THIS! "What is their greater purpose within all the other channels our customers can interact with? Should a brand run its own? Would it be better to support an independent third party run community? There are lots of questions to consider. However, there is also room for a unique branded space which offers exclusive content access and experiences. Conceived with care, brand-owned communities have a reason for existence. "
I completely agree with you here, Adrian. Companies need to think carefully about the value of their branded community to the members and ensure they are consistently delivering on that value. Otherwise, members are likely apt to find other, more independent spaces to gather. Digital community members are very savvy these days and don't want to participate in a branded community just because. Value provided is everything.
The Community Everywhere Buzzword Party!
THIS! "What is their greater purpose within all the other channels our customers can interact with? Should a brand run its own? Would it be better to support an independent third party run community? There are lots of questions to consider. However, there is also room for a unique branded space which offers exclusive content access and experiences. Conceived with care, brand-owned communities have a reason for existence. "
I completely agree with you here, Adrian. Companies need to think carefully about the value of their branded community to the members and ensure they are consistently delivering on that value. Otherwise, members are likely apt to find other, more independent spaces to gather. Digital community members are very savvy these days and don't want to participate in a branded community just because. Value provided is everything.
I agree with everything but the "forums are dead" or 'community platforms are dying' aspect of this.
I've read everyone's comments on it so far and haven't seen a single person say that.
Forums have a major role to play in the future. However, their role has largely narrowed to primarily support-based communities in specific sectors.