Founder of Unapologetically Impactful, LLC
I kept picturing two people walking into our new community. One wants to expand their network but would rather look around before introducing themselves. The other is ready to meet somebody and wants to know where to start. I wanted both of them to feel like there was room for them.
That was on my mind when I started building the Unapologetically Impactful community. I was new to Heartbeat, so I test drove nearly every tool available to me and weighed what I found against other platforms. I was looking for a place where we could build relationships, showcase what we’re working on, and have room to create paid offerings as we grow. Heartbeat felt like the most comprehensive option I tried for what I wanted to build.
When is an all in one platform worth it?
If you’re just starting out and mainly want a place for people to talk, you may only need a few tools. If you already have projects to share, a network you want to bring together, or an offer you’re ready to charge for, having those pieces in one place can make the investment worthwhile. For me, the deciding factor was being able to start with the community we need today and have room for what we might build together later.
I came away from the test drive wanting to share what I’d learned. If you’re comparing platforms, I’d try this: pick three things you want a member to be able to do, then walk through each one as if you just joined. Could you find a project that interests you? Would you know where to go to meet somebody? Could you get a feel for the space before anyone asked you to introduce yourself?
What would bring someone back?
One number in Heartbeat’s 2026 Creator Economy Report stayed with me. The median community on a paid Heartbeat plan had 23 members. I can picture 23 people in a room. Some will jump into the conversation. Some will listen first. And somebody might be waiting for a chance to say, “I’m working on something like that too.”
That’s the part I’m still learning to design for. Before planning a full calendar, I’d ask a few early members, “What would make this space worth coming back to?” If they say they want to meet people doing similar work, I’d follow up with, “What would make that first conversation feel easy to join?”
I want someone to be able to come in quietly, find something that speaks to them, and join in when they’re ready. That’s what I’ll be paying attention to as we build.
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