Platform 2 Guide — This article applies to the new platform. Looking for classic platform docs? Browse the Platform 1 collection.
Why: Unlock new revenue streams by effectively monetizing your app. By creating valuable content and strategically managing access, you can grow your income while providing your subscribers with tailored experiences.
Navigate: This guide covers features across App Station > Monetization and App Station > Content Library.
Quick Start
Set up your Access Levels to control who sees what content.
Create Offers for subscriptions, one-time purchases, or free trials.
Connect Stripe for secure payment processing.
Use Promo Codes to run promotions and attract new members.
Set up Gift Subscriptions to encourage word-of-mouth growth.
Implement a Referral Program to reward members for bringing in new users.
Use Content Grants for special access to VIPs or collaborators.
Understanding the Monetization Process
To effectively earn revenue from your app, you'll need to create engaging content, manage access to that content, and sell access through various offers. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to set this up.
1. Setting Up Access Levels
Access levels are crucial for controlling what content your members can see. You can create custom access levels to segment your audience based on their subscription type or engagement level.
Create Custom Levels: For example, you might have "Silver", "Gold", and "VIP" levels, each granting access to different content.
Control Visibility: Content without access level restrictions is public, while restricted content requires specific access levels.
To set up your access levels, navigate to Access Levels in App Station.
2. Creating Offers
Once your access levels are in place, you can create offers that your members can purchase. Offers can be structured as:
Subscriptions: Recurring payments for ongoing access.
One-Time Purchases: Single payments for lifetime access to specific content.
Free Trials: Allow potential members to experience your content before committing.
To create an offer, go to Offers in App Station and follow the creation wizard.
3. Connecting Stripe for Payments
To handle payments, you’ll need to connect your app to Stripe. This integration allows you to securely process payments and manage subscriptions.
Set Up Stripe: Create a Stripe account and retrieve your API keys.
Sync Offers: When you create an offer, a checkout link is automatically generated for easy access.
Make sure to complete the Stripe integration by visiting Checkout Settings.
4. Using Promo Codes
Promo codes are a great way to incentivize new sign-ups or reward existing members. You can create promo codes that offer discounts on your offers.
Create Promo Codes: Set up codes for specific offers and define their discount type (percentage or fixed amount).
Promote Offers: Share these codes through your marketing channels to attract new members.
Manage your promo codes in the Promo Codes section of App Station.
5. Gift Subscriptions
Gift subscriptions allow your members to purchase access for others, which can help grow your user base through word-of-mouth.
Set Up Gift Options: Enable the gift purchase feature to allow users to buy subscriptions for friends or family.
Automated Account Creation: If the recipient doesn’t have an account, one is created automatically.
Learn more about setting up gift subscriptions in the Gift Purchase System.
6. Referral Programs
Implementing a referral program can encourage your existing members to invite new users.
Generate Unique Codes: Each member can generate a referral code to share with others.
Reward Points: Offer points for both the referrer and the new member upon successful sign-up.
Configure your referral program in the Referral System.
7. Content Grants for Special Access
Content grants allow you to give specific members access to content without going through the standard access level system. This is useful for VIPs or collaborators.
Manual Assignments: As an admin, you can directly assign content to specific users.
Visibility Control: Content can be set to "Assigned Only," ensuring only those granted access can view it.
Manage content grants in the Content Grant System.
Structuring a Freemium Model
A freemium model can be an effective way to attract users while still generating revenue. Here’s how to structure it:
Offer Free Basic Content: Allow users to access a limited amount of content for free, enticing them to sign up.
Create Premium Content: Develop high-value content that requires a paid subscription or one-time purchase.
Use Access Levels: Restrict premium content to specific access levels, encouraging users to upgrade.
Promote Upgrades: Use locked content prompts to encourage free users to upgrade to paid plans.
By following these steps, you can create a sustainable monetization strategy that benefits both you and your members.