Two years ago I was training for the Jacksonville marathon. Last week I traded in my jogging shoes for my green argyle socks and black loafers to tackle the Higher Logic Academy in Washington DC. It was a great day and a half of FREE training for new Higher Logic customers. I rubbed elbows with fellow Higher Logic users and learned the intricacies of the software – everything from configuring permissions to customizing the design theme and user experience.

For my Higher Logic users, here are just a couple pro tips that I’ll share:

1. There’s an auto-login feature for notifications that allows users to bypass the engagement-killing login screen. Turn it on and configure the auto-login token to expire after a certain number of days. Yes, there’s a risk that the member’s account could be compromised if he decides to forward the notification to a friend, but there is a configurable warning message, and we’re not talking about bank accounts, here. Plus, the reward (more engagement) definitely outweighs the risk.
2. Many Higher Logic implementations I’ve seen have large feature box marquees at the top of the page taking up valuable real estate. Try replacing your marquee with a latest discussions user control or embedding latest discussions, featured discussions, or featured members user controls into the scrolling feature box.

I’m now ready to whip out my ninja-like Higher Logic skills at a moment’s notice and several of my clients will greatly benefit. I’d be slipshod if I didn’t boast that I am the first partner to graduate from the course. Much like my marathon, I think I deserve a medal for that.

Oh, and if you attended, please share your favorite pro tips too.