Building a truly engaged community isn’t just about gathering people together – it’s about keeping them involved, excited, and invested in the long run. In recent years, platforms like Skool have tapped into the power of gamification, using elements like leaderboards, badges, and progress tracking to motivate users. And while these tactics are undeniably effective, the question is: is gamification enough?
The answer is that while gamification can spark initial engagement, it often takes live events – whether virtual or in-person – to sustain that energy. In fact, research shows that engagement skyrockets when gamification is paired with regular opportunities for community members to connect. Let’s break down why this approach works and how platforms like Circular are reshaping the future of community engagement in 2024.
The Power of Gamification
Gamification works because it taps into the way humans are wired. We’re naturally competitive, and we respond to rewards – it’s part of our psychology. A 2021 study by the American Psychological Association found that people are 60% more likely to stay engaged in a task when there’s a competitive element or reward system involved. This is why platforms like Skool have done so well with their gamification features. By rewarding course completion or active participation, they keep users motivated.
But here’s the thing: what happens when the course is over? Without something else to keep people connected, communities often lose momentum. Engagement starts to taper off, and the community can become stagnant.
This is where Circular comes in with a game-changing solution: an integrated event management system that helps communities go beyond the digital points and badges. Circular makes it easy to host live events which keeps members coming back for more, long after the initial excitement of gamification has worn off.
The Role of Events in Driving Engagement
There’s a reason why events – whether virtual or physical – are so powerful when it comes to community engagement. According to research from Eventbrite, people who attend community events are 47% more likely to continue engaging with that brand or group afterward. Events create an emotional connection. They give members a reason to check in, interact, and feel part of something bigger than themselves. It’s no longer just about earning points – it’s about belonging.
Circular has taken this idea and elevated it by offering features that make event planning and management seamless for community leaders. Some of these standout tools include:
- Built-in Ticketing and RSVP Tracking: No need to juggle multiple platforms. Circular makes it easy to send out invitations, track RSVPs, and manage event logistics all in one place.
- Seamless Event Payments: Whether you’re hosting a paid webinar or selling tickets to a local meetup, Circular’s eWallet integration allows members to purchase tickets directly through the platform. No third-party payment apps required, which means less friction and a smoother experience for everyone involved.
By combining the ongoing motivation of gamification with the connection-building power of live events, Circular helps communities maintain higher levels of interaction and engagement. And that’s key to building not just a community, but a loyal community.
Why Gamification and Events Are a Winning Combination
The reason why gamification and events work so well together is simple: they both fulfill basic human needs. Gamification appeals to our competitive side, giving us rewards and recognition for our efforts. Events, on the other hand, appeal to our need for connection. They bring people together, foster meaningful interactions, and create shared experiences.
Communities that rely on just one or the other tend to fizzle out eventually. But when you combine the two, you create a cycle of engagement. Gamification motivates people to participate, and events give them a reason to stick around, interact, and form deeper connections with one another.
This is why Circular is poised to become a leader in the community platform space. They understand that engagement isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.
As we look ahead to 2024, it’s clear that the way communities engage is evolving. Platforms like Skool have proven that gamification can be a powerful tool for motivating members. But to keep them engaged, communities need more than just points and badges – they need opportunities for real interaction and connection. That’s where events come into play, providing the glue that holds communities together.
Circular has recognised this shift and responded by offering an all-in-one solution that combines the best of both worlds. With its integrated event management and gamification features, Circular helps communities stay active, engaged, and loyal.
In today’s digital world, it’s not enough to simply build a community – you need to nurture it. And by leveraging both gamification and live events, Circular is empowering community leaders to do just that. The future of community engagement is here, and it’s more exciting, dynamic, and interactive than ever before.