Charging & pricing where subscriptions don't work because tool, app, content is episodically used?

Question

What are the best monetization options that you've found online – that values the quality of your experience directly  for little apps that aren valuable but not frequently used? What would you be looking for.

Here's what I've seen – they don't work. I'm building a different way so would be keen to hear your thoughts!

* Subscriptions are a big commitment for users – frequent use required
* One time purchases – big up-front sale
* Affiliate – lose trust, earn from someone buying something else
* Ads – lose trust, earn from someone buying something else
* Brand – volume game + lots of work and not direct from the customer

Thanks!

Rosie Sherry · Accepted Answer

I've started using one time (lifetime) payments for communities. I prefer it from a founder's perspective, nicer to have a chunk up front, then members have a higher chance to hang around longer term.

Rosie Sherry · Answer

@jared_nusinoff1 not sure if the conversion is easier, but I think it's ok if it's harder, when people join a community you want them to be sure that it's right for them.

Increasingly I've seen people talk about subscription fatigue, so many people just want to pay for things one off rather than having a subscription.

Also, it's much easier to expense a one off thing rather than doing monthly or annual expenses.

Jared Nusinoff · Answer

@rosiesherry thanks! appreciate it. I hear that. Definitely for some communities – they've crossed the rubicon to "yeah, this is awesome, I'm in" – and it is a back and forth communication layer like connecting to discord. My mind is probably on more episodic things – like mini-apps/tools to complete something, or a newsletter that you want to try out or only read select ones with automatic payments (e.g., value4value).

Jared Nusinoff · Answer

@rosiesherry that makes sense. keep them engaged. do you find it converts easily to have them join the community? Any tips that you could share?

Charging & pricing where subscriptions don't work because tool, app, content is episodically used?

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