Building a community isn't just about gathering followers—it's about creating a space where your audience becomes part of something they own alongside you. At BTS, we've helped over 1,600 creators turn their content and community into real businesses. This guide walks you through exactly how to build your community on BTS, step by step.
In the next 15-30 minutes, you'll go from zero to a fully functional community space. We'll cover everything from initial setup to launching your first membership tier. By the end, you'll have a branded community ready to welcome members—and you'll understand why BTS is where creators turn content and community into real businesses.
What you'll have when you're done:
- A fully branded community space
- Your first membership tier configured
- Content areas ready for your members
- A clear path to your first paying members
The creator economy is fragmented. Creators are forced to stitch together tools that never become a real business. That's exactly why we built BTS—one place to build something you own. Let's get you set up.
Before You Start
Before diving in, let's make sure you have everything you need for a smooth setup.
Prerequisites
- A BTS account — If you haven't signed up yet, head to BTS and create your free account
- Your profile photo and bio — Have these ready to upload
- Your community name — Know what you want to call your space
- At least one content idea — Something to post when you launch
Quick Checklist
| Item | Ready? |
|---|---|
| BTS account created | ☐ |
| Profile photo (square, high-quality) | ☐ |
| Bio written (2-3 sentences) | ☐ |
| Community name decided | ☐ |
| First piece of content prepared | ☐ |
| Pricing in mind (free or paid tiers) | ☐ |
Pro tip from our team: Don't overthink the name. Many of our most successful creators simply use their own name or brand. You can always refine later.
Step-by-Step: How to Build Your Community
Step 1: Create Your BTS Account and Complete Onboarding
First things first—let's get you into BTS and through the initial setup.
What to do:
- Go to behindthescenes.com and click "Get Started"
- Sign up with your email or connect via Google
- Verify your email address
- Complete the quick onboarding questionnaire
[Screenshot: Step 1 - BTS signup page]
What we've learned: The onboarding questions help us customize your experience. Answer honestly about your niche and audience size—this helps us surface the right features for your stage.
Common mistake to avoid: Don't skip the onboarding. Creators who complete it launch faster because their dashboard is already configured for their specific use case.
Step 2: Set Up Your Profile and Brand Identity
Your profile is the first thing potential members see. Make it count.
What to do:
- Navigate to Settings → Profile
- Upload your profile photo (square format, at least 400x400 pixels)
- Add your display name
- Write your bio (focus on who you help and what they'll get)
- Add your social links if relevant
[Screenshot: Step 2 - Profile settings page]
Our recommendation: Your bio should answer three questions: Who are you? Who do you help? What will members get? Keep it under 150 words—punchy beats lengthy.
Example bio structure:
"[Your name] helps [audience] achieve [outcome]. Inside this community, you get [benefit 1], [benefit 2], and [benefit 3]."
Pro tip: Use the same profile photo across all your platforms. Consistency builds recognition when your followers land on your BTS page.
Step 3: Configure Your Community Space
Now let's build the actual community structure. This is where BTS differs from other platforms—everything runs behind the scenes in one space, designed to feel like your brand, not a generic template.
What to do:
- Go to your Dashboard → Community
- Click "Create Space" or configure your default space
- Name your community (this can match your brand or be unique)
- Add a community description (what members can expect)
- Choose your community visibility (public preview or members-only)
[Screenshot: Step 3 - Community space configuration]
From our experience: The best community names are simple and memorable. "The [Your Name] Community" works. So does something that captures your niche, like "The Creator's Workshop" or "Fitness Founders Club."
What to look for: Make sure your community description clearly sets expectations. Vague descriptions lead to confused members and higher churn.
Step 4: Create Your Content Areas and Channels
Structure matters. Your community needs clear spaces for different types of content and conversation.
What to do:
- Within your community, click "Add Channel" or "Add Section"
- Create your core areas:
- Welcome/Start Here — Orientation for new members
- General Discussion — Main community conversation
- Content/Resources — Your courses, tutorials, or exclusive content
- Wins/Celebrations — Where members share progress
- Set permissions for each area (free vs. paid access)
- Add descriptions to each channel so members know what goes where
[Screenshot: Step 4 - Channel creation interface]
Our data shows: Communities with a clear "Start Here" channel see 40% higher engagement in the first week. New members need direction.
Recommended channel structure for beginners:
| Channel | Purpose | Access Level |
|---|---|---|
| 👋 Welcome | First stop for new members | All members |
| 💬 General | Open discussion | All members |
| 🎓 Lessons | Your core content | Paid members |
| 🏆 Wins | Member achievements | All members |
| ❓ Q&A | Questions and support | All members |
Common mistake to avoid: Don't create too many channels at launch. Start with 4-5 and add more as your community grows and requests them.
Step 5: Set Up Your Membership Tiers and Pricing
This is where your community becomes a business. BTS supports subscriptions, one-off payments, and free tiers—all in one place.
What to do:
- Go to Dashboard → Monetization → Membership Tiers
- Create your first tier (we recommend starting with one paid tier)
- Set your price (monthly, annual, or both)
- Define what's included in the tier
- Configure free trial options if desired
[Screenshot: Step 5 - Membership tier setup]
BTS's take: Don't undercharge. Creators who price with confidence attract more committed members. Our most successful creators price based on the value they deliver, not what feels "safe."
Pricing models that work:
| Model | Best For | Example Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Single tier | Simplicity | $29-49/month |
| Free + Paid | Community building | Free + $39/month |
| Tiered access | Multiple offerings | $19 / $49 / $99 |
What we've learned: Annual pricing with a discount (typically 20% off) significantly improves retention and cash flow. Offer both monthly and annual from day one.
Pro tip: You can always adjust pricing later. Start with what feels right based on your niche and audience expectations, then optimize based on data.
Step 6: Create Your Welcome Content
Before you invite anyone, you need something for them to experience. A great welcome sequence sets the tone for everything that follows.
What to do:
- Create a "Welcome" post pinned to your main channel
- Record or write a personal welcome message
- Outline what members should do in their first week
- Add 2-3 pieces of your best content to give immediate value
[Screenshot: Step 6 - Welcome post creation]
What to include in your welcome post:
- Personal greeting (video works best, but text is fine)
- What they can expect from the community
- 3 specific actions to take in their first 24 hours
- How to reach you or get support
From our experience: Communities that give new members a clear "first action" see dramatically higher 30-day retention. Don't leave members wondering what to do next.
Example first actions:
- Introduce yourself in the Welcome channel
- Check out [specific piece of content]
- Share one goal you're working toward
Step 7: Configure Notifications and Engagement Settings
Keep members engaged without overwhelming them. BTS gives you control over how and when members hear from you.
What to do:
- Go to Settings → Notifications
- Set up email notification preferences
- Configure in-app notification defaults
- Create your welcome email sequence (optional but recommended)
[Screenshot: Step 7 - Notification settings]
Our recommendation: Enable email notifications for new content and weekly digests by default. Let members opt down rather than opt up—you'll get much higher engagement.
What we've seen work:
- Welcome email: Immediately after signup
- First content reminder: 24 hours later
- Weekly digest: Every Sunday or Monday
- Big announcements: As needed
Step 8: Launch and Invite Your First Members
You're ready. Time to open the doors.
What to do:
- Review everything one final time
- Get your community link from Dashboard → Share
- Create a launch post for your existing audience (social media, email list)
- Invite founding members personally if possible
- Be present and active in the first 48 hours
[Screenshot: Step 8 - Community share link]
Launch announcement template:
"I've been building something Behind The Scenes, and it's finally ready. [Community Name] is where I'm going deep on [topic] with creators who are serious about [outcome]. Founding members get [special benefit]. Join us: [link]"
Pro tip: Your first 10-20 members set the culture. Invite people you know will participate and contribute positively. Quality beats quantity at launch.
What we've learned: Creators who personally invite their first 10 members have 3x higher engagement in month one compared to those who just share a link publicly.
Pro Tips for Building Your Community
We've helped over 1,600 creators launch on BTS. Here's what separates thriving communities from ghost towns.
Best Practices We've Learned
Show up consistently. You don't need to post daily, but you need a rhythm. Whether it's twice a week or every day, stick to it. Members mirror the energy you bring.
Create participation opportunities, not just content. The best communities aren't lecture halls—they're conversations. Ask questions. Run challenges. Celebrate member wins publicly.
Make members the heroes. Spotlight member successes. Share their insights. Create space for them to contribute, not just consume. This is how you build a community that runs even when you're not there.
Start smaller than you think. You don't need 10 channels and 5 membership tiers at launch. Start simple, listen to what members actually want, then expand.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Launching to no one: Build anticipation before you open doors. Warm up your audience with sneak peeks and early access signups.
- Overcomplicating pricing: One or two tiers is plenty to start. You can always add more.
- Disappearing after launch: The first 30 days set the tone. Be present, responsive, and engaged.
- Treating it like a content dump: Communities need connection, not just courses.
Advanced Options for Later
Once your community is humming, explore:
- Custom domains for a fully branded experience
- App integrations for tips, bundles, and custom requests
- Multiple membership tiers for segmented access
- Live events and calls directly in your space
Troubleshooting
Even the smoothest launches hit bumps. Here's how to handle the common ones.
"My community link isn't working"
First, check that you've completed all required setup steps—incomplete profiles or unpublished communities won't generate working links. If everything looks complete, try logging out and back in, then regenerate the link from Dashboard → Share.
"Members aren't seeing my content"
Check your channel permissions. Content posted in paid-only channels won't show for free members. Also verify that members have completed any required onboarding steps on their end.
"I'm not receiving payouts"
Ensure you've connected your payout method in Settings → Payments. Payouts typically process within 1-5 days globally (same-day in the US). If it's been longer, check that your account isn't flagged for verification.
"Engagement is low"
This is normal at first. Focus on quality over quantity—even 5 engaged members is a foundation. Try posting a question rather than content, and personally welcome each new member for the first month.
When to Contact Support
Our creator success team is here to help with:
- Technical issues you can't resolve
- Migration from other platforms
- Strategy questions about growing your community
- Custom setup requirements
Reach out through the Help option in your dashboard or visit our Help Center. Real humans, not bots.
What's Next?
Congratulations—you've built your community on BTS. Here's where to go from here.
Related Tutorials to Explore
- [Getting Started with BTS Monetization](/getting-started) — Deep dive into all your earning options
- [Creating Your First Course on BTS](/tutorials/courses) — Add structured learning to your community
- [Growing Your Membership](/guides/growth) — Strategies for scaling past your first 100 members
Your Next Steps
- Invite 5-10 founding members this week. Personal invites beat public launches.
- Post your first piece of exclusive content. Give members a reason to log in.
- Set a weekly rhythm. Block time for community engagement on your calendar.
- Collect feedback. Ask early members what they want more of.
If a creator has an existing audience but no structure, BTS is the answer. You've just built that structure. Now it's time to fill it with the community you've been building toward.
We're here when you need us. Welcome to BTS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much does BTS cost?
BTS offers a free Starter plan to get you launched and earning. Our Pro plan is designed for creators ready to scale, with lower fees and premium features like custom domains. Visit our pricing page for current rates and a full feature comparison.
Q2: Is BTS free to use?
Yes. Our free Starter plan lets you launch your community and start earning immediately. There's no upfront cost—we only make money when you do. Upgrade to Pro when you need advanced features or want to reduce your transaction fees.
Q3: What makes BTS different from other creator platforms?
We focus on creator business infrastructure, not just monetization. Unlike Skool's classroom-style interface or Patreon's tip-jar model, BTS is designed to look and feel like a modern brand. Everything runs behind the scenes in one space, so you can focus on creating and connecting with your audience.
Q4: Can I migrate my existing members to BTS?
Absolutely. We help creators migrate from platforms like Patreon, Teachable, Circle, and others regularly. Your members can transfer seamlessly, and our support team can guide you through the process to minimize disruption.
Q5: How long does it take to set up BTS?
Most creators complete their full community setup within a day. Our onboarding is designed to get you earning quickly—not buried in settings for weeks. The guide you just read covers everything needed to launch in 15-30 minutes.
Q6: Does BTS take a percentage of my earnings?
Our fee structure is transparent. Starter plans have a higher transaction fee (10%), while Pro members pay significantly less (3.5% + 30¢ per transaction plus $149/month). Check our pricing page for the exact breakdown.
Q7: What kind of support does BTS offer?
We provide hands-on creator success support. Real humans who understand your business, not just ticket systems. Whether you need help with technical issues or strategic advice on growing your community, our team is here.
Q8: Can I use my own domain with BTS?
Yes. Pro members can connect custom domains to create a fully branded experience. Your community can live at yourbrand.com, not a BTS subdomain. This helps you build something you truly own.
Q9: How long does building a community take?
The technical setup takes 15-30 minutes following this guide. Building an engaged, thriving community is ongoing work—but with the right structure, you'll see meaningful engagement within your first month.
Q10: What if I get stuck?
Our support team is here to help. Reach out through the Help option in your dashboard anytime. We respond quickly and personally guide you through whatever you're facing.
Q11: What payment methods can my members use?
Members can pay with all major credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and more. We handle payments globally, with coverage in most countries (excluding a few restricted regions). Payouts reach you within 1-5 days.
Q12: Can I offer free trials?
Yes. BTS supports free trials for any membership tier. You set the trial length, and members automatically convert to paid unless they cancel. It's a great way to reduce friction for new members.
Q13: What types of content can I host on BTS?
Everything you need for a creator business: community posts, courses, downloadable resources, video content, live events, and more. BTS isn't locked into one format—you can build whatever fits your audience.
Q14: Is BTS only for course creators?
Not at all. BTS is creator business infrastructure—not just a course platform. We serve education-focused creators, but also fitness coaches, business mentors, entertainment creators, and anyone with an audience and something valuable to offer.
Q15: How do I know if BTS is right for me?
If you have an existing audience (even just 1,000 engaged followers), a clear niche, and something valuable to offer—content, coaching, courses, or community access—BTS is built for you. We're not for hobbyists or passive income seekers, but for creators ready to build something real.
Q16: Can I run my whole business on BTS?
That's the goal. Most creator platforms optimize for transactions, not ownership. BTS gives you one place to build your community, host your content, manage memberships, and get paid—all behind the scenes.
Q17: What if I already have a community elsewhere?
Many of our creators migrate from other platforms. Whether you're on Circle, Skool, Patreon, or Discord, we can help you transition. Your audience stays with you—that's what ownership means.
Q18: Do I need to be tech-savvy to use BTS?
Not at all. We've designed BTS to be simple to start and flexible to scale. If you can post on social media, you can run a community on BTS. For anything technical, our support team has you covered.
About the Author
BTS Support is part of the Creator Success team at BTS, helping creators launch and grow their communities every day. We've guided thousands of creators through their first launches and continue to learn what separates thriving communities from those that stall.
Have questions about building your community? Reach out—we're here to help.
This guide reflects BTS's methodology and experience as of January 2026. BTS has paid out over $1,400,000 to creators and supports 1,600+ creator businesses worldwide.