What Is Ning? Ning Site Builder – The Complete Review and Video Guide

What is Ning?

You might have heard the name Ning, but perhaps you aren’t unaware of how it can benefit your business or organisation.

Put simply, Ning is an superb online platform for both people and organisations to create custom social networks.

Imagine a world where online spaces transcend fleeting interactions and evolve into vibrant communities, pulsating with shared interests and meaningful connections. This is the world Ning, a pioneering Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform, has been meticulously crafting for over a decade.

Ning isn’t just a website builder; it’s a revolution in online community creation. Founded in 2005 by Gina Bianchini and Marc Andreessen, two tech visionaries who recognized the limitations of existing social media platforms, Ning was born from a desire to empower individuals and groups to build customized, purpose-driven online spaces.

More than just a platform, Ning is a community catalyst. It breaks free from the generic, one-size-fits-all approach of traditional social media, offering the tools and flexibility to build online communities tailored to specific needs and passions. Whether you’re an entrepreneur fostering professional connections, a passionate hobbyist uniting like-minded enthusiasts, or an educator creating a dynamic learning environment, Ning provides the perfect canvas to paint your ideal community into existence.

The story of Ning’s launch is as inspiring as its mission. In 2005, Bianca, fueled by the belief that “people need a sense of belonging,” took the unconventional path of open beta, inviting the world to participate in shaping the platform’s future. This bold move not only generated an enthusiastic community of early adopters but also fueled an iterative development process, ensuring Ning evolved alongside the needs of its users.

Today, Ning boasts a diverse ecosystem of thousands of thriving online communities, each one a testament to the platform’s transformative power. From alumni networks and sporting clubs to niche groups for writers, artists, and entrepreneurs, Ning has empowered individuals and organizations to forge real-life connections, cultivate shared values, and pursue their passions in a supportive digital environment.

This is just the beginning of your journey into the heart of Ning. In the following sections, we’ll delve deeper into the platform’s unique features, explore the benefits it offers various user groups, and showcase inspiring examples of Ning networks shaping a more connected world. Get ready to embark on a discovery of unparalleled community possibilities, powered by the innovative spirit of Ning.

A Brief History of Ning

Ning has been around for over a decade. It was launched in 2005 and by the early 2010s it had over 90,000 social networks running on its platform. The beauty of Ning is that almost anyone can create a community based around interests, hobbies and even their own business.

Since the early 2010s to the late teens, the online platform has increased in size by over 1900% by growing to over two million networks on the platform. That is compared to the 90,000 networks in 2011.

Features of Ning

The whole reason why Ning exists is to create a more personal social network — a social network that suits your target audience.

This makes it different to the likes of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and many others. Many of these networks have millions even billions of users per month and therefore try to accommodate all of their users to the best of their ability. By doing this, they sacrifice the ideal experience for one user, to create a more accommodating site for all.

Which is why many of us jump between one network and another.

Advanced Content Management

The beauty of Ning is its content features. It has a drag and drop builder which allow users to build unique social networks. For the setup of your network, you can also choose a theme, which allows you to create a more personalised network site design. Within the theme there are also options to tweak features such as your logo and navigation to your needs.

Within the content of your site, there is also the option to include audio, videos and images. Events can be organised within the network. All users within the network can then see the event. Events could be meetings, conferences, shows and even meetups depending on the topic/interest of your network.

Different member groups can be created within your network. For instance if your network was about graphic design within Northern Ireland. A group could be created for Photoshop designers, another for Illustrator designers or a group could be created for logo designers or even web designers. Within each group, members could share tips and even their designs.

An activity feed and a blog can also be created within a Ning network. An activity feed can make the network more of a social network. Without using an activity feed, a user would not be using Ning to its full potential.

Business Tools

Within Ning there are multiple business style tools and features. These range from messaging users to making money on the platform.

Making money online is getting more and more difficult as the years pass. For instance YouTube has cracked down on their monitisation algorithm, meaning that fewer content creators on their platform earn money.

One great feature in Ning is their ecommerce tools. A user can turn their Ning platform into an ecommerce site. Within a network a user can setup a paid membership. This can either charge users a one off payment or a subscription based membership. Also, certain parts of content within a network can be setup to only be shared if paid for. Both are great ways to earn money from the Ning platform.

Users can also advertise on their platform or create a donation feature.

Another business tool includes setting up analytics for your platform to see how successful your network is or is becoming. The MailChimp email automation can send automated emails to launch an effective email campaign acting on behalf of your network. Private and group messaging is another feature that can be setup.

Social Networking

Along side your own social network, you can also attach your very own network powered by Ning to your other networks on platforms such as Facebook.

This allows for any posts on your personal Ning social network to be shared onto your other platforms. Users can also join your social network by using other social network logins. This means a custom login system wouldn’t need to be setup.

Users can also receive notifications about the latest activities and posts on your Ning network through their social media.

Support

Ning also offer expert support for their platform. Depending on the payment package a user chooses, different support options will be offered. Each package comes with at least a 24 hour hour response time with it increasing to 12 hours for their most expensive package.

With each package users have access to the Ning community and forums which come with that as well as E-mail support. The ultimate package, also comes with access to a live chat and a personal manager.

Building Your Dream Community: Unveiling the Key Features of Ning

Ning isn’t just a platform; it’s a toolbox filled with features meticulously crafted to help you build the perfect online community. Let’s explore some of the key tools at your disposal:

1. Customizable Templates: Forget cookie-cutter designs! Ning provides a diverse selection of customizable templates, from clean and professional to playful and vibrant. Each template is a starting point, ready to be molded to your unique vision. Add your brand colors, upload custom logos, and tweak layouts to create a space that reflects the soul of your community.

2. User Management Tools: Build a hierarchy, foster collaboration, and keep things organized. Ning’s user management tools empower you to define user roles, assign permissions, and manage group memberships. Streamline communication, empower moderators, and create a safe and inclusive environment for your members.

3. Posting and Content Sharing Capabilities: The heart of any community is communication. Ning provides a robust platform for sharing ideas, sparking discussions, and keeping members engaged. Post text, share images and videos, embed multimedia content, and even integrate blogs and forums to create a dynamic tapestry of shared experiences.

4. Multimedia Integration: Infuse your community with life! Ning seamlessly integrates photos, videos, podcasts, and live streams, enriching user interaction and amplifying your message. Showcase members’ talents, host virtual events, and create a multimedia library that captures the essence of your community.

5. Custom Domain Support: Elevate your brand and establish a professional presence. Ning allows you to connect your own custom domain, giving your community a unique and memorable online address. This enhances visibility, boosts credibility, and fosters a sense of ownership among members.

Beyond Features: A Kaleidoscope of Community Possibilities:

But Ning’s true magic lies in its versatility. This dynamic platform empowers you to build a wide range of thriving online spaces, each tailored to a specific purpose:

• Community Forums: Create a vibrant hub for discussion, debate, and knowledge exchange. Whether it’s a passionate fandom, a local neighborhood, or a niche hobby group, Ning brings like-minded individuals together in a forum-driven environment.
• Business Networking Groups: Build a powerful network of professional connections, foster collaboration, and exchange valuable insights. Ning empowers entrepreneurs, freelancers, and industry professionals to build a supportive and dynamic online space for career advancement.
• Course Groups: Make learning interactive and engaging. Ning transforms classroom walls into vibrant online communities where students and instructors can share resources, discuss content, and collaborate on projects, boosting engagement and fostering deeper understanding.
• Expert Knowledge Hubs: Gather a community of knowledge seekers and industry leaders. Ning facilitates the creation of online spaces where experts can share their wisdom, answer questions, and guide aspiring individuals on their journey.
• Alumni Platforms: Reconnect with classmates, share memories, and build a lifetime network. Ning bridges the gap between graduation and lasting connections, empowering alumni associations to create vibrant online communities that transcend physical distance.
• Event Planning Networks: Organize gatherings, coordinate volunteers, and build excitement for your next event. Ning provides the perfect platform for planning committees to collaborate, share information, and keep attendees engaged before, during, and after the event.

Benefits of a NING Social Network

Let’s recap:

• Ning helps people create and design their very own social networking platform. This can help a user define their own brand.
• It allows a user to become their very own designer and be in control of their entire platform.
• There’re many features Ning includes that can give your network the potential for success.
• Ning can allow your platform to feel more personal unlike other networks such as Twitter and Facebook.
• Ning is very easy to setup.

Watch our video above for more details. It’s a full tutorial showing how to set up your very own Ning Social Media.
The tutorial shows the different steps to publish your social network.
Enjoy!

Why Choose Ning: A Symphony of Efficiency and Connection

Building a custom online platform can be a daunting task, demanding technical expertise, significant capital, and ongoing maintenance. But what if there was a faster, more cost-effective way to create the vibrant community you envision? Enter Ning, a platform that beautifully solves this dilemma, offering a multitude of benefits over building your own solution.

1. Quick and Low-Cost Set Up: Ditch the development headaches and launch your community in days, not months. Ning’s streamlined setup process guides you through every step, requiring no coding knowledge or technical expertise. Choose a template, customize it to your liking, and watch your community materialize before your eyes. This not only saves you precious time but also significantly reduces the financial burden of launching your online space.

2. Security and Backups Taken Care Of: Say goodbye to sleepless nights worrying about server crashes and data security. Ning takes pride in its robust security infrastructure and automatic backups, ensuring your community data is always safe and protected. Focus on fostering meaningful connections and engaging your members, knowing that the technical backend is handled with expertise.

3. Designed for Engagement at its Core: Ning isn’t just a platform; it’s an engagement magnet. The platform is meticulously designed to encourage interaction, collaboration, and a sense of belonging. From customizable user roles and forum functionalities to multimedia integration and event planning tools, Ning provides everything you need to keep your community vibrant and actively engaged.

4. No Coding Expertise Required: Leave the code to the coders! Ning empowers individuals with no technical background to build and manage thriving online communities. Its user-friendly interface and intuitive tools make it a breeze to navigate, edit, and customize your space, allowing you to focus on building your community, not learning programming languages.

Revenue Model and Pricing Plans: Tailored Options for Every Need:

Ning understands that no two communities are alike, and its pricing options reflect this diversity. Choose from several tiers offering a range of features to fit your specific needs and budget. Whether you’re starting a small hobby group or managing a large professional network, Ning has a plan that empowers you to build and sustain your community without breaking the bank.

Choosing Ning is choosing efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and a platform meticulously designed to foster meaningful connections. It’s about liberating yourself from technical complexities and focusing on what truly matters – building a thriving online space where your community can connect, collaborate, and grow.

Exploring the Landscape: Limitations and Alternatives to Ning

While Ning offers an efficient and accessible solution for building online communities, it’s vital to acknowledge its limitations and consider alternative options before making your final decision. Let’s delve deeper into both:

Limitations of Ning:

• Limited Customization in Lower Tiers: While Ning boasts flexibility, its lower pricing tiers may feel restrictive for users seeking extensive customization. These plans offer limited control over design elements and functionalities, potentially hindering the creation of a truly unique online space.
• Can Seem Templated: Despite customization options, the platform’s core layout and overall user experience can feel templated, especially when compared to custom-built solutions. This might not be ideal for communities seeking a completely distinct and original online presence.
• Needs Promotion for Member Acquisition: Building a thriving community requires proactive member acquisition. Ning provides tools for promotion, but it ultimately falls on the network owner to attract and engage users, which can be a significant challenge for new communities.

Alternatives to Building Networks on Ning:

• Open Source Options: Platforms like Oxwall and Elgg offer open-source software for building social networks. These solutions provide extensive customization options but require technical expertise for installation and maintenance, making them less accessible to non-technical users.
• Existing Network Platforms: Established platforms like Google Groups and Yahoo Forums offer free community hosting with basic features. However, these platforms have limited customization options and come with built-in advertising, which might not align with all community goals.
• Paid Hosted Alternatives: Several hosted platforms like SocialEngine and BuddyPress offer similar features to Ning, often with greater customization control and advanced functionalities. However, these options typically come with higher subscription fees, further influencing your decision.

Making the Right Choice:

The ideal platform for your online community depends on your specific needs, budget, and technical expertise. If ease of use, affordability, and quick setup are priorities, Ning can be a valuable option, even with its limitations. However, for communities seeking extensive customization, technical independence, or specific functionalities, exploring alternative solutions might be worthwhile.

Ultimately, the key is to carefully assess your community’s needs, weigh the pros and cons of each platform, and choose the solution that best empowers you to build a thriving online space where your members can connect, collaborate, and flourish.

Additional Tips:

• Consider your long-term vision. If you anticipate significant growth or require extensive customization in the future, a custom-built solution or a platform with more flexibility might be a better long-term investment.
• Research and compare features. Don’t hesitate to try out demo versions of different platforms to get a feel for their user interface, functionalities, and customization options.
• Seek community support. Join online forums and communities dedicated to social network platforms to gain insights from other users and learn from their experiences.

Exploring the Landscape: Limitations and Alternatives to Ning

While Ning offers an efficient and accessible solution for building online communities, it’s vital to acknowledge its limitations and consider alternative options before making your final decision. Let’s delve deeper into both:

Limitations of Ning:

• Limited Customization in Lower Tiers: While Ning boasts flexibility, its lower pricing tiers may feel restrictive for users seeking extensive customization. These plans offer limited control over design elements and functionalities, potentially hindering the creation of a truly unique online space.
• Can Seem Templated: Despite customization options, the platform’s core layout and overall user experience can feel templated, especially when compared to custom-built solutions. This might not be ideal for communities seeking a completely distinct and original online presence.
• Needs Promotion for Member Acquisition: Building a thriving community requires proactive member acquisition. Ning provides tools for promotion, but it ultimately falls on the network owner to attract and engage users, which can be a significant challenge for new communities.

Alternatives to Building Networks on Ning:

• Open Source Options: Platforms like Oxwall and Elgg offer open-source software for building social networks. These solutions provide extensive customization options but require technical expertise for installation and maintenance, making them less accessible to non-technical users.
• Existing Network Platforms: Established platforms like Google Groups and Yahoo Forums offer free community hosting with basic features. However, these platforms have limited customization options and come with built-in advertising, which might not align with all community goals.
• Paid Hosted Alternatives: Several hosted platforms like SocialEngine and BuddyPress offer similar features to Ning, often with greater customization control and advanced functionalities. However, these options typically come with higher subscription fees, further influencing your decision.

Making the Right Choice:

The ideal platform for your online community depends on your specific needs, budget, and technical expertise. If ease of use, affordability, and quick setup are priorities, Ning can be a valuable option, even with its limitations. However, for communities seeking extensive customization, technical independence, or specific functionalities, exploring alternative solutions might be worthwhile.

Ultimately, the key is to carefully assess your community’s needs, weigh the pros and cons of each platform, and choose the solution that best empowers you to build a thriving online space where your members can connect, collaborate, and flourish.

Additional Tips:

• Consider your long-term vision. If you anticipate significant growth or require extensive customization in the future, a custom-built solution or a platform with more flexibility might be a better long-term investment.
• Research and compare features. Don’t hesitate to try out demo versions of different platforms to get a feel for their user interface, functionalities, and customization options.
• Seek community support. Join online forums and communities dedicated to social network platforms to gain insights from other users and learn from their experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions about Building Online Communities

1. Is Ning the best platform for building my online community?

Ning offers a user-friendly and affordable solution for many communities, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. Consider your budget, technical skills, and desired level of customization before making a decision. Research alternative platforms like open-source options, existing network platforms, and paid hosted solutions to find the best fit for your needs.

2. What are the benefits of using Ning?

• Quick and low-cost setup: Launch your community quickly without needing technical expertise.
• Security and backups: Ning takes care of server security and data backups, giving you peace of mind.
• Engagement-focused features: Built-in tools like forums, multimedia integration, and event planning encourage community interaction.
• No coding required: Manage your community easily with a user-friendly interface, even if you’re not tech-savvy.

3. What are the limitations of Ning?

• Limited customization: Lower tiers offer less control over design and functionalities.
• Templated feel: The platform can feel less unique compared to custom-built solutions.
• Member acquisition: Building a thriving community requires active promotion and engagement efforts.

4. What are some alternatives to Ning?

• Open-source options: Platforms like Oxwall and Elgg offer extensive customization but require technical expertise.
• Existing network platforms: Google Groups and Yahoo Forums provide free hosting with basic features, but have limited customization and ads.
• Paid hosted alternatives: Platforms like SocialEngine and BuddyPress offer greater control and advanced features, but come with higher subscription fees.

5. How can I choose the right platform for my community?

• Define your community’s needs: What kind of space are you building? What features are essential for your members?
• Consider your budget and technical skills: Can you afford and manage a platform with more complexity?
• Research and compare options: Try demo versions and read reviews before making a decision.
• Seek community support: Learn from other users’ experiences in online forum communities.

Conclusion: Embracing the Power of Connection – Why Ning Matters

In a world saturated with generic social media platforms, Ning stands as a beacon of community-driven purpose. It’s not just a website builder; it’s a canvas for crafting vibrant online spaces where shared passions ignite connections, ideas flourish, and meaningful bonds are forged.

Ning’s unique value proposition lies in its focus on niche communities. Gone are the days of feeling lost in a sea of fleeting interactions. Instead, Ning empowers individuals and groups to build bounded, purpose-driven spaces where members share a common interest, a specific goal, or a unique identity. Whether it’s a group of passionate birdwatchers, a network of aspiring entrepreneurs, or an alumni association rekindling old friendships, Ning provides the perfect platform to build a community that transcends physical distance and cultivates a sense of belonging.

Here’s what makes Ning the ideal choice for building a thriving niche community:

• Ease of use and affordability: Launch your community quickly and cost-effectively, without needing technical expertise.
• Built-in engagement features: Foster interaction and collaboration with forum tools, multimedia integration, and event planning functionalities.
• Customization possibilities: Tailor the look and feel of your community to reflect its unique spirit, even within set tiers.
• Security and reliability: Trust that your community data is safe and protected with Ning’s robust infrastructure and automatic backups.
• Focus on shared interests: Create a space where members connect around what they truly care about, fostering deeper bonds and meaningful conversations.

In a world of fleeting connections and endless scrolling, Ning offers a refreshing oasis of focused purpose and shared passion. It empowers individuals to become architects of their own online communities, fostering belonging, collaboration, and the joy of genuine human connection.

So, if you dream of building a space where shared interests ignite, connections deepen, and a sense of belonging takes root, then embrace the power of Ning. Start crafting your vibrant community today and watch as your vision blossoms into a thriving hub of connection and shared purpose.