What is Digital Engagement?

The vast majority of associations are run by fewer than ten people – small teams who already rely on, or could benefit from, association management software. The truth is that each one of those associations requires a lot of hands-on administration, even if it's small. That administration is expensive and time-consuming and is basically a time suck for the few employees a small association has. 

Despite that, it's still vital work – and association management software aims to help.

What Makes Association Management Software Different from Other Software?

A quality association management software platform can do everything from building a website to running a member database. They can automate email communications, payment collections, donations, event management, and make sure all the financial requirements of running an association are met. In short, they can free your team up to do the things that associations are really meant to do. 

The problem lies in choosing the right association management software for your association, but we can help. Culled from hundreds of association management software options, here are five of the best.

The Five Best Association Management Software Platforms Right Now 

1. Cause Machine

Up until now, we've introduced association management software options that are useful in a variety of situations – but Cause Machine is something different. The most versatile option by far, Cause Machine is an infinitely customizable platform that can meet all the needs of an association – large, small, or in between. 

Building a cost-effective and practical web platform to manage your association is key for scalability and experience. You can even create members-only areas with added benefits too. Cause Machine can supercharge communications, help maintain the day-to-day, and even streamline association events. Cause Machine starts by defining your objectives and helps you build the platform to meet your organizational needs. 

Great features include:

• Tailored software for specific association needs
• Drag and drop web builder 
• Free trial and dedicated support
• Event management
• Email marketing tools
• eCommerce, membership billing, managed tiers, and more
• Dynamic CMS
• Job Board
• Launch Mobile Apps
• Free trial available
   

Especially for the thousands of small associations that need a practical association management tool, getting off the treadmill of hands-on administration is as easy as trying out the right association management software.

Get a tailored solution to your organization's needs. Schedule a free demo with Cause Machine to get back to doing what your association is really meant to do.

2. WildApricot

\WildApricot has steadily become one of the most visible association management software platforms, and that's because it comes with many of the features associations need. From a (basic) website builder to a built-in email system and a mobile app, it can be helpful to organizations of all sizes – and comes with a free trial period.

Great features include:

• Build websites and member directories
• Event Management
• Automate payments and renewals
• Free 60-day trial

3. GrowthZone

GrowthZone is an association management software option that is focused on what its name implies – growth! The basic plan includes everything that others do as well – including member management tools, financial tools, and the like – but it can be scaled up with marketing solutions and added "modules" as your organization grows, which is ultimately the whole point, right?

Great features include:

• Website builder with member and event management tools
• Marketing tools and sales funnel 
• Payment processing
• Free demos and monthly payment plans

4. MemberLeap

MemberLeap is an example of powerful association management software that is tailored for one specific segment of the association landscape. Along with all the basic functions of member and financial management, it features a convenient integration with QuickBooks. With 26.5 million businesses using QuickBooks in the US, that could be very useful!

Great features include:

• Member database with plans
• Integrates with QuickBooks for accounting 
• CRM system
• Starts at $50/month, plus website setup packages from $1,800+

5.SilkStart

With SilkStart, small associations can get everything they need – and the "smooth" transition they hope for. This software is designed to be simple and easy to use for administrators, and its features are designed to get the job done. Features include job boards, donation pages, chapter integration, and mobile-friendly websites.

Great features include:

• Simple tools for website, members-boards, donations, and more 
• Event management
• Job board
• Email Marketing

Get Started With Cause Machine

Starting with a community engagement strategy is the secret to building a successful organization in the long term. Cause Machine helps organizations build the plan of engaging a community well and then begin mapping out the technology to help support that strategy. We're certain that you'll find some great resources and powerful tools in Cause Machine to better engage your community. Learn how it can work for you here.

As anyone who plans and coordinates events can tell you, a lot of work goes into making a memorable moment seem effortless.

Event management is a time-consuming endeavor, with countless moving parts, conflicting deadlines, and communication obstacles to master. In some cases, you almost need to be a magician to pull things off – but with the right event management tools, you can do what seems impossible.

The Impact of Events

According to Statista, the total size of the "party and event planner sector" in the United States was $4.08 billion U.S. dollars in 2021, and it's still recovering from the major shock of the pandemic. That's a sizable growing market, and with relatively low barriers to entry, it can be a promising industry for entrepreneurs to break into – especially if you have a knack for spectacular brunches or over-the-top birthdays even adults leave smiling. 

One of the major challenges to entering event management has always been juggling all the components of the business – but there's help for that. 

What Needs Do Event Management Tools Fulfill?

Event management tools come in two basic forms, all-in-one or purpose specific. And basically, they can be anything that helps streamline the work of creating and running an event of any scale. 

Some things to consider when choosing event management tools include:

• Do you need an event website or mobile app?
• How will you promote the event?
• Do attendees need to register or get tickets?
• Will you need to create and update schedules?
• Will there be exhibitors or vendors? 
• Will the event be in person, virtual, or a hybrid event?

Once you know what you need, choosing the correct tool or platform will be a cinch. 

The Best Event Management Software
 

1. Cause Machine

Cause Machine is different from other event management tools. It's an all-in-one platform, allowing you to do everything from managing complex hybrid/virtual events and email marketing to restricted membership content. Cause Machine allows planners to start with a blank slate and build the event management solution that's right for them – all in one place. No need to juggle five different apps or pay for five different services. 

Pros

• Drag & Drop Website Builder.
• eCommerce Store.
• Virtual or Hybrid events are easy to run and manage.
• All-in-one solution for scalability.
• Online Course Builder.
• Dynamic event management from registration, email communications, event tickets, and more.
• Custom membership options.
   

Cons

• Limited front-end design customization.
• Setup can take time, depending on the needs.

It's not easy to create and run the perfect event, but with event management tools like Cause Machine, it can go a little smoother. Set up a free demo on Cause Machine.

2. Eventbrite

Eventbrite is one of the best-known event management tools out there. If you've gone to an event that you needed to RSVP for in the last few years, chances are you've used it. The platform makes setting up registration or e-tickets easy, and with automated e-mail confirmations, it can give your small-to-medium-sized event a sense of professionalism. But it's important to note: Eventbrite doesn't do everything.

Pros

• Ease of use and familiarity.
• Create custom tickets and registration pages.
• Email reminders for attendees.

Cons

• Eventbrite only helps get plan the event – it's not designed to help with day-of needs. 
• Relatively high fees.
   

3. Cvent

Cvent is an easy-to-use event management software that helps manage event registration and engagement. The platform can automate tasks like data analytics, event marketing, event registration, etc. to save time. You can manage attendees and build event reports to navigate every aspect of the event process.

Pros

• Plan and promote your event.
• Engage attendees.
• Capture leads and track ROI.

Cons

• Features can be time-consuming during setup.
• Clunky reporting.

4. A2Z Events

As its name implies, A2Z Events can help you handle almost every aspect of behind-the-scenes event management, from floorplan design and staff coordination to creating exhibitor and vendor portals. Its scale makes it ideal for large events like trade conferences or big weddings, but it's not as useful for smaller events, and does not include any public-facing features. 

Pros

• Create the perfect event layout.
• Great for larger teams.
• Good for conferences and other big events.

Cons

• Lacks attendee-facing tools like a registration portal, event map.
• Overkill for most events.

5. Zoom Events

Zoom Events is a great video-conferencing tool that has taken Zoom's original purpose of virtual meetings to the next level with the ability to run dynamic events. With Zoom Events, you can host virtual/hybrid events, webinars, digital panel discussions, online courses, and more. Most people find it easy to navigate, and e-mail confirmations keep everyone on the same page.

Pros

• Easy and familiar to use.
• Host multiple virtual sessions at once.
• Connect your audience.

Cons

• Free version comes with time limits.
• Limited screen-sharing functionality.

Start Cause Machine

Starting with a community engagement strategy is the secret to building a successful organization in the long term. Cause Machine helps organizations build the plan of engaging a community well and then begin mapping out the technology to help support that strategy. We're certain that you'll find some great resources and powerful tools in Cause Machine to better engage your community. Learn how it can work for you here.

Community drives everything. People need it. As a businessperson or thought leader, it should come as no surprise, then: when you give people community, they become more than just customers/members/students – they become believers.

Most of us understand that, whether it’s a clear-as-day truth or just an intangible feeling we get from our favorite brands. But knowing how to build a community? That’s not something you’re born with.

Are you ready to sprout that initial group from a seedling of an idea? Grow it into a real community. And then monetize it in ways that benefit both users, and entrepreneurs. Find out how. 

Obviously, there’s much more to it than one blog post can cover (get in touch here to see what I mean), but we can at least get you started … right now, in fact.

How to Build a Community in 7 Steps.

1. Form an identity 

Think about any community you belong to, whether it’s digital or out in the real world. They all exist with the phrase “this is who we are” at the core. Sports fandom, professional associations, and student bodies – they’re all built around identity, and that’s what your community needs, too.

• Start by ask yourself the question, “who are we?”
• Then, find a clear way to fully express the “why” of your mission. 

2. Connect with a few early members 

The next thing on our “how to build a community” checklist – well we need to put the "community" in community. Time to get some members. That sounds daunting, but don’t overthink it. We’re not talking about numbers in the thousands … or even dozens. Start with people you know, or friends of friends, but make sure they fit that “who are we” question.

• Find a few people who feel like you do, invite them to take part 
• These members will help set the tone for your community, so choose carefully

3. Earn the Community's Trust 

You’ve got to give your community a purpose, a reason to join and stay – and that is best done through involvement. Interact with your early members, get comfortable with each other and invite them to speak into the mission. 

• Start slow, with regular content posting
• Schedule a real life meet up, if possible, or get to know one another online 
• Hear your members' thoughts on the mission

4. Encourage Connections 

Now you’ve got something going, and it’s time to expand. Once your small community has identity and trust, you can give members ownership in driving growth. Empower them to find new likely members from their own lives, and get those “recruits” involved, too. 

• Empower members to spread the word
• Personal connections are the strongest 

5. Rewards

I like to think of this as the “gold star phase” of how to build a community. Just like in elementary school, positive reinforcement works wonders in a group environment. Find ways to celebrate your most dedicated and effective members, and that will encourage others to follow suit.

• Give perks to those helping accomplish community goals 
• It could be as simple as a newsletter shout out, or actual prizes 

6. Never Lose the ‘Why’ 

As things progress, your community may start to get sidetracked away from the original mission. This is natural, but it’s important to always steer the group back toward its overall goal. 

• Remember, communities are built on identity and trust

7. Continuous Growth 

If you make it this far, your community should now be nearly self-sufficient. You’ve got a clearly defined mission and an active group of members, who all feel empowered by each other and want to see it succeed. 

• Produce content to keep your members involved. 
• Look for membership sites that put the control in your hands

Sounds simple enough, yet learning how to build a community is something entire careers are devoted to – like they are here at Cause Machine. This guide can help, but there’s nothing like having a team of experts on your side, each step of the way. Set up a free demo and get your community on the right track today.

Get Started With Cause Machine

Starting with a community engagement strategy is the secret to building a successful platform in the long term. Cause Machine helps customers build the plan of engaging a community well and then begin mapping out the technology to help support that strategy. We’re certain that you’ll find some great resources and powerful tools in Cause Machine to better engage your community. Learn how it can work for you here.

Americans live in a time of polarized politics – and that's easy to see on social media. Although the ability to express one's beliefs has begun to feel more like a right than a privilege, some feel their views are being censored, and have even begun seeking a conservative alternative to Facebook.

The Current Throne of Social Media

In many ways, a reaction to Facebook's dominance makes sense. Maybe it was even inevitable. According to parent company Meta, about 2 billion people use the platform every day, making it the leading social network overall and the biggest in the U.S., with over 63% of the population 13 or older using it. That's about 210 million Americans, and with its huge potential reach, Facebook has to regulate what gets posted – which has become a politically sensitive proposition.

What is the Role of a Social Media Company?

Most policies are intended to counteract disinformation and silence hate speech, which most Americans agree is important. But then the question becomes, "what is disinformation and hate speech?" As a result, many American conservatives believe Facebook has gone too far. 

Posts by influential right-wing commentators have been flagged, and users have been suspended – or even de-platformed altogether – with some accusing Facebook of putting its thumb on the scale of democracy. Add in nagging privacy and security issues, and many have left Facebook, searching for something… different. 

Lucky for them, a whole parallel social-media universe has sprung up.

Top 5 options when looking for a Conservative Alternative to Facebook.

1. Parler

This whole "conservative alternative to Facebook" thing didn't come from nowhere … it started with Parler. Purpose-built in 2018 and described as an "unbiased alternative to mainstream social networks," Parler first became widely popular in 2020, just as Facebook policies changed. It was then banned by Apple, Google, and Amazon stores, killing some of its momentum. But now it's back with stricter content controls and has about 15 million users, which tends to spike during election cycles.

• The "OG" of conservative platforms
• Focused on free sharing of non-mainstream news and opinion
• Users say its more restrictive than it lets on

2. Rumble

Rumble launched in Canada in 2013 and has now become a conservative favorite for video sharing à la YouTube. Users can share video content without restriction – and even monetize it, which Facebook doesn't allow. The platform experienced an influx of users after the 2020 election and now claims 80 million users, most of whom were referred from Parler after it was temporarily suspended.

• Unrestricted content sharing 
• Large, politically active user base 
• Can monetize your content

3. Gab

Next up is Gab, which launched in 2017 as just another social network, but has grown to become a home for the "outcasts" of the mainstream. A microblogging site similar to Twitter, many users arrive on Gab after being banned by other networks, drawn to the site's promotion of "free speech," "individual liberty," "free flow of information online," and Christian values. Detractors call it a haven for extremism, racism, conspiracy nuts, and antisemites, claiming it plays a role in growing radicalization.

• Can publish posts, chat, create private groups, read conservative news, and even shop 
• Fierce devotion to "freedom of expression"
• A reputation that makes it attractive to extremists, hate speech

4. MeWe

MeWe is an exciting option in the conservative alternative to Facebook world. It's not explicitly described as "conservative" in any way, but does have a value proposition that aligns well with many conservative values. Billing itself as the "anti" Facebook, MeWe allows for posting, groups, and other social must-haves with no ads, no data targeting, no political bias,, and no news feed manipulation. It currently boasts about 20 million users.

• Posting, news, groups, personal chats, user tagging, and a two-way camera for video chats
• Hands off approach to user data
• Doesn't gather user info (or sell it to China)

5. Truth

Finally, we come to Truth Social. Launched in 2022 by former U.S. President Donald Trump, it is a direct response to the removal of certain conservative users from other platforms – including the former President himself. Purpose-built as an "uncensored" alternative to Twitter and Facebook, Truth aims to allow for free expression, and offers most of the familiar social media features you are used to, but has at times been accused of censorship itself. It's also small for now, with only about 2 million users, but it's the only place to be if you're looking to keep up with Trump.

• First and only social media platform started by a former president 
• Created as a purpose-built conservative alternative to Facebook 
• Can post Truths and share "ReTruth," as well as video content

If you want a conservative alternative to Facebook, these are just a few of the many options out there – and the field keeps growing all the time. Whether you're looking to bring your users into one platform where you own the data and monetization or just want a new social media environment. For users worried about their views being unfairly censored or silenced, it seems free speech is alive and well.
 

Get Started With Cause Machine

Starting with a community engagement strategy is the secret to building a successful platform in the long term. Cause Machine helps customers build the plan of engaging a community well and then begin mapping out the technology to help support that strategy. We’re certain that you’ll find some great resources and powerful tools in Cause Machine to better engage your community. Learn how it can work for you here.

Here’s a surprising fact – one which anyone in today’s highly competitive, globally-connected economy should know:

80% of customers believe the experience provided by a company is just as important as its products and services.

That’s an eye-opening statement. It’s no longer enough to have the item someone needs and sell it at a reasonable price. These days, people prefer businesses that make them feel good, and this often comes down to customer engagement.

Customer Engagement Revolves Around Your Brand

Customer engagement is created by the connection between a customer and a brand. It’s the relationship a customer has that keeps them coming back. In order to maximize an organization’s results, maximizing this relationship is key to sustained growth.

There are customer engagement best practices related to marketing, sales, and service, with plenty of nuance in each segment. But in a nutshell, the whole idea is to improve a customer’s experience through positive interactions. 

In the old days, this was mostly done at the point of purchase. But now customer engagement also happens digitally with advertising, social media, blogs, surveys, and more. Remember, you are up against sellers on the other side of the planet, so a great experience can separate your business/non-profit from the pack.

Take a look at these two figures for more insight into why this matters:

• 86% of buyers are willing to pay more for a better customer experience.
• 95% of customers say trust in a company makes them more likely to remain loyal to that brand (OutGrow).
   

The truth is that engaged customers are more valuable, so customer engagement is a powerful business driver which should be a priority. But maintaining this great experience is an ongoing process. It begins long before the first purchase and continues long after. 

Today we’ll present eight tips to help improve customer satisfaction and loyalty–if you’re a small business operator or a super-sized organization. Remember: Great customer engagement doesn’t happen by accident, after all.

8 Best Tips to Increase Customer Engagement 
 

1. Know Who You Are, Know Who Your Customers Are

The best customer experiences start with a clear message. Build a strong brand voice for your organization, and strive to maintain it at all times. If you know who you are, customers will know, too. And when you feel like you know someone, it’s possible to build trust. For your customers, start with a Customer Journey map to clarify the steps customers take when engaging with your business or organization. Build your service and product to serve their realized needs.

2. Stay In Front

Once people know who you are, it’s important to stay in front of them. Make the customer life cycle as long as possible – and you can do that with follow-up on social media, online ads, blogs, great email marketing for returning customers, and much more. Figure out where your customers are, and go to them. 

3. Track Preferences

In today’s hyper-connected world, it’s easier than ever to collect useful data that can help with decision-making later on. Things like Google Analytics, Facebook Analytics, or even surveys are invaluable tools for learning what customers prefer. But even so, 39% of companies don’t regularly ask for feedback!

4. Trigger Warning

Another powerful use of data is to determine the “trigger” that convinced a customer to engage with your organization or buy that product. There’s often a reason, whether it was an advertisement, a social media post, or even word of mouth. Try to identify these triggers and put them into practice when possible.

5. Be Personal

Despite the power of data, there’s still no replacement for a personal touch. Almost 40% of customer interactions will be automated through AI and machine learning by 2023. But, 49% say that after getting a more personalized experience, they have splurged on an impulse buy.

6. Be Honest

No one is perfect – and even though businesses try hard to make themselves seem that way, they aren’t either. A big part of customer engagement is owning up to mistakes and making things right, with personal communications when possible. This is often easier for a small business, so take advantage!

7. Use Everything You Know

Just like navigating the news, it’s best to never rely solely on one source of information. Be flexible in where and how you get customer engagement details, and then try hard not to cherry-pick data points that confirm what you already thought. Learn to be ok with learning.

8. Punch Above Your Weight

Finally, outstanding customer engagement will often mean your little operation seems like a much bigger one. Using a combination of data, flexibility, and a personal touch, it’s possible to make decisions like a big business – and tailor the experience like a mom-and-pop shop.

Grow Customer Engagement With Cause Machine

Starting with a community engagement strategy is the secret to building a successful platform in the long term. Cause Machine helps customers build the plan of engaging a community well and then begin mapping out the technology to help support that strategy. We’re certain that you’ll find some great resources and powerful tools in Cause Machine to better engage your customers. Learn how it can work for you here.