The Community Revolution: Trends to Look Out for in 2023

Online communities have come a long way from being just a mere channel for delivering customer support.

We say this because we witnessed how communities revolutionized business operations during trying times. Post that, there was no stopping for communities as these became the backbone of various brands.

Not only did communities become a medium for brands to cross-collaborate with their members, but these empowered brands to strengthen their internal systems.

From integration with CRMs to the application of AI and a lot more, communities continue to evolve at a fast pace. This brings us to a question, the answer to which all community enthusiasts are eager to find-

What’s NEXT in the community landscape? Let’s dig in to find out!

4 Online Community Trends to Look Out for in 2023

Here are a few online community trends that we expect to witness in 2023.

1. Web 3 + AI = The Advancement of Meta Communities:

AI and tools like ChatGPT and DALL-E will rule the community space in 2023. According to industry experts, these technologies are going to replace community managers. But we believe that there is little truth to this statement. Community experts are certain that Web3 coupled with AI will maximize outcomes and minimize harm.

AI will automate repetitive tasks, and save a lot of time for community managers. It will also simplify the process of large-scale onboarding. Not only will the process become more efficient, but it will also offer members a more inclusive and personalized experience. Web3 + AI will also provide enhanced security to users without having to worry about data and privacy fraud.

As community leadership becomes more important and more scoped within organizations, these empowering technologies will help reduce workloads and enhance efficiency.

2. Community-Based Marketing Will Gain Increased Traction:

It is predicted that community managers will embrace Community-Based Marketing (CBM) in 2023.

That said, many B2B marketers practice Account Based Marketing (ABM), but only a few are aware of the potential CBM offers. Besides reducing your dependence on paid advertising, community-based marketing also increases customer retention by fostering a sense of community.

There is a great deal of value in CBM, but it takes time, skill, perseverance, and patience to achieve it. But, as long as your online community is built in a transparent and non-exploitative way, these two functions [marketing and community] make good partners. So it’s best to consider community-based marketing as a non-intrusive, transparent, and conversational way to engage your audience.

3. Gamification Will Rise In Popularity As Engagement Rate Dwindles:

Although gamification is not a new concept, it is all set to gain immense popularity in 2023.

According to a new study, it is estimated that the gamification market will grow by 30.1%[i] by 2024. This is because it is the perfect antidote to the dwindling engagement and retention rates ever since the pandemic hit and attention span hit rock bottom. And when used correctly, it can be one of the best community tools to have at your disposal.

We expect to see the implementation of AI in gamification in communities. It will certainly take user experience to a whole new level. Interactive avatars, VR games, and more are some techniques that brands might adopt to increase user engagement within communities.

4. Rise of Subscription And Micro-Payment Communities:

There will be an increase in the number of community hosts who will consider charging for access to their communities. Likewise, their knowledge will be monetized.

Additionally, Web3 is much talked about these days. Due to this, secure financial transactions are being diversified. For the community, this opens up a range of possibilities to generate revenue.

Community managers will be able to generate revenue directly from the community via subscriptions, tips, or donations. The contribution of a member to a community could be valued in monetary terms.

As a result, many communities will cut their dead weight by monitoring lurker participation and rewarding active participants instead. Because quality is rewarded over quantity, always.

The future of online communities is bright, indeed!

These trends will surely enable brands to make their communities more dynamic, increase user participation in communities, and take engagement a notch higher.

Wish to Future-Proof Your Communities With the Latest Tech Advancements? Talk to Us!

References:
[I] Gamification Industry Overview