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Groups & Meta Groups Guide
Organize your community effectively using groups and meta groups. Learn the difference between them and how to use each type to create structure and engagement.
Understanding the Difference
Meta Groups
Template
Pre-defined group categories that users can choose during registration- Created by administrators
- Used during site registration process
- Help categorize new members automatically
- Can be required or optional during signup
Groups
Active
Actual member groups within specific sites- Created from meta groups or independently
- Contain actual community members
- Site-specific organization
- Used for targeted communications
Creating Meta Groups
Meta groups serve as templates for organizing new members during registration.
Step-by-Step Process
- Navigate to "Groups" → "Meta Groups"
- Click "New Meta Group"
- Enter a descriptive name (e.g., "Age Groups", "Interests", "Locations")
- Add a helpful description
- Set whether it's required during registration
- Configure approval settings
Meta Group Examples
- Age Categories: Under 18, 18-35, 36-50, Over 50
- Skill Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
- Interests: Fitness, Social Events, Competitions
- Locations: North Region, South Region, Central
Creating Regular Groups
Regular groups organize actual members within your sites.
Creating Groups
- Navigate to "Groups" section
- Click "New Group"
- Enter group name and description
- Select which site this group belongs to
- Choose a meta group template (optional)
- Set group permissions and privacy
Group Settings
- Public: Visible to all site members, anyone can join
- Private: Only visible to group members
- Approval Required: Admin must approve new members
- Auto-Assignment: New users automatically added based on criteria
Managing Group Membership
Adding Members
- Open the group from the Groups overview
- Click "Add Members"
- Search and select users to add
- Confirm the additions
Bulk Operations
- Import members from CSV files
- Move members between groups
- Remove inactive members
- Export member lists
Registration Integration
Configure how groups appear during the user registration process.
Registration Flow
- User fills out basic registration information
- System presents available meta groups
- User selects appropriate groups
- System automatically creates group memberships
- Admin can review and approve if required
Group-Based Communications
Use groups to send targeted messages and content.
- Send emails to specific groups only
- Create group-specific events
- Post content visible to certain groups
- Run competitions for specific groups
Group Analytics
Monitor group performance and engagement:
- Member count and growth over time
- Activity levels within each group
- Email engagement by group
- Event participation rates
Best Practices
- Keep It Simple: Don't create too many meta groups initially
- Clear Names: Use descriptive names that members understand
- Regular Review: Periodically review and update group structure
- Balance Choice: Provide enough options without overwhelming users
- Monitor Usage: Track which groups are most/least popular
Common Use Cases
Sports Club
- Meta Groups: Age Divisions, Skill Levels, Teams
- Groups: Under 12 Soccer, Adult Tennis, Competitive Swimming
Professional Association
- Meta Groups: Industry Sectors, Experience Levels, Locations
- Groups: Healthcare IT, Senior Professionals, Regional Chapters
Community Center
- Meta Groups: Age Groups, Interests, Program Types
- Groups: Seniors Programs, Youth Activities, Fitness Classes
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
- Groups Not Appearing in Registration: Check if meta group is active and assigned to site
- Members Can't Join Groups: Verify group permissions and approval settings
- Duplicate Group Memberships: Review auto-assignment rules