Why a Paywall Works (and Why You Shouldn’t Be Afraid of It)

“I’m excited and nervous because it’s the first time I’m charging money for my work. Any advice on that transition for my followers who are used to getting it for free?”

This is one of the most common questions I hear.

Charging for the first time feels scary.

What if no one joins? What if people complain? What if I’m not offering enough value?

Let me break this down for you.

People pay attention to what they pay for. When someone joins your paid community, they’re showing up with more motivation, commitment, and intention than they ever would in a free space. They’re ready to do the work.

And the best part? You don’t need thousands of people to make this work. Just 30 members is enough to build something high-value and high-impact.

Why a Paywall Works

? People crave transformation, not just content. Free content is everywhere. What people will pay for is the ability to apply what they’re learning, navigate a transition, and build real relationships in a space that supports them.

? Higher engagement = better results. When someone pays to be in your community, they participate at a completely different level. They engage, share, and contribute—creating a flywheel effect where the value grows with each new member.

? Pricing signals value. The more you charge, the more people perceive your offering as something worth their time and investment. And here’s a data point to anchor you—the average Mighty Networks membership charges $48/month. People aren’t looking for a cheap experience. They’re looking for a valuable one.

How to Transition from Free to Paid Without Losing Momentum

?? Keep offering a free entry point. Whether it’s a challenge, a free email course, or a live event, give people a way to experience your value before they commit.

?? Close your free community (if you have one). A free community with a paid program attached doesn’t work as well as a focused, paid experience. Give people a clear reason to join something new.

?? Aim for the highest price you can confidently charge. Instead of asking, “What will people pay?” ask, “What results am I delivering?” and price accordingly.

?? Think of your first cohort as a high-value experience, not a beta test. Don’t undervalue the first people who join. They’re shaping something powerful—and they should be paying for that experience.

You do not have to keep giving, giving, giving for free. Your work is worth paying for. Your members will thank you for creating a space where they can invest in themselves.

I can’t wait to see what you build.

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