Creating an Engaging Online Space for Members

Before Golf Management Australia (GMA) built their Higher Logic Online Community, they had an online forum that “just sat there on the website” and didn’t drive engagement. Their members in capital cities were fairly connected, but those outside the cities were less so. GMA was hoping to see more collaboration between GMA members so members could share strategic advice, solve challenges and develop new approaches.

They were inspired to leverage Higher Logic’s expertise building online communities to deepen engagement across their membership and within regional and provisional segments.

Setting Up the Tee Shot

With guidance from Higher Logic on how to interact with Beta and early adopters of their new online community, Golf Management Australia was able to identify and engage a core group of brand champions early on who could help them set up the perfect tee shot. They also prepared seed questions to drive interest, discussion and activity. 

Preparation Helped GMA Execute the Perfect Drive

Since the launch of their online community, GMA has seen steady growth and engagement with members. They’ve seen their engagement markers (particularly website page views, discussion group subscriptions and replies and library entries) triple in the past 8 months. 

The community has brought members together who might not have otherwise had a chance to connect, and it’s taken very little effort on GMA’s part – it’s mainly members who generate the discussion and engage other members.

“For an association like ours with people all over the country, I think [the GMA Member Community] is a fantastic culture builder and great for our Association’s relevance in sharing information. Members create the energy to power the system and that’s what we’ve always wanted.” – Paul Vardy, CEO, Golf Management Australia