what no one tells you about running a paid community (until it's too late)

running a paid community isn’t just about slapping a price tag on access and hoping people show up. it’s about creating something people truly want to be part of something that feels worth paying for and, more importantly, worth sticking around for...

the foundation: why people pay

people don’t pay just for content. they pay for transformation, connection, and outcomes. content is everywhere (and mostly free), but a well-run community provides structure, accountability, and a clear path to results. think of it like a gym membership people don’t join just to have access to weights, they join because they want to get in shape, stay consistent, and be surrounded by others on the same journey.

your audience determines your pricing

pricing isn’t about what feels “fair” to you it’s about what feels valuable to your ideal members. selling to beginners? affordability matters. selling to professionals? they’re used to investing in results. don’t undercharge just because you feel bad asking for money; charge based on the value and transformation you’re delivering.

engagement matters more than numbers

having 50 engaged members beats having 500 lurkers. your goal isn’t to build a massive group it’s to build a space where people show up, interact, and get results. this means curating discussions, designing interactive experiences, and making people feel seen.

why people leave (and how to prevent it)

people leave paid communities for three main reasons:

1. they got what they came for (which is a win!)

2. they don’t see ongoing value (which is fixable)

3. they feel disconnected (which is preventable)

to keep retention high, continually introduce new value live calls, expert insights, challenges, or even direct feedback. make them feel like they’d be missing out by leaving.

what you’re really selling

when running a paid community, you’re not selling access. you’re selling momentum. people pay to move forward faster, to be around others on the same path, and to have structured support that keeps them going. if you keep that in focus, your community will stay valuable and profitable.

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