and their design a little rougher around the edges. What you’re looking for behind the curtain, as a community manager, are power and flexibility. Usability can take a back seat to these, but not thrown out entirely, of course.