Gamification is a great way to drive early engagement and reward active members — but it’s important to use it intentionally. In Heartbeat, you can use a mix of Access Groups, badges, and Workflows to build powerful, automated reward systems that feel fun (without overwhelming your community).

Want to dive deeper?

• Access Groups Overview →

• Automated Groups Guide →

• Workflows Overview →

⚠️ Before You Start: A Quick Note

We get this question a lot — and while gamification can work well, too much of it backfires. If you over-reward post volume or comments, you’ll often get a flood of low-quality content. Make sure you’re reinforcing positive, valuable contributions, not just activity for activity’s sake.

Gamification Example 1: Fast Learner Badge

This is a simple, low-lift reward new members can unlock early.

Trigger Criteria:

• Attend 2 live events

• Leave 5 comments

What they get:

• A green Fast Learner badge shown next to their name

• Instant access to the Marketing Essentials course

• A friendly direct message letting them know it’s unlocked

🛠 How it works:

• Create an automated access group with these criteria

• Set that group to display as a badge

• Link the group to the course

• Create a workflow to send the DM once unlocked

Gamification Example 2: Power User Badge

This is a more exclusive, high-contribution reward.

Trigger Criteria (using built-in template):

• 25+ posts

• 25+ comments

• 25+ reactions received

• Excludes admins & mods

What they get:

• A blue Power User badge

• Access to the premium Marketing Mastery course

• Access to a private Power User Feedback channel

• A DM congratulating them and linking to their unlocked perks

📣 Communicate the Rewards

Gamification only works if members know it exists. Two best practices:

1. Create a Clear Doc

List each badge, what’s required to unlock it, and what’s included.
Example:

• 🟢 Fast Learner Badge → 5 comments + 2 events → Marketing Essentials Course

• 🔵 Power User Badge → 25+ contributions → Power User channel + premium course

2. Auto-DM New Members

Use a workflow to send a message 1 min after they join:

“Hey {{member.firstName}}, there are a few hidden rewards in the community! 🎁

Attend 2 events and leave 5 comments to unlock a new course.

Full details here → [link to doc]”

Recap: Simple Steps to Gamify Your Community

1. Create the reward content first

   • Build your course, event, or private channel

   • Keep visibility set to “admin only” until you're ready

2. Create an automated access group (with a badge)

   • Set the rules (e.g. 5 comments + 2 events)

   • Turn on the Badge toggle during setup

   • Assign the reward content (courses, channels, etc.) to the access group

3. Set up an automated workflow

   • Trigger: member joins the access group

   • Action: send a direct message to celebrate and guide them to the reward

4. Create a public document

   • Clearly explain what members can unlock and how to do it

   • Link this in onboarding DMs & welcome docs

That’s it — no complicated setup or manual work required.

Start small. One or two thoughtful rewards go much further than 10 noisy ones.