Today, consumer behavior is adapting to the changes in the digital era, making online communication essential for all businesses, especially SMEs that aim to build close relationships with customers and establish credibility. In the past, Webboards or Forums were popular tools for creating online communities. However, online communities are now gaining traction and proving to be more effective for marketing.
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Webboard/Forum: The Classic That (May) Not Fit the New Age
Webboards or forums are online spaces where users can exchange opinions, create threads, and reply to posts. The advantage of webboards is the creation of communities with shared interests, allowing for deep exchanges of information and knowledge. However, webboards have several limitations that do not meet the needs of modern marketing:
- Outdated UI/UX: The appearance and usability are not appealing to the new generation of users.
- Difficult Mobile Access: Not well-supported on mobile devices compared to other platforms.
- Low Engagement: Focuses mainly on text, lacking variety in content presentation.
Online Community: The Digital Era’s Secret Weapon for SMEs
In the marketing context, an online community refers to the creation and management of an online space where users engage in content creation and exchange of opinions. Platforms commonly used to build online communities include Facebook Groups and LINE OpenChat. SMEs are increasingly prioritizing online communities because they are powerful marketing tools in several aspects:
- Easy Access and Convenience on Mobile: Online communities are easily accessible and usable on mobile devices, allowing users to participate anywhere, anytime.
- Better Engagement with Diverse Content: The ability to post images, videos, and various content types helps create more effective engagement than webboards.
- Comprehensive Community Marketing Tools and Features: Platforms for online communities offer a wide range of tools for managing and marketing to online communities.
- In-depth Data Analysis for Strategy Adjustment: Having tools for in-depth data analysis helps in adjusting marketing strategies effectively.
- Easy Integration with Other Marketing Tools: Online communities can easily connect with other marketing tools, such as social media and advertising platforms.
Community Marketing: Boost Your Brand with Online Communities
Community marketing involves creating and managing online communities to enhance engagement, build close relationships with customers, foster brand loyalty, and establish credibility. Online communities are particularly well-suited for community marketing because they:
- Reach Target Audiences Directly: They enable direct communication with the target audience.
- Create Engagement and a Sense of Belonging: They foster a sense of community and belonging among members.
- Encourage Word-of-Mouth Promotion: They stimulate organic word-of-mouth marketing.
Examples of Using Online Communities for Community Marketing:
- Creating user groups with shared interests in products or services.
- Organizing special events or promotional campaigns within the group.
- Offering exclusive privileges or promotions to community members.
FoxSpace: Elevating Online Communities to Business Growth Tools
FoxSpace is a platform specifically developed to meet the needs of SMEs in creating and managing online communities. With comprehensive features and easy usability, FoxSpace helps businesses build strong and effective online communities for marketing.
Distinctive and Outstanding Features of FoxSpace:
- Internal Communication: Features for internal communication, such as chat, video calls, and file sharing.
- Community Building: Helps businesses create and manage online communities effectively.
- Community Marketing: Comprehensive and effective tools for community marketing.
In the digital era, where online communication is crucial for all businesses, creating an online community is a powerful marketing tool that strengthens relationships with customers. For SMEs aiming for sustainable growth, FoxSpace is the right choice. With comprehensive features and easy usability, register and sign up for FoxSpace for free here.
