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Why paid communities outperform free communities

Paying to get in the room

Author

April MacLean
June 07, 2023

It’s Wednesday, June 7th, and today we’re talking about paid communities: why they outperform free communities, why they’re frustrating people, and who’s doing it well.

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The Big Idea

Paying to Get in the Room

Recently, one of my closest friends went to a networking event and sent a rather nauseating little text. A guy at the event walked up to the buffet and started eating out of the communal food tray, dipping his chip in, taking a bite, dipping it back in for more. Staff offered him a plate, but he declined, dipping his grubby little paws back in.

🤢

As we all learned watching Seinfeld, double-dipping a chip is a major faux pas, but this message summarizes one of my most rampant struggles: getting into a room with great people is hard. Some of you may be blessed with a robust and brilliant network. Most of us have to hunt for it, slogging through one subpar experience after another, scraping together a community as we go.

If I can give you my money and be placed into a world of people who will sharpen my thinking, and challenge and support me, it’s a no-brainer. Of all the things worth paying for, good humans directly influencing my life are at the top of the list.

I didn’t know this was a hot topic until recently when I saw a group of people get into a heated digital debate. One person argued that paying is the “antithesis to what it means to be a community”. Another said, “If you’re inviting me in, I am contributing the value I bring to the room. That is the payment.”

Why Paid Communities Reign Supreme

We often hear the phrase "you get what you pay for," and it holds true when it comes to communities. While free communities certainly have their place, there's something special about the advantages that paid communities bring to the table:

  1. Commitment Breeds Engagement: When members invest financially in a community, they're more likely to be fully committed and engaged. It's that sense of ownership that fosters deeper connections and a genuine desire to participate actively.

  2. Quality Over Quantity: Paid communities tend to attract individuals who are serious about their interests or professional growth. This focus on quality creates an environment where members can connect with like-minded peers, share valuable insights, and receive high-quality support.

  3. Premium Resources and Access: Paid communities often offer exclusive resources, expert-led workshops, and valuable insights that go above and beyond what can be found in free groups. It's like having a VIP pass to a treasure trove of knowledge and opportunities.

There has been a huge uptick in the world of Community as a Product. We’ve gone from the industrial economy > production economy > digital economy > connection economy.

There are a striking number of successful paid communities. Many of us are familiar with the classics (such as YPO and Friend with Benefits), but there are tons of lesser-known communities who’ve committed themselves to going deep on a niche, earning strong loyalty and revenue:

Wanderful - Empowering Women Travelers

Wanderful, the global community for women travelers, is a shining testament to the power of paid communities. With their paid membership model, Wanderful offers an array of benefits that keep their members coming back for more:

  • Exclusive Networking: Members gain access to a supportive network of like-minded women travelers, fostering connections and inspiring lifelong friendships.

  • Trustworthy Homesharing: Wanderful's unique "Wanderful Homesharing" platform ensures safe and comfortable accommodations, allowing members to explore the world with peace of mind.

  • Transformative Experiences: Through events, conferences, and mentorship programs, Wanderful empowers women to unlock their full potential as travelers and changemakers, safely.

DesignCuts - Unleashing the Creative Community

DesignCuts is a paid community that has transformed the way designers connect and thrive. Here's what makes them stand out:

  • Critiques and Feedback: DesignCuts facilitates a collaborative environment where designers can receive valuable feedback and refine their skills through member-led critiques.

  • Exclusive Deals and Bundles: Members enjoy access to exclusive discounts on design resources, empowering them to expand their creative toolkit at a fraction of the cost.

  • Inspiring Challenges and Contests: DesignCuts organizes exciting design challenges and contests within their community, fueling creativity, friendly competition, and growth.

BrainStation - Empowering Tech and Digital Enthusiasts

BrainStation, the go-to community for tech and digital professionals, showcases the transformative power of paid communities in the digital landscape:

  • Community-Driven Learning: BrainStation offers a platform where professionals can connect, collaborate, and learn from one another, fostering a sense of camaraderie and constant growth.

  • Networking and Career Support: Members benefit from access to a strong network of industry experts, alumni connections, and career resources, propelling their professional journeys forward.

  • Tailored Education and Events: BrainStation curates specialized courses, workshops, and events to meet the ever-evolving needs of their community, ensuring relevant and impactful learning experiences.

As the launching of communities, both paid and free, continues to skyrocket, I would argue that niche is the only way to go.

Launching a community for entrepreneurs? The line forms to the left.

Launching a community for sustainable fashionistas or digital nomads with children? Door’s wide open for big revenue and impact to match.

Marinade

A few things I’ve read this week that are worth soaking in:

Onward,

Aprilhy