The Best Business Models for Creators to Build Recurring Revenue
When I first started as a creator, I focused on one-time sales—courses, digital products, and brand deals. It felt like I was starting from zero every month, and the pressure was exhausting. Over time, I learned that the key to long-term stability is to build recurring revenue.
If you want predictable income and the freedom to focus on creating instead of constantly chasing the next sale, these are the best business models for creators to build recurring revenue in 2025.
Table of Contents
1. Membership Sites
Membership sites are one of the most reliable ways to build recurring income. Members pay a monthly or annual fee to access exclusive content, a community, or special perks.
I use Skool because it’s an all-in-one platform that makes running a membership site simple. You can host courses, manage your community, and collect payments in one place.
2. Subscription Products
If you sell digital products like templates, stock assets, or audio packs, you can create a subscription model. Members pay each month to receive new products or updates.
This model works well because customers see ongoing value and are more likely to stay subscribed.
3. Coaching and Group Programs
Many creators turn their expertise into group coaching programs. Instead of working one-on-one, you coach groups of clients at once. This allows you to serve more people and generate recurring revenue through ongoing memberships or retainer models.
4. Paid Newsletters
Paid newsletters are growing rapidly in 2025. People want curated information delivered to their inbox. If you already write content regularly, this can be a great way to monetize your skills while building recurring income.
5. Community-Based Offers
Communities are one of the most powerful business models for creators. Unlike courses, communities keep people engaged because they can connect with others. You can build a paid community where members support each other and gain access to valuable resources.
This model creates strong relationships and recurring revenue at the same time.
Why Recurring Revenue is the Key for Creators
Recurring revenue gives you freedom. You’re not constantly starting from scratch every month. Instead, you build on a foundation that grows over time.
These business models also allow you to deliver more value to your audience. Instead of a one-and-done transaction, you can build relationships and help your members succeed long-term.
Ready to Build Your Recurring Revenue?
If you want a simple way to start, I recommend launching a membership or community first.
Click here to create your Skool account and set up your membership site or coaching program today. It’s the easiest way to start building recurring income as a creator.
One of the biggest benefits of building recurring revenue is that it creates financial stability. As a creator, you never want to feel like you’re starting from zero each month. A strong recurring model ensures you always know what’s coming in, which reduces stress and allows you to plan ahead.
Another advantage is that recurring revenue business models help you build stronger relationships with your audience. When someone is part of your membership or community for months (or years), they trust you more and are far more likely to invest in future offers.
I also found that these models allow you to focus on providing transformation, not just information. Instead of a one-time sale, you’re building long-term value and helping your customers achieve real results over time.
When it comes to memberships, you don’t need a huge audience to succeed. Even a small group of committed members can generate meaningful recurring income. That’s why I always recommend creators start with a membership or community-based model first.
Subscription products are another great option because they deliver consistent value. Whether it’s new templates each month, updated resources, or exclusive assets, customers love knowing they’re getting something fresh and useful regularly.
Coaching and group programs are perfect if you already have expertise in a particular area. By moving from one-on-one coaching to group models, you can serve more clients at once and avoid burning out. Plus, recurring coaching packages can provide a solid monthly income base.
Paid newsletters are one of the most underrated opportunities in 2025. With the right niche and valuable content, subscribers are happy to pay for curated information they can’t easily find elsewhere. This model also builds a direct relationship with your audience.
Communities remain one of the most powerful ways to build recurring revenue. They foster connection, accountability, and learning. When people feel like they belong, they stay subscribed and refer others, which compounds your growth.
I recommend using a platform like Skool because it combines courses, communities, and payment processing in one place. This means you can build and scale any of these business models without juggling multiple tools.
Another tip is to start small and validate your idea before building a massive program. Pre-sell your membership or subscription to gauge interest. This reduces risk and ensures you’re building something your audience actually wants.
Recurring revenue models also allow you to plan better for the future. Knowing your baseline income each month helps you invest in your business, hire support, and create bigger opportunities for growth.
Finally, remember that building recurring revenue takes time. It’s not a “get rich quick” strategy, but once you have your systems in place, it creates freedom and stability that one-off sales can’t match.
One of the biggest mistakes creators make is trying to launch all of these models at once. The secret is to master one recurring revenue stream first. Once that’s running smoothly, you can add others without overwhelming yourself or your audience.
It’s also worth noting that recurring revenue models allow you to experiment with pricing and tiers. You can offer multiple levels of access, from a low-cost community membership to premium coaching packages. This flexibility helps you serve a wider audience and increase your overall income.
Lastly, these models create opportunities for your biggest supporters to become advocates. When people are part of your ecosystem for the long term, they naturally start sharing it with others. This kind of organic word-of-mouth growth is one of the most powerful drivers of recurring revenue for creators.