Episode 2

The Lowdown on Free, Paid, and Hybrid Communities: Which Fits Your Vibe?

Ready to turn your brand into a beacon for your community? Join us at The Branding Brilliance Bootcamp and start building not just a logo, but a legacy. CRAFT YOUR BRAND, CULTIVATE YOUR COMMUNITY—the path to branding excellence starts here 👉🏻 https://rachelbusinesscoach.com/branding-brilliance-bootcamp

Get an Exclusive Early Look at The Community Lab – Available Now! Dive into the heart of community building with immediate access to The Community Lab. Don't let this opportunity pass you by; join our community today and be at the forefront of turning your dream into a thriving digital reality. Sign up now and start exploring the endless possibilities your dream community holds. Don't wait – your journey begins here: https://rachelbusinesscoach.com/the-community-lab

Ready to unite your community like never before? Visit Circle.so and begin your free trial today. Transform the way you connect: https://try.circle.so/the-community-lab 🚀🌐

In this brew-tastic episode of the Community Lab Podcast, I'm diving into the world of community models. Think of it as your favorite coffee shop menu: some like it free and easy, others prefer the VIP treatment, and then there are those who love a good blend. I'll be your barista today, serving up insights on free, VIP paid, and the ever-versatile hybrid 'freemium' models.

Picture Facebook as the bustling, free-for-all coffee house – it's accessible and lively, but you might not know everyone in the room. Then there's the VIP experience: think exclusive, niche community cafes where every member is a familiar face, and the content is as curated as a gourmet coffee blend. And let's not forget the 'freemium' model – it's like having the best of both worlds, combining the welcoming vibe of a coffee shop with the exclusivity of a members-only lounge.

In this episode, I'll walk you through the perks and quirks of each model, spiced up with my love for all things coffee. But here's the kicker: the right community model isn't just about preference – it's about what fits your vision, your content, and how you want to connect with your members. So, grab your favorite cup of joe, and let's stir up some ideas on how to create the perfect blend for your community.

  • 00:25 Choosing the Right Model for Your Online Community
  • 01:13 Exploring the Free Community Model
  • 01:54 Pros and Cons of Free Communities
  • 04:49 Promotion: Circle Community Building Platform
  • 06:34 Understanding Paid Communities
  • 07:15 Pros and Cons of Paid Communities
  • 10:37 Promotion: Flodesk Email Marketing Platform
  • 12:13 The Hybrid Community Model: A Blend of Free and Paid
  • 12:37 Pros and Cons of Hybrid Communities
  • 20:05 Choosing the Right Community Model for You

Resources & Links:

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

About the Podcast

Show artwork for Community At Heart
Community At Heart
Where creativity meets connection — and strategy has heart.

Listen for free

About your host

Profile picture for Rachel Starr

Rachel Starr

Hi friends! I'm Rachel Starr – founder of coCreator Society and community strategist with 20+ years of helping creators build thriving businesses and communities.

I'm basically Leslie Knope with tech skills, turning complex community challenges into strategic solutions. From my podcast "Your Community Strategist" to building The Co-Op community, I'm all about helping creators connect, collaborate, and grow without the overwhelm.

When I'm not building platforms that actually work for people, you'll find me on the ski slopes, caffeinating heavily, or wrangling two awesome teenagers. I believe the best business happens when great people find each other – which is exactly why coCreator Society exists.

Here's to new adventures, epic collaborations, and really good coffee!