Basic Platform Optimization Tips

There are a bunch of basic platform optimization tips.

• Have a dynamic banner at the top of the page adapted to members by level of activity/tenure in community.
• Feature the latest activity above the fold on the community homepage.
• Reduce the size of the banner/top image to 1/3rd of above-the-fold area.
• Provide an area for people new to the topic (not to the community) to quickly get the best resources and reduce the sense of overwhelm.
• Search box at the top of the page (esp. for customer support).
• Clear contrasts between text and background images/colors.
• Static copy is kept to a minimum and dynamic copy fills most of the page to always provide regulars something new to see.
• Members can quickly scan the latest content for activity they want to participate in and respond to.
• Separate most popular from most recent and show members both simultaneously (in 2 or more separate areas on the homepage).
• Pinned discussions featuring most exciting content at the top.
• Avoid stock photos where possible, use photos of your members.
• Clear calls to action based upon desired contributions from community members.
• Community is linked to from a tab on company homepage (and ideally contributions are featured on the homepage).
• Navigation bar at the top or left-hand side.
• All content is a maximum ‘three clicks deep’.
• Long-scroll showing multiple types of engagement.
• Banner shrinks to fit mobile – with swipe option to remove.
• Static copy removed in favour of a one-screen view of community activity.
• Calls to action significantly enlarged.
• Member can easily tap/swipe to like/share community activity.

p.s. Full list of optimization is part of our benchmarks.