In a recent video, I discussed my tech stack and why I transitioned to using Circle Paywalls for managing access to my community and courses. Here, I’ll share my reasons for this switch and how Circle Paywalls have simplified my workflow, especially compared to using third-party payment tools.
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Simplifying My Tech Stack
Streamlined Access Management
One of the primary reasons for using Circle Paywalls is the ease of managing access to various parts of my community. Previously, I used SureCart and SureTriggers to manage access, which required complex automations and constant updates. The same is true for any other integration, whether that be ThriveCart, HighLevel, or any tool via Zapier. Circle Paywalls offer a much simpler solution.
Direct Integration with Circle
With Circle Paywalls, I can directly control who has access to specific spaces and courses. This integration eliminates the need for third-party tools and reduces the potential for complicated maintenance involved with adding and removing access.
Retroactive Access Updates
One standout feature of Circle Paywalls is the ability to retroactively update access for existing subscribers. If I add or remove content from a paywall, Circle asks if I want to update access settings for all current members. This feature alone saves me countless hours of manually adjusting permissions.
The Pain of Using Third-Party Tools
Complex Automations
Using third-party tools required setting up complex automations in tools like SureTriggers or Zapier to manage access. While these tools did their job spectacularly without issue, each time I made a change in my community, I had to update these automations.
For instance, if I added a new space or removed an old one, I had to manually adjust the automations to reflect these changes. Having expanded my offering to multiple courses and memberships, this became unsustainably complex.
Manual CSV Imports
Without Circle Paywalls, I had to manually export and import CSV files to update member access. This process was tedious, especially as my community grew. It often involved multiple updates per week, which was unsustainable.
The Benefits of Circle Paywalls
Easy Setup and Management
Setting up paywalls in Circle is straightforward. I can quickly create a paywall, set the pricing, and define which spaces or courses members can access. This process is far simpler than configuring third-party tools. And as mentioned above, it’s retroactive.
Unified Access Control
With Circle Paywalls, all access control is centralized within Circle. I no longer need to juggle multiple tools or worry about integration issues. This centralization enhances the reliability and consistency of my access management.
Real-Time Updates
Circle Paywalls allow for real-time updates to member access. When I make changes, they are immediately reflected for all relevant members and not just new members moving forward. This feature is particularly useful for managing access to time-sensitive content or new course materials.
The Cost Consideration
Processing Fees
Circle Paywalls come with an additional 1-2% processing fee (depending on which plan you’re on) on top of Stripe’s fees. While this might seem like a drawback, the convenience and time savings they offer far outweigh the cost. For me, the extra fee is a worthwhile investment for the streamlined workflow and reduced administrative burden.
In my walkthrough of Circle’s course feature, I mentioned this would increase my annual cost by several thousand dollars. That hasn’t changed. It IS an increased cost, and if you choose to use Circle Paywalls you will need to make the decision for you whether the 1-2% is worth the features and ease-of-use you can’t get any other way.
Long-Term Sustainability
As my community grows, the additional processing fees become a minor expense compared to the benefits of using Circle Paywalls. The ability to manage a large number of members efficiently and effectively is crucial for scaling my business.
Conclusion
Choosing Circle Paywalls over third-party tools has been transformative for my business because it has transformed my thinking and removed the obstacles in front of me.
The ease of setup, centralized access control, and ability to manage retroactive access updates have simplified my tech stack and saved me countless hours of manual work. While the additional processing fees might be a consideration, the benefits of using Circle Paywalls make them a clear choice for anyone looking to manage access to their community and courses efficiently without a complex tech stack.
If you plan to set up a community and make frequent changes, Circle Paywalls offer unmatched flexibility and convenience. For those who prefer a more static setup, third-party tools might still be a viable option. However, for my needs, Circle Paywalls provide the perfect balance of functionality and ease of use, making them an indispensable part of my tech stack.