Why Pricing Models Matter
Your pricing model is more than a way to make money. It shapes the kind of work you do, the audience you attract, and how steady your revenue feels.
You don’t need to use every model at once. Start with the one that fits your offer best, then layer others in as your business grows.
Read next: The Pros and Cons of Every Online Pricing Model for a quick comparison of what works best in different situations.
The Six Main Pricing Models
1. One-Time Payment
Best for: Self-contained products like ebooks, workshops, or standalone courses.
Pros: Simple, no ongoing commitment.
Cons: Revenue resets unless you keep creating and launching new offers.
Go deeper: Maximizing Profit from One-Time Offers shows you how to get the most out of single-purchase products.
2. Subscription (Monthly or Annual)
Best for: Offers with ongoing value like fresh lessons, Q&A calls, or exclusive content.
Pros: Predictable recurring revenue, strong customer loyalty.
Cons: Requires consistent delivery to keep members engaged.
See also: How to Build a Subscription People Actually Stick With for strategies that keep members active long term.
3. Tiered Pricing
Best for: Offers with different levels of access (basic vs. premium with coaching).
Pros: Attracts both budget-conscious and premium buyers.
Cons: Can confuse people if tiers aren’t clearly distinct.
4. High-Ticket Private Coaching
Best for: Clients who want direct access and personal guidance.
Pros: High revenue per client, strong relationships, big results.
Cons: Time-intensive and limited scalability.
5. Affiliate Model
Best for: Recommending products or services your audience already needs.
Pros: No product creation required, potential for passive income.
Cons: Dependent on another company’s quality, pricing, and sales process.
6. Ad-Based Revenue
Best for: Large audiences on ad-friendly platforms (YouTube, high-traffic blogs, podcasts).
Pros: Can be passive once set up, works across many topics.
Cons: Low payouts without massive traffic; can reduce user experience.
How to Decide
Match the model to your offer
Ongoing results = subscription.
One-time solutions = one-time payment.Match the price to your involvement
The more of your time and access involved, the higher the price should be.Diversify over time
Start with one model. Add others as your audience and capacity grow.
Check out: Choosing the Right Pricing Model for Long-Term Growth to see how your revenue streams can evolve with your business.