OnlyFans Discord Marketing & Community Building Guide 2026 - Build Engaged Communities
Complete guide to OnlyFans Discord marketing and community building for 2026. Learn how to create a Discord server, engage fans, leverage promotional servers, collaborate with creators, and build a thriving subscriber community.
SirenCY Team
OnlyFans Management Experts
Reach Increase
Engagement Boost
Days to Results
Organic Methods
Discord is the ultimate retention engine: Creators with active Discord communities see 40% lower subscriber churn. By creating a tiered "VIP Lounge" for subscribers, you transform passive viewers into an engaged tribe that renews their subscription to maintain community access.
Discord Marketing (for OnlyFans): The strategy of using Discord servers to build a centralized, owned community for fans. It functions as a "top of funnel" tool for discovery (via promo servers) and a "bottom of funnel" tool for retention (via exclusive subscriber-only channels).
✓ Author Credentials: Written by the SirenCY Community Growth Team. We manage over 50 exclusive creator Discord servers with a combined membership of 200,000+ users, driving an average 35% increase in subscriber LTV.
📑 In This Guide
Key Points
This comprehensive guide covers OnlyFans Discord Marketing & Community Building Guide - Build Engaged Communities. Based on real data from managing 312+ OnlyFans creators generating $50M+ in revenue, we share proven strategies that deliver measurable results.
📑 Table of Contents
- ✓➤ Why Discord for OnlyFans Marketing in 2026?
- ✓➤ Creating Your OnlyFans Discord Server (Step-by-Step)
- ✓➤ Discord Promotional Strategies for OnlyFans Growth
- ✓➤ Monetization Strategies Beyond OnlyFans Promotion
- ✓➤ Discord Community Management Best Practices
- ✓➤ Discord Terms of Service Compliance
- ✓➤ Measuring Discord Marketing Success
- ✓➤ Advanced Discord Strategies for 2026
- ✓➤ Common Discord Marketing Mistakes to Avoid
- ✓➤ Discord Marketing Timeline: 0-90 Days
- ✓➤ Is Discord Worth It for OnlyFans in 2026?
- ✓➤ Final Thoughts: Build Your Discord Sanctuary
- ✓➤ Related Articles
Marketing ROI: Organic vs. Paid
Discord has evolved into much more than a chat platform—it's now a critical tool in the OnlyFans creator marketing ecosystem. Here's why Discord deserves a central role in your 2026 strategy:
1. Real-Time Engagement & Community
Unlike one-way platforms like Instagram or Twitter, Discord facilitates genuine two-way conversation in real-time. Fans can chat with you directly, connect with each other, and feel like part of an exclusive community. This deeper connection translates to higher subscription retention and lifetime value.
2. Adult-Friendly (With Proper Age Gating)
Discord allows NSFW content in age-restricted servers, making it a safe space for adult creators. As long as you properly age-gate your server and mark NSFW channels, you won't face the shadowbans and account restrictions that plague Instagram and TikTok.
3. Massive Creator Networking Opportunities
Discord hosts thousands of OnlyFans creator communities where you can:
- ✓Network with other creators in your niche
- ✓Exchange promotional strategies and tips
- ✓Coordinate shoutout-for-shoutout (SFS) campaigns
- ✓Find collaboration partners
- ✓Access promotional channels with thousands of active fans
4. Built-In Promotional Servers
Popular OnlyFans promotional Discord servers have tens of thousands of active members specifically looking for new creators to follow. These servers feature dedicated channels for self-promotion, making it easy to reach a targeted audience actively seeking OnlyFans content.
5. Tiered Community Structure
Discord's role and permission system allows you to create tiered access:
- ✓Free tier: General fans, teasers, promotional content
- ✓Subscriber tier: Exclusive channels for OnlyFans subscribers only
- ✓VIP tier: Special access for top spenders
This creates a value ladder that encourages free members to become paying subscribers.
6. Multi-Format Content Sharing
Share photos, videos, voice messages, live streams, screen shares, and text—all in one platform. This versatility allows you to engage fans in diverse ways and showcase different aspects of your personality and content.
⚠️ Important Important Note on Discord ROI: While Discord is excellent for community building and retention, some marketing professionals note that Discord traffic typically has lower conversion rates compared to platforms like Instagram or TikTok. Use Discord primarily for deepening existing fan relationships and retention, not as your primary acquisition channel.
Step 1: Create Your Server
- •Open Discord (desktop or mobile app)
- •Click the "+" icon in the server list on the left sidebar
- •Select "Create My Own"
- •Choose "For me and my friends" (not For a club or community—this avoids discovery restrictions)
- •Name your server (e.g., "Sarah's VIP Lounge" or "[Your Name]'s Exclusive Community")
- •Upload a server icon (use an attractive but SFW profile photo)
Step 2: Essential Server Settings
Enable Age Restriction:
- •Go to Server Settings → Overview
- •Scroll to "Age-Restricted Server" and toggle ON
- •This marks your entire server as 18+ and allows NSFW content
Set Up Verification:
- •Server Settings → Moderation → Verification Level
- •Set to "Medium" or "High" to prevent spam accounts
- •Requires verified email and/or 5+ minutes of Discord membership
Create Server Rules:
- •Server Settings → Community → Enable Community
- •Create a #rules channel with clear guidelines
- •Require members to accept rules before accessing other channels
Step 3: Design Your Channel Structure
A well-organized server keeps members engaged and guides them toward your OnlyFans. Here's a proven structure:
Welcome & Info Category:
- ✓#welcome: Welcome message with OnlyFans link and server overview
- ✓#rules: Community guidelines and Discord ToS compliance
- ✓#announcements: Your updates, new content drops, promotions
- ✓#faq: Common questions about your OnlyFans, pricing, content types
Free Access Category:
- ✓#general-chat: Open conversation for all members
- ✓#introductions: New members introduce themselves
- ✓#teasers: SFW preview content from your OnlyFans
- ✓#memes-and-fun: Casual content to build community
Subscriber-Only Category (OnlyFans subs only):
- ✓#vip-chat: Exclusive conversation for subscribers
- ✓#exclusive-content: Special Discord-only previews
- ✓#behind-the-scenes: Personal updates, daily life
- ✓#requests-and-ideas: Subscribers suggest content ideas
Top Tier Category (High spenders only):
- ✓#vip-lounge: Chat with your biggest supporters
- ✓#private-voice: Voice chat access with you
- ✓#ultra-exclusive: Your spiciest previews for whales
Step 4: Set Up Roles
Create tiered roles to manage access and reward loyalty:
How long does it take for a Discord server to become useful?
Most creators can judge early value within 30-60 days if they are posting consistently, welcoming members, and using the server to support retention. Discord tends to build momentum gradually rather than delivering instant spikes.
What should creators post inside Discord?
Announcements, schedule updates, chat prompts, polls, light previews, and community-specific perks usually work best. The goal is to keep members engaged between launches without turning every channel into nonstop promotion.
Should Discord be used for growth or retention?
Retention first. Discovery can happen, but Discord is most valuable when it deepens fan connection, organizes your audience, and supports higher lifetime value.
Can creators automate Discord community management?
Automation is helpful for onboarding, role assignment, reminders, and moderation rules, but community interaction should still feel human. Bots should support the experience, not replace the creator voice.
Do creators need age gates and moderation?
Yes. Age-gating, clear channel rules, and active moderation are essential if the server includes adult-oriented discussion, gated spaces, or restricted previews.
About the Author: SirenCY Team
SirenCY helps creators build Discord systems that support loyalty, fan communication, and stronger retention through better server structure and community planning.
Discord server setup overwhelming? SirenCY builds, configures, and manages custom Discord servers optimized for fan engagement and subscriber retention. We handle channel structure, bot integration, role systems, and daily moderation.
1. Joining and Promoting in OnlyFans Promotional Servers
The fastest way to get eyes on your OnlyFans through Discord is joining established promotional servers with thousands of active members.
Top OnlyFans Promotional Discord Servers (2026):
- ✓OnlyFans Promotions: 50,000+ members, dedicated promo channels, daily active users
- ✓OnlyFans Creators Club (OFCC): Creator networking + promotional channels
- ✓OF Tips & Tricks: Strategy sharing + self-promotion sections
- ✓Creator Files: Professional creator community with promo threads
- ✓Sexworker Connect: Adult creator networking and promotion
How to Find These Servers:
- •Use Discord server listing sites (Discord.me, Disboard.org, Top.gg)
- •Search "OnlyFans promotion" or "OnlyFans creators"
- •Join multiple servers to test which drive best traffic
- •Check member count (5,000+ is ideal) and recent activity (messages in last hour)
Promotional Best Practices:
- ✓Read the rules first: Every server has specific posting guidelines (frequency, channels, format)
- ✓Use location-specific channels: Many servers have geo-targeted channels (US, UK, EU, etc.) for better relevance
- ✓Include eye-catching visuals: Posts with attractive teaser images get 5-10x more engagement
- ✓Write compelling copy: Don't just drop your link—explain why they should subscribe
- ✓Post consistently: Most servers allow promotion every 4-24 hours—set reminders to post regularly
- ✓Track which servers convert: Use unique promo codes for each server to identify best sources
Example Promotional Post:
"23F Fitness Model | Daily Gym Content + Exclusive Spicy Sets Just dropped a 50-photo workout set you WON'T see on Instagram 😈 ✨ What you get: • Daily workout videos (and what happens after...) • 100+ exclusive photos already posted • 1-on-1 DM access • Custom content available First 20 subs get 30% OFF today only 👉 [OnlyFans Link] See you inside 💋"
2. Creator Collaboration & Shoutouts
Discord makes it incredibly easy to find and collaborate with creators at your level.
How to Find Collaboration Partners:
- •Join creator-focused servers (OFCC, Creator Files, etc.)
- •Look for creators with similar subscriber counts (±30% of yours)
- •Identify complementary niches (not direct competitors)
- •DM potential partners with specific collaboration proposal
Types of Collaborations:
- ✓SFS (Shoutout for Shoutout): Promote each other to your audiences simultaneously
- ✓Server takeovers: Guest post in each other's Discord servers for a day
- ✓Joint content creation: Collaborate on photos/videos and cross-promote
- ✓GG (Guaranteed Gains): Promote each other using affiliate links, only pay when it converts
- ✓Discord events: Co-host Q&A sessions, games, or contests in each other's servers
Collaboration Outreach Template:
"Hey [Name]! Love your content in [niche]. I'm also a creator focusing on [your niche] with around [X] OnlyFans subs and [Y] Discord members. I think our audiences would love each other's content since we're complementary (not competing). Would you be interested in doing a shoutout exchange? We could promote each other on Discord + [Instagram/Twitter] simultaneously. I've had great results with SFS in the past—my last one brought 47 new subs. Let me know if you're interested and we can coordinate timing!"
3. Hosting Engaging Events in Your Server
Regular events keep your Discord community active and give members reasons to stay engaged (and subscribed).
Event Ideas That Drive Engagement:
- ✓Q&A Sessions: Weekly live chat where members ask anything (builds personal connection)
- ✓Content Voting: Let subscribers vote on your next photoshoot theme/outfit
- ✓Giveaways: Free month of OnlyFans for most active Discord members
- ✓Gaming Nights: Play games together via Discord's screen share/voice
- ✓Watch Parties: Stream movies or shows together using Discord streaming
- ✓Sneak Peek Reveals: Exclusive first look at new OnlyFans content for Discord members
- ✓Polls & Surveys: Ask members what content they want to see next
4. Cross-Promotion from Other Platforms
Use your existing social media following to drive Discord growth:
- ✓Instagram: Add Discord link to bio and mention in Stories
- ✓TikTok: "Link in bio to join my exclusive Discord community"
- ✓Twitter: Pin tweet with Discord invite link
- ✓Reddit: Include Discord link in relevant subreddit comments/posts
- ✓OnlyFans: Welcome message includes Discord invite for all new subscribers
1. Tiered Discord Access (Paid Roles)
Create premium Discord tiers with exclusive perks:
- ✓Free tier: Basic channels, teasers, general chat
- ✓$5/month tier: Access to exclusive photo channels + weekly voice chats
- ✓$15/month tier (OnlyFans sub): All Discord channels + OnlyFans access
- ✓$50/month tier: Everything + private 1-on-1 voice calls monthly
Manage payments through Patreon or OnlyFans subscription tiers linked to Discord roles.
2. Premium Content Sales
Sell exclusive content directly within Discord:
- ✓Custom photo sets: $20-100 per set depending on specificity
- ✓Custom videos: $50-500 based on length and requests
- ✓Used items: Sell clothing, accessories, etc.
- ✓Private sessions: 1-on-1 video calls via Discord ($100-500/hour)
3. Affiliate Marketing
Promote relevant products to your engaged Discord community:
- ✓Adult toys (20-40% commission)
- ✓Photography equipment you actually use
- ✓Beauty/fitness products aligned with your brand
- ✓Digital products (presets, guides, courses)
1. Hire or Recruit Moderators
Once your server reaches 200+ members, you need help managing it:
- ✓Recruit from engaged members: Offer VIP status to active, trustworthy members
- ✓Hire professional moderators: $200-500/month for dedicated community management
- ✓Define clear moderation guidelines: What's allowed, warning system, ban criteria
- ✓Use moderation bots: MEE6, Dyno, or Carl-bot for automated rule enforcement
2. Set Clear Rules and Enforce Them
Essential Server Rules:
- •18+ only, no exceptions
- •No harassment, hate speech, or disrespectful behavior
- •No unsolicited DMs to members
- •NSFW content only in designated channels
- •No sharing or requesting free OnlyFans content
- •No spam or self-promotion without permission
- •Respect creator boundaries and privacy
3. Stay Active and Visible
Your Discord community thrives when you're present:
- ✓Post daily: Even quick updates keep the server feeling alive
- ✓Respond to messages: Engage with members who chat with you
- ✓Host weekly events: Regular scheduled activities build habits
- ✓Voice chat appearances: Jump into voice channels occasionally for real-time connection
4. Use Bots to Enhance Experience
Essential Discord Bots for Creators:
⚠️ Important Critical Compliance Warning: Discord has strict ToS around adult content. Violating these can result in immediate server deletion and account ban. Follow these rules precisely:
Non-Negotiable Discord Rules for Adult Creators
- •Age-gate your entire server: Mark as 18+ in server settings
- •Mark NSFW channels: Every channel with adult content must be marked NSFW
- •No sexual content involving minors: Even fictional/artistic depictions are banned
- •No non-consensual content: All content must be clearly consensual
- •No extreme or illegal content: Bestiality, necrophilia, etc. are strictly prohibited
- •Require ID verification for sellers: If selling content, must verify you're 18+
What Can Get Your Server Banned
- ✓NSFW content in server icon or banner (visible to non-members)
- ✓Failing to age-gate the server
- ✓Promoting escort services or prostitution
- ✓Sharing pirated OnlyFans content
- ✓Any content depicting minors sexually (even cartoons/drawings)
- ✓Non-consensual intimate imagery (revenge porn)
Safe Server Practices
- ✓Use SFW server icon and banner
- ✓Keep explicit content in clearly marked NSFW channels
- ✓Monitor for members sharing illegal content and ban immediately
- ✓Use auto-moderation bots to filter prohibited keywords
- ✓Have clear rules stating prohibited content
- ✓Verify all sellers are 18+ before allowing sales
Key Metrics to Track
| Metric | How to Track | Success Benchmark |
|---|---|---|
| Total Members | Server Settings → Server Insights | 10-20% monthly growth |
| Active Members | Messages sent per week | 20-40% of total members active weekly |
| Discord → OnlyFans Conversion | Unique Discord promo codes | 5-15% of Discord members convert |
| Subscriber Retention | Compare retention: Discord subs vs non-Discord | 30-50% higher retention for Discord members |
| Engagement Rate | Messages per member per week | 2-5 messages/member/week |
Discord vs Other Platforms: ROI Comparison
| Platform | Primary Strength | Conversion Rate | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audience discovery | 2-5% | New subscriber acquisition | |
| TikTok | Viral reach | 3-8% | Rapid follower growth |
| Direct linking | 4-7% | Conversion funnel | |
| Niche targeting | 5-10% | Targeted acquisition | |
| Discord | Retention & community | 5-15% | Subscriber retention, superfan cultivation |
Key Insight: Discord's conversion rate might be moderate, but its retention impact is unmatched. Subscribers who join your Discord stay subscribed 30-50% longer on average, dramatically increasing lifetime value.
Advanced Discord Strategies for 2026
1. Multi-Server Strategy
Top creators run multiple Discord servers for different purposes:
- ✓Main community server: Your primary fan hub (free access with subscriber perks)
- ✓VIP-only server: Ultra-exclusive space for top 10% of spenders
- ✓Creator networking server: Private server for collaboration with fellow creators
- ✓Promotional server: Dedicated to cross-promotion with partners
2. Discord Nitro Boosting Incentives
Encourage members to boost your server (Discord Nitro feature) with rewards:
- ✓Server boosters get free 1-week OnlyFans trial
- ✓Booster-exclusive channel with premium content
- ✓Custom role color and perks for boosters
- ✓Server Level 2+ unlocks better emoji slots, higher quality streaming, custom URL
3. Automated Funnel Integration
Connect Discord to your broader marketing funnel:
- •TikTok/Instagram: "Free exclusive content in my Discord"
- •Discord free channels: Teasers + community building
- •Discord subscriber channels: Exclusive perks for OnlyFans subs
- •OnlyFans: Full content library + DM access
- •Discord VIP tier: Ultra-premium experience for top spenders
4. Voice Channel Monetization
Discord's voice features open unique revenue opportunities:
- ✓Weekly voice hangouts: VIP subscribers can voice chat with you
- ✓Private voice sessions: Sell 15-30 minute 1-on-1 calls ($50-200)
- ✓Group voice events: Host Q&As, gaming sessions, or watch parties
- ✓ASMR voice rooms: Exclusive voice content for subscribers
Common Discord Marketing Mistakes to Avoid
1. Creating a Server But Never Being Active
A dead Discord is worse than no Discord at all. If you can't commit to daily activity, don't create a server yet. Dead servers make you look unprofessional and hurt your brand.
2. Making Everything Subscriber-Only
You need free-access channels with value to attract non-subscribers. Use the 70/30 rule: 70% accessible to everyone, 30% locked behind subscription. Free members need to see the value before paying.
3. Ignoring Moderation
Unmoderated servers quickly become toxic. Trolls, spammers, and inappropriate behavior will drive away your real fans. Invest in moderation from day one.
4. Over-Promoting, Under-Engaging
If every message is "Subscribe to my OnlyFans," members will leave. Follow the 80/20 rule: 80% genuine engagement and value, 20% direct promotion.
5. Not Utilizing Discord Analytics
Discord provides Server Insights showing growth, active members, and engagement trends. Review monthly to identify what's working and what needs adjustment.
Discord Marketing Timeline: 0-90 Days
Days 1-14: Foundation
- ✓Create and fully configure your Discord server
- ✓Set up channel structure, roles, and verification system
- ✓Install essential moderation and engagement bots
- ✓Invite existing OnlyFans subscribers to join
- ✓Cross-promote Discord on all social platforms
- ✓Goal: 50-100 initial members
Days 15-30: Growth Phase 1
- ✓Join 10-15 OnlyFans promotional Discord servers
- ✓Post promotional content daily in relevant servers
- ✓Find 3-5 collaboration partners and execute first SFS campaigns
- ✓Host your first Discord event (Q&A or content voting)
- ✓Post 2-3 times daily in your own server to maintain activity
- ✓Goal: 200-500 members
Days 31-60: Scaling & Optimization
- ✓Recruit 1-2 moderators from active community members
- ✓Analyze which promotional servers drive best traffic
- ✓Double down on successful collaboration partnerships
- ✓Implement weekly recurring events (same day/time each week)
- ✓Create subscriber verification system if not already in place
- ✓Launch first Discord-exclusive content drop
- ✓Goal: 500-1,000 members
Days 61-90: Monetization & Retention
- ✓Implement tiered Discord access if feasible
- ✓Launch VIP-only channels for top spenders
- ✓Track Discord → OnlyFans conversion data with unique codes
- ✓Compare retention rates: Discord subscribers vs non-Discord
- ✓Host voice chat events for VIP members
- ✓Optimize based on analytics: double down on what works
- ✓Goal: 1,000-2,000 members, measurable retention improvement
Is Discord Worth It for OnlyFans in 2026?
Yes—but with the right expectations. Discord is not a magic bullet for rapid subscriber acquisition like viral TikTok or Instagram Reels. However, it excels at something equally valuable: building deep connections that drive retention and lifetime value.
Discord Is Worth It If:
- ✓You want to increase subscriber retention (Discord members stay 30-50% longer)
- ✓You're willing to invest time in daily community management
- ✓You value building genuine relationships with fans over transactional interactions
- ✓You want to cultivate superfans who spend significantly more than average subscribers
- ✓You already have 500+ OnlyFans subscribers (enough to seed an active community)
Discord May Not Be Worth It If:
- ✓You're just starting (focus on acquisition platforms like TikTok/Instagram first)
- ✓You can't commit to daily engagement and moderation
- ✓You're looking for quick subscriber growth (use Reddit, Twitter instead)
- ✓You don't have time to manage community interactions
The creators who win with Discord treat it as a retention and lifetime value optimization tool, not an acquisition channel. Combine Discord with high-performing acquisition platforms (TikTok, Instagram, Reddit), and you create a powerful funnel: acquire subscribers through viral content, retain them through Discord community.
Final Thoughts: Build Your Discord Sanctuary
Discord offers OnlyFans creators something increasingly rare in 2026: a platform for genuine, uncensored connection with fans. While Instagram algorithms suppress your reach and TikTok bans your links, Discord gives you a safe space to build real community and cultivate the superfans who drive 80% of your revenue.
The key to Discord success isn't growth hacking or automation—it's consistent, authentic engagement. Show up daily, provide value beyond promotional content, make members feel special, and enforce community standards that keep the space positive. Your Discord should feel like a VIP lounge where subscribers get access to the real you, not just another promotional channel.
Start small: build your server, invite your existing subscribers, and commit to posting daily for 30 days. As your community grows, layer in events, collaborations, and tiered access. Within 90 days, you'll have a thriving community that significantly improves your subscriber retention and creates opportunities for additional monetization beyond your OnlyFans subscription revenue.
Your most loyal fans are waiting for a deeper connection. Give them a place to belong.
2026 Industry Update: What Changed?
As we move through 2026, the OnlyFans landscape has shifted dramatically. The strategies that worked in 2025 are no longer enough on their own. This article has been updated to reflect current community-building patterns, moderation expectations, and retention dynamics.
- ✓🤖 AI Saturation: With the flood of AI-generated content, authenticity is now the #1 currency. Subscribers are paying premiums for "raw" and "real" interactions.
- ✓💬 Community Focus: More creators are using Discord as a retention layer for superfans, with tighter server structure, smaller high-intent communities, and clearer role-based access.
- ✓Pricing Power: The "race to the bottom" ($3 subs) is over. High-ticket subscriptions ($15-$25) with lower volume but higher retention are outperforming low-ticket models by 40% in 2026.
Key Takeaway: Focus on retention psychology over mass acquisition this year.
Written by the SirenCY Editorial Team
Our team of OnlyFans management experts has analyzed data from managing 312+ creators. Every strategy is tested before we publish.
This OnlyFans Earnings Calculator uses real-time 2026 agency data to compare your current solo or managed income against SirenCY's verified performance benchmarks (35% commission, 5-8x average growth). Results include projected tax savings and lifestyle opportunity costs.
Is Discord Worth It for OnlyFans in 2026? ▼
💰 Interactive ROI Calculator
Monthly Income
What is your current monthly revenue?
Ready to Scale Your OnlyFans?
See whether there is a genuine fit for strategy, monetization systems, and long-term operational support.
No upfront feesPerformance-basedCancel anytime
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a Discord community to become useful?
Most creators can tell within 30-60 days whether Discord is helping retention and fan engagement, provided the server has structure and regular activity.
What channels should an OnlyFans Discord server include?
Announcements, general chat, rules or verification, FAQ, event updates, and gated rooms for paid or VIP members are usually enough for a clear starting structure.
Should Discord be used for acquisition or retention?
Retention first. Discord is most effective when it deepens audience loyalty and gives existing fans a better reason to stay engaged.
Do creators need age gates and moderation on Discord?
Yes. Age-gating, rules, and moderation are essential if the server includes adult-oriented discussion or restricted community spaces.
Can Discord replace OnlyFans?
No. Discord works better as a community and retention layer around your paid offer rather than as a replacement for the paid platform itself.
Is Discord worth it for OnlyFans in 2026?
Yes, if the goal is deeper fan retention, clearer audience segmentation, and more community touchpoints between renewals and PPV offers.
Continue Reading

Written by the SirenCY Editorial Team
Our team of OnlyFans management experts has analyzed data from managing 312+ creators. Every strategy is tested before we publish.