Credentials open doors to career opportunity, which is why more and more professionals are seeking them—so much so that higher education institutions and for-profit companies are joining the credentials marketplace.

With the increase in demand, now might be the perfect time to evaluate your certification application process. The MemberSuite blog has a few tips for creating an  experience that’s efficient and painless:

Focus on clarity. “Look for ways to make the process as clear and concise as possible,” the team writes. “Don’t make applicants think too hard or guess what they should have to do next. Use certification tracking software that allows you to design and configure an application workflow that guides applicants step by step through the application or renewal process.”

Keep applicants informed. “Credential holders want to be kept up-to-date on their certification status,” they say. “Help them stay in the loop by setting up automated email notifications that alert them to upcoming expiration and renewal dates.”

Enable self-service. “A member portal provides the self-service experience expected by professionals in your membership and market,” the team writes. “When you give applicants and credential holders the power to help themselves, your team also benefits as well—you won’t have to spend time fulfilling all those requests. However, always give portal visitors the option of talking to a real live person on staff for help if that’s their preference.”

Monitor Online Community Engagement

Your online community checklist to easy member engagement https://t.co/8V2cEf28Aj #assnchat #onlinecommunity

— YourMembership (@yourmembership) March 26, 2019

How often do you review members’ activity in your online community? Although there is no set formula for how to best monitor participation, some tasks need to be done regularly. For example, you should post fresh content and respond  to member posts where appropriate every day, says Tirrah Switzer on the YourMembership blog. Review analytics weekly, she recommends, and take time once a month to consider whether you need to devise new strategies based on data.

Other Links of Note

It’s hard to tackle a long to-do list when you’re in meetings all day. Harvard Business Review outlines a process to complete tasks amid a busy schedule.

Social media marketing is filled with data—but users’ emotions play a role, too. The Sprout Social blog explains what “sentiment analysis” is and how to measure it.

Customer feedback can drive growth—just ask a unicorn, from the Higher Logic blog.

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