Pay a base rate for connection, then only for what you consume. Want to upgrade to the next billing plan? You are free to choose; no forced upgrades.
Unfortunately, Community Management Software tools have simply copied SaaS pricing and forgotten empathy.
Let me explain what I do mean by this…
We all agree that SaaS pricing models democratized software access, enabling millions of people and businesses to leverage powerful tools previously reserved for enterprises.
Over the years, four distinct pricing patterns have emerged, each serving different business models and customer needs.
source: https://x.com/lennysan/status/1949543893932118449/photo/1
As Community Software simply copied SaaS type subscription-based pricing with rigid tiers, they forgot that community building doesn’t follow predictable growth patterns.
Community creators face unique challenges:
- Unpredictable revenue cycles – some months are strong, others slow
- Non-linear growth – adding 100 members might only increase revenue by 1-2%
- Multiple stakeholders – admins, moderators, and members all impact costs differently
- Long-term value creation – success is measured in relationships, not just transactions
If Community software enables 100,000 Community creators to build long-term, it will have a fantastic impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem, society, and better lives for millions of people.
At ExplaraX, we believe in empathy over extraction! We chose electric bill type pricing i.e., Base fee + Consumption (Hybrid Pricing Model) to live with Community creators world! Build the way they want/should build.Our Philosophy at ExplaraX:
- Enable Community creators to Start Small, Scale Naturally – Low base cost removes barriers to entry
- Credit model to align with actual usage, not arbitrary tier jumps
- Allow community creators to choose when to upgrade based on value, not limits. No Forced Upgrades
- A Pricing framework that grows with your community’s success
Real-World Impact:
Instead of forcing a 2x-3x price jump between tiers, our credit system lets community builders:
- Predictable pricing model
- Host extra events when needed
- Add members organically
- Scale features incrementally
- Maintain healthy unit economics
- No forced upgrades
Building for the Long Term
Community-first businesses require long-term thinking. Our pricing reflects this reality – we succeed when community creators build sustainable, thriving communities, not when we extract maximum short-term revenue.
This empathy-driven approach isn’t just philosophy; it’s how we empower more creators to build community-first businesses that grow naturally and sustainably.
Experience ExplaraX.com – Where community-first pricing meets community-first growth!
