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Step 1: Create Your Slack, Discord, or Telegram Account

This comprehensive guide walks you through creating accounts on Slack, Discord, or Telegram—the three platforms LaunchPass supports for building paid communities.

Patrick B avatar
Written by Patrick B
Updated today

Why Choose Each Platform?

Slack is ideal for professional communities, coaching groups, and business-focused networks. It excels at organized, threaded conversations and integrates seamlessly with productivity tools.

Discord works best for gaming communities, content creators, and highly engaged fan bases. It offers robust voice channels, streaming capabilities, and a vibrant community culture.

Telegram is perfect for broadcast-style communities, crypto groups, and international audiences. It handles large groups (up to 200,000 members), offers superior media sharing, and works well in regions with internet restrictions.


Creating Your Discord Server

Discord servers are free, highly customizable spaces perfect for building engaged communities around any topic.


Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Create or log into your Discord account

  2. Locate the "Add a Server" button (the "+" icon) in the left sidebar of your Discord app or browser

  3. Click "Create My Own" when the server creation dialog appears

  4. Choose your server type:

    • For a club or community: Select this option for public-facing paid communities

    • For me and my friends: Choose this for private groups

    • Skip this question: If you're unsure, you can customize later

  5. Customize your server:

    • Server Name: Enter a memorable name for your community

    • Server Icon: Upload an image or logo (optional but recommended)

  6. Click "Create" and your Discord server is ready!


Understanding Discord Server Basics

Your new server includes default channels:

  • Text channels: For written conversations and content sharing

  • Voice channels: For audio/video calls and screen sharing

  • General channel: The main hub where all members can post


Important Discord Settings for Paid Communities

Before connecting to LaunchPass, configure these essential settings:

Verification Level: Navigate to Server Settings → Safety Setup to require email verification for new members. This helps prevent spam and bot accounts.

Role Structure: Create roles for different membership tiers. Discord roles control what members can access and do in your server.

Channel Permissions: Lock premium channels so only members with specific roles can view them. The LaunchPass bot will automatically assign roles to paying members.


Pro Tips for Discord

  • The LaunchPass bot manages member access automatically—never kick or remove it

  • Use role-exclusive channels to create tiered membership levels

  • Discord allows up to 500 channels per server, giving you plenty of room to grow

  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your account for security


Next Steps After Creation

Once your Discord server is set up, follow the LaunchPass Discord integration guide to connect your server and start monetizing.


Creating Your Telegram Account

Telegram is a cloud-based messaging platform that requires a phone number for account creation and works across all your devices simultaneously.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Download Telegram for your device:

  2. Open the Telegram app and tap or click "Start Messaging"

  3. Select your country from the dropdown menu

  4. Enter your phone number including the country code (which is auto-filled based on your country selection)

  5. Verify your number:

    • Telegram will send a verification code via SMS to your phone

    • In some cases, you may receive an automated call with the code

    • Enter the code when prompted

  6. Set up your profile:

    • Enter your first name and last name (required)

    • Add a profile photo (optional but recommended)

    • Write a bio (optional)

  7. Start using Telegram immediately—your account syncs across all devices


Creating Groups and Channels in Telegram

For LaunchPass integration, you'll create either a Group or Channel:

Telegram Groups (for two-way conversations):

  • Tap the pencil/compose icon

  • Select "New Group"

  • Add initial members (optional)

  • Choose a group name and photo

  • Groups support up to 200,000 members

Telegram Channels (for broadcast messages):

  • Tap the pencil/compose icon

  • Select "New Channel"

  • Choose a channel name and description

  • Select "Public" or "Private"

  • Channels have unlimited subscribers


Privacy Settings for Telegram

Telegram offers robust privacy controls:

  • Phone Number Visibility: Settings → Privacy and Security → Phone Number (choose who can see your number)

  • Last Seen: Control who can see when you were last active

  • Profile Photo: Choose who can view your profile picture

  • Username: Create a username so people can find you without your phone number


Pro Tips for Telegram

  • Telegram works without keeping your phone connected (unlike WhatsApp)

  • Messages and media have no size limits (up to 2GB per file)

  • Telegram accounts are free forever with no ads

  • You can log in on multiple devices simultaneously

  • Consider Telegram Premium for enhanced features (optional, $4.99/month)


Next Steps After Creation

After setting up your Telegram account and creating your group or channel, follow the LaunchPass Telegram setup guide to connect with LaunchPass and start charging for access.


Creating Your Slack Workspace

Slack workspaces are where your paid community will gather. Creating one is free and takes just minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Visit the Slack workspace creation page at slack.com/help/articles/206845317-Create-a-Slack-workspace

  2. Enter your email address and click Continue. Use an email you can access immediately—you'll need it for verification. If you're creating a workspace for your business, use your company domain email.

  3. Check your inbox for a confirmation code from Slack. The email typically arrives within seconds.

  4. Enter the confirmation code when prompted to verify your email address.

  5. Follow the setup prompts to:

    • Create a workspace name (this can be changed later)

    • Set your display name

    • Choose a password

    • Optionally invite team members

  6. Complete the setup and you'll land in your new Slack workspace, ready to connect with LaunchPass.


Pro Tips for Slack

  • Your workspace URL will be yourworkspace.slack.com

  • As the workspace creator, you'll be the Primary Owner with full administrative access

  • Consider creating a few basic channels before connecting to LaunchPass (like #welcome, #announcements)

  • Free Slack workspaces have a 90-day message history; paid plans offer unlimited history


Next Steps After Creation

Once your Slack workspace is ready, proceed to connect it with LaunchPass to start accepting payments for access to your community.


Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a paid account on these platforms?

No. Creating accounts and workspaces/servers on Slack, Discord, and Telegram is completely free. You only pay for LaunchPass (starting at $29/month) to monetize your community.


Can I use an existing workspace/server?

Yes! If you already have a Slack workspace, Discord server, or Telegram group, you can connect it to LaunchPass. However, for clarity and member management, many creators prefer starting fresh.


Which platform is best for my community?

  • Choose Slack for professional development, B2B communities, coaching programs, or mastermind groups

  • Choose Discord for content creators, gamers, fan communities, or groups requiring heavy voice/video features

  • Choose Telegram for crypto communities, international audiences, broadcast-heavy content, or groups expecting 10,000+ members


How long does account creation take?

  • Slack: 3-5 minutes

  • Discord: 2-3 minutes

  • Telegram: 2-3 minutes


All three platforms have streamlined signup processes designed to get you started quickly.


Can I switch platforms later?

While technically possible, switching platforms requires migrating your entire community and rebuilding from scratch. Choose carefully based on your community's needs and culture. LaunchPass supports all three platforms, so the integration process is similar regardless of your choice.


What happens after I create my account?

After creating your platform account, you'll:

  1. Connect to LaunchPass: Link your Slack workspace, Discord server, or Telegram account to LaunchPass

  2. Create your offer page: Design your signup page where members will subscribe

  3. Connect Stripe: Set up payment processing to receive subscription payments

  4. Configure membership tiers: Set pricing and access levels

  5. Publish and share: Launch your paid community and start inviting members


Need Help?

If you encounter issues or have questions:


What's Next?

Now that you've created your platform account, you're ready to move forward with monetizing your community:

Step 2: Connect Your Platform to LaunchPass

Additional Resources


Ready to build your paid community? Creating your platform account is the first step toward monetizing your expertise, content, or network. With LaunchPass handling payments, member management, and automation, you can focus on delivering value to your community members.

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