Today, I’m diving into a topic I’m super passionate about: online communities. They’re all the rage right now, and you might be wondering, “Should I start a free community? Should I use a Facebook group or something else? Or should I have a paid community?” Well, I’ve been on quite the rollercoaster with online communities, and I’m excited to share my experiences with you.
Listen to this episode:
My Community Journey
Let me give you a quick rundown of my journey with the Blissful Biz Hive:
– Started as a paid membership in 2017/2018 with over 100 members
– Closed it in 2020
– Reopened it for free last year
– Made it a paid membership again
– Recently made it free once more
So, yeah, I’ve been around the block with this one!
The Power of Online Communities
We humans crave connection. It’s hardwired into us. We want to belong to something bigger, share ideas, and connect with like-minded people. This need for connection has naturally extended into the digital world, and online communities are more popular than ever.
Why are they so powerful? Well, when you have a group, you position yourself as an authority. Think about it: “She created a community about this, she must be good.” In today’s world, where trust in the coaching industry is at an all-time low, communities can help build that much-needed trust.
Types of Online Communities
There are two main types of online communities:
- Free communities: Open to anyone without a financial barrier. Think Facebook groups or platforms like Circle or Skool.
- Paid communities: Require members to pay a fee for access.
I’ve tried both models with the Blissful Biz Hive, and let me tell you, each has its pros and cons.
Free Communities: Pros and Cons
Pros:
– Highly accessible
– Attract a larger audience quickly
– Great for lead generation and brand exposure
Cons:
– More time-consuming to moderate
– Higher risk of spam
– Can be trickier to keep people engaged
Paid Communities: Pros and Cons
Pros:
– Higher engagement levels
– More active participation
– Higher quality discussions
– Direct revenue
Cons:
– Smaller audiences
– Pressure to deliver high-quality, exclusive content
– Churn (people leaving) can be an issue
What Should You Do?
Choosing between a free or paid community model isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. It really depends on your business goals and resources. Ask yourself:
– Are you aiming to generate leads, build your brand, or create a primary revenue stream?
– Do you have the capacity to manage a larger, free community, or would a smaller, more engaged paid group suit you better?
Free communities shine when it comes to lead generation and brand building. That’s why I transitioned the Blissful Biz Hive to a free model. I wanted to expand my reach and offer value to more people.
Paid communities work well if you’re providing exclusive, high-value content or if the community itself is your main offering.
My Community Setup
I use Skool for both my free community (the Blissful Biz Hive) and my signature program (the Blissful Biz Academy). I highly recommend it for its usability, strategic features, and discoverability.
If your audience is still hanging out on Facebook, a free Facebook group might be a great option. But personally, I prefer the control and lack of distractions that Skool offers.
>>> START YOUR OWN COMMUNITY ON SKOOL (AFFILIATE LINK)
Best Practices for Community Management
Whether you’re running a free or paid community, here are some essential practices:
- Provide consistent value
- Clearly communicate the benefits of your community
- Stay actively engaged as the community leader
- Host regular live trainings
- Share exclusive content
- Encourage connections between members
My Final Thoughts
Remember, whether you choose a free or paid community model, the key is to align it with your business goals and commit to creating genuine value for your members. My journey with the Blissful Biz Hive has taught me that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. What matters is understanding your audience, being clear about your objectives, and being willing to adapt as you learn and grow.
I’d love to hear about your experiences with online communities. Have you participated in or run a community yourself? What challenges or successes have you encountered? Share your thoughts inside the Blissful Biz Hive – we have a dedicated chat about this topic where you can comment.
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