Cost of running a community

Running an online biz isn’t just about making sales. It’s about keeping the machine running smoothly behind the scenes. And that machine runs on subscriptions and people.

Marketing Analysis

This breakdown of expenses (email, hosting, video, community, people) shows what it really takes to operate a digital brand. The lesson? Your tools and team are not costs — they’re leverage. Each dollar spent can multiply your results when pointed at the right systems.

Why It Works

• Transparency builds trust and authority
• Hearing real numbers grabs attention
• Shows investment level needed to operate seriously
• Positions the creator as a pro, not a hobbyist

Examples

• Pat Flynn publicly shares income reports — grows audience loyalty
• Buffer’s open-salary model earned massive PR
• Justin Welsh outlines his $100K/year expenses — adds credibility
• ConvertKit’s founder shared costs to build customer trust