Podcast

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

February 8, 2024

🧰 Tools: Circle, The Community Lab 🎧 Listen: Apple, Spotify, iHeart 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 […]

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Marketing Virtuoso, Ski Slope Enthusiast, and Community Innovator. With two decades of shaping vibrant digital experiences, I blend creativity with strategy and a dash of outdoor adventure, all fueled by my love for coffee and a zest for life!

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🧰 Tools: Circle, The Community Lab

🎧 Listen: Apple, Spotify, iHeart


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.

In This Episode We Chat About:

  • 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
  • 20:45 Conclusion and Next Steps

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/8dDD1xljW2i


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 🚀🌐

Craft emails that keep your subscribers eagerly awaiting your next update. Begin your Flodesk journey today and use Code COMMUNITYLAB for 50% off your subscription. Start here: https://flodesk.com/c/COMMUNITYLAB 💌✨

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I'm Rach, your go-to gal for all things community building!

Hi there! I’m Rachel Starr, at the helm of Rachel Rose Coaching and Your Community Strategist Podcast, where we transform your passions into profits with a strategic yet playful approach to community building and virtual event planning, leveraging platforms like Circle. Think Leslie Knope's energy meets a tech-savvy guru's precision—that's me. 

With over two decades of experience, I've become a marketing maestro, creating innovative strategies and captivating online experiences that blend creativity with meticulous focus. As a recovering corporate and wedding event planner, I've mastered the virtual event planning space. My superpower is developing, hosting, and managing virtual events. My journey, from sales prodigy to event management leader, showcases versatility, dedication, and an ever-evolving skill set. My secret weapons? A relentless appetite for learning, patience, an eagle eye for detail, and a knack for crafting strategic masterpieces.

Beyond the boardroom, I'm a ski enthusiast, mom to two incredible teenagers, and a lover of the great outdoors. I have a soft spot for crafting the perfect spicy margarita and rely on coffee to spark my creativity.

Life for me is about embracing the thrills of the slopes and the marketplace with equal zest. Armed with caffeine, a touch of spice, and a heart full of passion, I'm on a quest to make every moment count. Here's to living life fully caffeinated and chasing the next big thing in community development and beyond. Cheers to the journey and the many trails yet to be explored!

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