What is With White Label Social Networks that Hurt Your Online Community?

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White label social networks are a form of members-only social network where membership is restricted to those granted permission to join. Typically, they are attractive to huge corporations, non-profits, and businesses that seek an online community for their customers. 

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White label refers to generic products and services produced for resale by another company under their brand name, design, and ownership under a generic form. Early use of white labels on unbranded vinyl records led to the phrase "white labeling," which then spread to other media.

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White label manufacture can be applied to any mass-produced item that has become standardized. One prominent example is store-brand merchandise from supermarkets. Generic services are increasingly being used to deliver financial goods. The best solution is well-defined and has a well-established or expected market position. These concepts are increasingly being applied to software services and apps as well.

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Although white label social networks come with a few benefits, their disadvantages may affect you in building your online community. 

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Here is why: 

Lack of access and ownership of data

Customers' data is saved in the cloud since most white label social networks are delivered as SaaS. Depending on the type of business involved, these data could contain sensitive information. Most white label social networks will not provide you with access and ownership of data. It could affect your online community since users need to be convinced that their data is secure in numerous ways before joining. 

Limited customization

White label software has a distinct advantage over generic brands in establishing an online community, but customization options are limited. Platforms with fewer options for visual branding may also only provide a limited number of templates. 

Lack of flexibility

Content and navigation may not be arranged in a way that meets the needs of the community.

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Platforms for online communities must be adaptable to meet the demands of the communities they serve. For instance, a platform must be able to adapt and modify if a 'food' community moves its focus from recipes to menus or ingredients. White label social networks give you less flexibility. 

Poor scalability 

Scalability and upgrade may be an issue in some circumstances because the white label social networks' basic functionality is offered as-is. Your online community’s needs may evolve or grow. For example, your user base could increase by a hundred if you rethink your customer workflow. Such modifications may not be possible with a white label online community platform.

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There is no need to be worried about these issues if your service provider has well-established and flexible software, like Backspace. 

Lack of control 

A significant drawback of relying on public social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) and white label platforms when building an online community is the absence of control. Overriding corporate interests dictate everything from user data to moderating choices.

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For those that use Backspace, that power is returned to their hands. User-created material and activities are under your control. You are the one who decides what is acceptable and what is not in an engagement.

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You keep complete control over your data and information when using Backspace. You will not be losing any more members because they are sick of having their personal information breached. 

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