Businesses often find communicating with customers a challenge. Forum software is, therefore, a powerful tool to connect with customers. It is a boardroom to have discussions, ask queries, and share experiences among the customers. These top 5 forum software in 2023 are a great option for your business.
An advantage of technology is that it allows you to be omnipresent. If you own a business, your omnipresence can add solid value. But how is that possible? Well, forum software has discussions that your customers commonly have. You can engage with your customers, and these chats can then be read by new customers, too.
How many times have you had an issue with your electronic device and been fed up with untimely customer support? You must have searched online for some help and found an interesting community. Most people would have had the same issue, and that must have helped you find solutions.
This is similar in every business. Having a community for clients is always a good option. It makes your clients believe that you take responsibility for helping them at every step.
1. phpBB
If you are searching for open-source forum software, phpBB is here. It is one of the pioneers in forum software and has served many businesses over the years. One of the main components of its popularity is its interface. The UI is simple yet engaging. Users find it easy to use and engage with various communities.
Customization is the key to keeping customers happy. Most times, the users wish for specific changes. phpBB allows them to make changes as per their convenience. The customization includes a package of various images, font styles, and colors.
Another benefit of using phpBB as forum software is that it is absolutely free. At any point of using it, the users need not pay any amount. This seems to save a lot of money, as some forum software costs a lot.
In the online world, safety concerns are always haunting. That is why phpBB focuses more on security. Regular updates make sure threats are detected on time. If the team comes across any bugs, the issues are addressed right away.
2. MyBB
M yBulletin Board, or MyBB, is also an open-source forum software. Its powerful features are its USP. Simple design attracts users. MyBB is best for those who want to set up a quick community. It takes no extra time, and your community is ready within minutes.
You may require your community to perform various functions. Plugins play an important role here. MyBB allows you to install plugins on your board. It supports many different plugins like Google Analytics, social login, discord, etc.
MyBB supports too many languages. Apart from English, you can use a translator for various languages. These include Dutch, Chinese, Arabic, French, German, and many more. Themes on MyBB are customizable as well.
If you are the administrator of a community, you have full control over it. You get tool and maintenance sections to address issues at your end. The configuration section allows you to make edits to settings and make additional changes. MyBB is also completely free.
3. Vanilla Forums
Vanilla forums or Higher logic Vanilla is another open-source forum software. It is cloud-based forum software. If you wish to have the utmost control over the community, sign up for Vanilla Forums.
It allows you to merge, remove, or close any of the communities. This is better when it comes to security and other harm. If anyone violates the rules or disrespects any other user, you have several rights against the management.
Unlike many other forum software, Vanilla Forums can be used by anyone. Even if someone has less knowledge on the technical front, they can use it. Gamification is one of the features that excites users.
You receive badges and ranks based on your use of Vanilla Forums communities. In a way, it increases user engagement and promotes transparency. This one is not completely free, and there are subscriptions based on the features you choose.
4. WordPress bbPress
WordPress is one of the leading companies and technology giants. From its blogging platform to bulletin boards, the brand speaks for itself. WordPress bbPress is no less. It has gained popularity for various reasons.
If you have your business website on WordPress already, you just need to add the bbPress plugin. Along with WordPress, bbPress integrates well with other websites, too. An admin can dedicate roles to its users. If you want to assign a particular role and responsibility to any user, you can do that.
WordPress, as a content management system, allows users to install plugins effortlessly. These plugins are widely popular and help manage online businesses very well. The same goes with WordPress bbPress.
It comes with an extensive range of plugins that make your community user-friendly and manageable.
5. Simple Machines Forum
The Simple Machine Forum is just an E! It is easy, effective, and elegant. This open-source community forum software is free for all. You can customize the layout and theme of the community to a wider extent. If you are tech-savvy, this one would be a great option for you.
When it comes to SMF, or Simple Machines Forum, you need to relax about the security. All the checks and measures are time-bound. Any glitch, if ever found, is addressed right away. Additionally, if you still face any issues, the SMF community is always accessible.
The community is full of users who are always looking to help each other. Customer support is strong as well. The UI is easy to use but may require some sort of technical knowledge.
Conclusion
Open-source forum software allows users to keep editing the code as per the changes needed. Forum software is widely used in today’s technology driven business world. Online communities help you gather like-minded people who, in turn, help you grow your business.
These top 5 forum software in 2023 will be extensively used by most business owners. You can track reports and analytics as well. Build your online community with the best forum software in 2023.
Contact Tectera who offers web design in Scarborough to setup a fourm in your website.
Editorial Staff at Tectera are experts on web design, SEO, Social media, App and Software.