How To Efficiently Migrate An Online Community To Another Platform

When it comes to membership websites, moving from one platform to another can be inevitable at times.  Maybe you created a new platform that will give members a much better experience or there was a security threat and you want to transfer members to a safer place.  Whatever the reason, making the transition can be a challenging time.  Discussed below are a few tactics to make the process easier for members and your staff.

 

A decline in engagement is one of the drawbacks that online communities face when they move from one platform to another.  But, this decline can be traced to the confusion among members when administrators fail to explain the reasons for making the transition.

Explain the reasons behind the shift, as well as the goals you have in mind for the future.  Also, you need to involve members as much as possible if you want them to fully cooperate.  Appoint a few top members as leaders for the shift and let the communication process begin well in advance of the shift.

 

If your community is based in a social media network, the best option is to allow your members to join the new platform through an opt-in method.  This way, you can transfer only those who are loyal to your association.  On the other hand, you could just add them automatically if you’re moving from one online community to another.

 

It’s good to have a deadline as it creates a sense of urgency and encourages members to join the new platform.  However, have someone track the old community frequently to ensure everyone knows about the transition.
Shifting the online community of membership websites is a tedious task, but it can be done efficiently.  An excellent strategy is to plan ahead of time and keep members informed about the changes by explaining the reasons for the move and how it benefits them in the end.