Wrong question. The real one: do you need volume or commitment? Free maximizes signups; paid maximizes participation. A $20 gate can lift weekly active rate from 8% to 40% because payment is a commitment trigger.
Decision tree:
☐ Goal is reach / audience / top-of-funnel → free, public
☐ Goal is a working room where people show up → paid, even $10/mo
☐ Unsure → free with an application form (friction without money)
☐ B2B / high-touch → paid, no exceptions
If you go paid, start at the lowest non-trivial price you'd defend, then raise for cohort two. Never launch free planning to charge later — re-gating an active free room loses 70%+ and breeds resentment.
☐ Gate decided before launch, never after
Save this for your next launch.
The Loop System
@TheLoopSystem
FAQ: Should my first community be free or paid?
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