which token gating approaches you should avoid?

Token gating is the practice of requiring users to provide tokens or some other form of payment before they can access certain content on a website.

While token gating can be an effective way to monetize content, it can also be detrimental to user experience if not implemented properly.

In this article, we will explore 10 token gating approaches that you should avoid at all cost.

Token Gating Approaches to Avoid

1. Requiring Tokens for Basic Content Access

Requiring tokens for basic content access is a bad approach because it limits user access to information that should be freely available.

This approach can be frustrating for users and can lead to high bounce rates. Examples of websites that use this approach include news websites that require users to pay for access to basic news articles.

2. Requiring Tokens for Every Piece of Content

Requiring tokens for every piece of content is another bad approach because it can quickly add up and become expensive for users.

This approach can also discourage users from exploring other content on the website. Examples of websites that use this approach include online learning platforms that require users to pay for each course.

3. Requiring Tokens for Content That Should Be Free

Requiring tokens for content that should be free is a bad approach because it goes against user expectations.

Users expect to have access to certain types of content without having to pay. Examples of websites that use this approach include recipe websites that require users to pay for access to basic recipes.

4. Requiring Tokens for Low-Quality Content

Requiring tokens for low-quality content is a bad approach because it can create a negative user experience.

Users expect to receive value in exchange for their tokens, and low-quality content fails to deliver that value. Examples of websites that use this approach include content mills that require users to pay for poorly written articles.

5. Requiring Tokens for Content That Is Not Exclusive

Requiring tokens for content that is not exclusive is a bad approach because it doesn’t provide users with a compelling reason to pay.

If the content is available elsewhere for free, users are unlikely to pay for it. Examples of websites that use this approach include news websites that require users to pay for access to articles that are available on other websites.

6. Requiring Tokens for Content That Is Not Valuable

Requiring tokens for content that is not valuable is a bad approach because it fails to provide users with a reason to pay.

If the content is not valuable, users are unlikely to pay for it. Examples of websites that use this approach include websites that require users to pay for access to generic stock photos.

7. Requiring Tokens for Content That Is Not Relevant

Requiring tokens for content that is not relevant is a bad approach because it can be frustrating for users.

Users expect to receive content that is relevant to their interests and needs. Examples of websites that use this approach include news websites that require users to pay for access to articles that are not relevant to their location or interests.

8. Requiring Tokens for Content That Is Not Updated

Requiring tokens for content that is not updated is a bad approach because it doesn’t provide users with fresh and relevant content.

Users expect websites to provide them with up-to-date information. Examples of websites that use this approach include online learning platforms that require users to pay for access to outdated courses.

9. Requiring Tokens for Content That Is Not Worth the Price

Requiring tokens for content that is not worth the price is a bad approach because it fails to provide users with value for their money. Users expect to receive content that is worth the price they pay. Examples of websites that use this approach include e-commerce websites that charge high prices for low-quality products.

10. Requiring Tokens for Content That Is Too Expensive

Requiring tokens for content that is too expensive is a bad approach because it can be prohibitive for users.

If the price is too high, users are unlikely to pay for the content. Examples of websites that use this approach include online marketplaces that charge high fees for sellers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, token gating can be an effective way to monetize content, but it should be implemented carefully.

Website owners should avoid the 10 token gating approaches outlined in this article to provide a positive user experience.

Providing valuable content to users is key to retaining users and building a loyal customer base.

Website owners should re-evaluate their token gating approaches to ensure that they are providing value to their users.