Slack/Discord Community
Run a paid Slack or Discord for a profession (PMs, agency owners)
Run a paid Slack or Discord for a profession (PMs, agency owners).
Day-to-day work involves managing the community, facilitating discussions, and ensuring engagement. You'll need to plan and schedule weekly content, such as webinars or Q&A sessions, and handle member inquiries. Regularly assessing community needs and adapting offerings will be crucial for retention and growth. A solid marketing strategy to attract new members through social media and professional networks will also be key to success.
The shift towards remote work and the growing reliance on digital communication tools make this an opportune time to launch a paid community. Professionals are seeking connection and collaboration in a virtual space, particularly after the pandemic has normalised online networking. This is particularly relevant for those in project management and agency roles, who benefit from peer support and shared resources.
Ideal founders for this venture are those with experience in community management or a deep understanding of the target profession. Realistically, expect to dedicate 5-10 hours a week initially for setup and ongoing member engagement. As the community grows, this time commitment may shift, allowing for more strategic oversight rather than day-to-day management.
In 12-24 months, you could potentially scale to 100-200 members, generating a monthly revenue of £2,000-£16,000. Given the subscription model, this creates a sustainable income stream. Moreover, the community could attract sponsorships or partnerships, enhancing revenue further and creating additional value for members.
- Community
- Content
£20–£80/mo per member
Gross margin could be as high as 80% given low overhead costs.
The rise of remote work has led to increased demand for online communities where professionals can network and share best practices. With a growing number of freelancers and independent workers in the UK, the need for targeted support is more pressing than ever.
Professionals such as project managers and agency owners who are looking for a supportive environment to share experiences and gain insights. They are often willing to invest in their development and networking opportunities.
The UK freelance market is booming, with around 5 million self-employed individuals as of 2023. This represents a significant opportunity for niche communities that cater specifically to professional needs and challenges.
Revenue & pricing
Revenue will primarily come from monthly membership fees, typically ranging from £20 to £80 per member. Additional revenue streams could include sponsorships or premium content offerings.
- Basic Tier: £20/month for access to community discussions and resources.
- Standard Tier: £40/month including exclusive webinars and Q&A sessions.
- Premium Tier: £60/month with one-on-one mentorship sessions.
- VIP Tier: £80/month for all benefits plus access to a private mastermind group.
Costs
- Slack/Discord subscription£0-£20/month
- Website domain and hosting£100
- Marketing and advertising£200
- Branding and design£100
- Initial content creation£80
- Slack/Discord subscription£20
- Website hosting and maintenance£10
- Content creation tools£15
- Marketing and advertising£50
First steps
- 1Build cohort
- 2Plan weekly content
- 3Stripe billing
Your first 90 days
- Set up your Slack or Discord channel and establish community guidelines.
- Create a basic website using a platform like Wix or WordPress.
- Develop initial content and plan the first few weeks of community engagement.
- Launch a marketing campaign on social media to attract early members.
- Reach out to industry professionals to build initial traction and gather feedback.
- Achieve your first 10-20 members and begin regular content sessions.
- Gather feedback from members to refine offerings and engagement strategies.
- Establish a consistent marketing routine across multiple channels.
- Consider partnerships with industry influencers or organisations for credibility.
- Monitor financials closely to ensure you're on track with your budget.
How to get customers
Social Media
Use LinkedIn and Twitter to connect with target audiences.
Email Marketing
Build an email list from initial sign-ups to share updates and content.
Webinars
Host free webinars to attract potential members and showcase value.
Networking
Engage in relevant professional groups and forums to build presence.
Tools you'll actually use
| Tool | Cost | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tide | £0 | For easy banking and managing finances. |
| Stripe | 2.9% + 20p per transaction | For secure payment processing. |
| Notion | £5/user/month | For organising content and community resources. |
| Canva | £10/month | For creating marketing materials and posts. |
| Mailchimp | Free for up to 2,000 contacts | For email marketing and updates to community members. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Failing to engage members regularly, leading to drop-offs.
- Overestimating initial demand without adequate marketing.
- Neglecting to adapt content based on member feedback.
- Not providing enough value to justify the subscription fee.
- Underestimating the time needed for community management.
How to scale this
- 1Start with a small, focused community to refine offerings.
- 2Expand marketing efforts as membership grows, leveraging word-of-mouth.
- 3Introduce premium content or courses for additional revenue streams.
- 4Consider hiring moderators or community managers as the community scales.
Risks & mitigations
Low member retention
Regularly gather feedback and adapt offerings.
High competition
Niche down and provide unique value propositions.
Financial instability
Maintain a strict budget and monitor expenses closely.
Legal challenges
Stay compliant with GDPR and other regulations.
UK legal & compliance
- Register with HMRC for tax purposes if you exceed the VAT threshold.
- Consider public liability insurance to protect against claims.
- Ensure compliance with GDPR when handling member data.
- Check if you need any specific licences based on your offerings.
FAQ
How do I handle payments?
Use Stripe for secure transaction processing.
What if members leave?
Regularly engage and adapt content to keep them interested.
How much content should I create?
Start with weekly content and adjust based on member feedback.
Can I run this alongside a full-time job?
Yes, especially in the initial stages with proper time management.
What if my community doesn't grow?
Reassess your marketing strategies and value propositions.
Ready to start this one?
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