The Membership Guys Podcast - Practical Advice For Membership Website Owners

In this episode, I dive into the huge decision we've just made to give away our signature Membership Roadmap course completely free to everyone.I explain the reasoning and motivation behind this bold move, what it means for our community, and why I believe now is the time to spark a new wave of successful membership launches.I also walk through exactly what the course covers and how it’s been updated to be more actionable and practical than ever.Join me as I share the mission behind this seismic shift—and how you can be part of the membership movement.In this episode:Why are we making our comprehensive Membership Roadmap course available for free to everyone, and what led to this decision?What exactly does the Membership Roadmap cover, and how does it help you launch a successful membership site?How is this move connected to our bigger mission of igniting a new wave of sustainable, thriving memberships?What sets our approach and resources apart from other high-ticket courses or generic advice in the market to

In this special episode, I celebrate 10 years of running Membership Academy by sharing the biggest insights and lessons I’ve learned along the way.I pull back the curtain on both the triumphs and tough moments, going beyond surface-level tactics to discuss what really matters for long-term membership success.From dealing with imposter syndrome to the importance of feedback and embracing imperfection, I dive into the realities of membership site ownership. Whether you're just starting out or scaling your community, this episode delivers honest, hard-won wisdom for building a thriving membership business.In this episode:What are the most important lessons I’ve learned from a decade of running a successful membership?How do you create effective, focused learning content without overwhelming your members?Why is stepping back from being the “guru” essential for building a vibrant membership community?How can feedback, data, and embracing imperfection help you grow and maintain a healthy membership site?Key Quotes

In this special episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I open up about the toughest moments and biggest challenges I’ve faced over a decade of running a membership business. As we kick off a month of anniversary content, I dive deep into pivotal decisions, unexpected setbacks, and the realities that most membership owners rarely talk about publicly. Whether you’re just starting out or have been running your own membership for years, my honest reflections are here to shed light on what it really takes to keep going—especially when things get tough.In this episode:What were the most difficult decisions I had to make in the early days of launching and shifting my business model?How did I handle sudden competition from a well-funded, well-connected industry player—and what impact did it have on my mindset and business?In what ways did external crises like COVID-19 test my resilience and force me to adapt my membership offer and team structure?What was it like to experience internal challenges, such as letting m

In this episode, I dive into the fascinating story of Freelancer Magazine’s innovative hybrid membership model with founder and editor Sophie Cross.We explore how an independently published print magazine not only survives but thrives by blending traditional publishing with a thriving online membership and community for creative freelancers.From virtual coworking sessions to exclusive member directories and content, I uncover the secrets behind building a sustainable, community-driven membership alongside a premium print product.Whether you’re a membership owner, a publisher, or just love creative business ideas, there’s a lot to learn from Sophie’s journey.In this episode:What does the membership offering at Freelancer Magazine include beyond the print and digital publication, and how are these elements structured for members?How did the transition from a print-only magazine to a hybrid membership model come about, and what evolved along the way?In what ways has the online community and member features impac

In this episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I dive deep into the essential traits that set thriving membership owners apart from the rest.Rather than focusing on marketing tactics or retention strategies, I shine a spotlight on the personal development and mindset shifts that make building and running a successful membership sustainable—and enjoyable—for the long haul.If you want to know what it really takes to grow a membership business you’re proud of, this episode is for you.In this episode:What key personal traits do membership owners need to succeed over the long term?How can clarity of purpose impact decision-making and growth in your membership?Why are resilience, empathy, and strong people skills critical for membership leaders?What boundaries and habits should you develop to avoid burnout and foster sustainable success?Key Quotes & Takeaways:"Clarity isn't just something that gives you a strategic advantage, it's also an emotional anchor because if you really dive deep into who you are servi

In this episode, I sit down with Michael Stelzner, founder of Social Media Marketing World and the Social Media Marketing Society, to dive deep into why he made the big decision to close down his successful membership after a decade. We unpack the strategic thinking, the data, and even the unexpected tech issues that led to this major pivot in his business. I also explore the launch of his new AI Business Society membership and what it means both for him and the wider membership industry. If you’re at a crossroads with your own membership, you’ll find plenty of actionable insights and thought-provoking guidance in our conversation.In this episode:What were the main factors and turning points that led Michael Stelzner to sunset the Social Media Marketing Society after ten years?How did market changes and the rise of AI influence the strategic pivot towards launching the AI Business Society?What was the process and communication strategy for closing down an established membership, and how were existing members

In this episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I dive into the controversial world of scarcity marketing, especially as it relates to memberships.I unpack why the “closed door” model and pressure tactics aren’t the magic bullet many gurus claim—and how they can actually do more harm than good to your membership business.Instead, I share a more sustainable approach focused on trust, value, and genuine urgency.If you’re tired of being told you “must” use countdown timers and manufactured FOMO, this one’s for you!In this episode:Do you really need scarcity tactics—like limited-time enrollment—to grow a successful membership?What are the risks and downsides of relying on pressure and artificial urgency to sell memberships?How can you create genuine urgency that leads to better, more engaged long-term members?What marketing strategies actually work best for building a thriving, sustainable membership business?Key Quotes & Takeaways:"The urgency to join your membership shouldn't come from some arbitrary deadl

In this episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I dive deep into the topic of legacy pricing for membership businesses—a practice I’ve long advocated, but one that can pose major challenges as your membership grows and evolves. I discuss the benefits and pitfalls of letting members lock in their original pricing, explore when legacy pricing stops serving your business, and outline strategies for dealing with long-term members who are paying far less than new signups. If your membership has gone through significant changes over the years, this episode will help you navigate the often-tricky conversation around updating your pricing structure while staying fair to your most loyal members.In this episode:What is legacy pricing, and why has it traditionally been seen as a best practice for member retention and conversions?When does legacy pricing begin to work against you and your membership business, rather than for you?How can you fairly and effectively address the issue of long-term members paying outdated ra

In this episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I tackle the dangers of blindly following membership plugin recommendations you see in Facebook groups and online communities.I discuss why generic advice can often lead you astray, and share practical steps for cutting through the noise to make tech choices that truly fit your unique membership business.You'll learn how to critically assess plugin advice and what questions you need to ask yourself—and others—before committing to any platform.If you've ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting plugin recommendations, this episode will help you make smarter decisions.In this episode:Why is asking, “What’s the best membership plugin?” a potentially risky question in online communities?How can you tell if someone’s plugin recommendation is actually relevant to your specific business needs?What key factors should you consider before choosing a membership plugin for your site?How can you avoid falling for hype, affiliate-driven suggestions, or outdated advice when evalua

In this episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I dive into one of the most common questions I get from soon-to-be membership site owners: how big does your audience actually need to be before launching your membership? I get real about the numbers, explain why your email list is so much more important than your social media following, and break down how engagement and quality matter far more than pure quantity. If you’ve ever wondered if you’re “ready” to launch or what you should focus on before taking the leap, this episode is here to give you clarity.In this episode:What’s the recommended size for your email list before it makes sense to launch a membership?Why is the quality and engagement level of your audience more important than just having a big subscriber list?Why shouldn’t you rely on social media followers when measuring your potential audience?What specific steps can you take if you don’t yet have a large, engaged email list and want to launch a membership in the future?Tune in to get practical,

In this episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I welcome back Robbie Kellman Baxter, author of "The Membership Economy," to explore how the world of memberships and subscriptions has transformed over the past decade. We dive into the shifts brought by the boom during COVID, the increasing demands for meaningful value, the impact of AI, and what the future holds for membership businesses. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned membership owner, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and thought-provoking strategy for thriving in an ever-changing environment.In this episode:What are the most significant shifts membership business owners need to understand in 2025 compared to previous years?How have automation and AI impacted membership models, and what balance should be struck between leveraging technology and maintaining a human touch?What can membership site owners do to stay relevant and valuable to their members in an increasingly crowded and competitive landscape?How can you fu

In this episode, I dive into the world of ManyChat and Instagram automation with Mel Eilers, also known as the "ManyChat Queen". We explore how you can leverage ManyChat to streamline lead generation on Instagram, shorten customer journeys, and keep your audience engaged—all while freeing up more of your time. From practical strategies for capturing email leads to creative ways to use automation for member engagement and retention, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for membership owners at every level. Whether you’re new to automation or looking for advanced tips, you’ll leave with a notebook full of ideas to test in your own membership business.In this episode:What exactly is ManyChat for Instagram, and how does it differ from typical email lead generation or DM strategies?How can membership owners use ManyChat to grow their email lists, waitlists, or even run engaging quizzes and registrations directly on Instagram?In what ways can ManyChat be used beyond acquisition—such as supporting me

In this episode, I dive into the crucial elements that can significantly impact the success of your membership site’s registration process. It’s not just about building a great membership or crafting an enticing sales page; the moment of truth happens when a potential member decides to join. I discuss five common mistakes that membership site owners make in their joining process and how to effectively fix them, ensuring a smooth, efficient, and attractive path to membership, ultimately leading to higher conversion rates.In this episode:How can I simplify my membership sales page to ensure potential members sign up?What pricing practices should I avoid to maintain transparency and honesty with potential members?Why is it important to display my membership pricing clearly on my sales page?How can I reduce friction and unnecessary steps in my membership checkout process to enhance user experience?Thank You For ListeningWe really appreciate you choosing to listen to us and for supporting the podcast. We would be

In this special episode, I revisit a timeless topic from the Membership Geeks archives to explore how you can reignite your passion for your membership. Memberships are a long-term commitment, and it's not uncommon to find yourself feeling disconnected or burnt out. I share insights and strategies on how to fall back in love with your membership by understanding the root causes of your dissatisfaction and implementing practical steps to rekindle your enthusiasm. Whether you have specific issues or a general loss of passion, this episode offers actionable advice to help you reconnect with your purpose and ensure your membership journey remains fulfilling and rewarding.In this episode:How can I identify the root cause of my declining enthusiasm for my membership?What strategies can I use to change up my routine and reengage with my membership topic?How can I reconnect with my membership community to regain my passion for being a membership owner?What are some practical ways to reaffirm my "why" and maintain lon

In this episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I dive into a challenge many membership owners face: figuring out what to do when your membership isn't working as expected and you feel the need to pivot. I discuss how to determine if a pivot is truly necessary or if you're simply panicking and provide practical steps to assess and address the underlying issues in your membership.We'll explore different pivoting strategies and how to communicate changes effectively to your audience.In this episode:How can I determine if a pivot is necessary or if I am just panicking about my membership's performance?What are the main issues that might be affecting the growth or engagement of my membership, and how can I assess them?What types of pivots should I consider if I decide that a change in direction is needed for my membership?How should I communicate and implement a pivot to ensure minimal disruption for current members while attracting new ones?Thank You For ListeningWe really appreciate you choosing to listen to u

In this episode, I dive into the essential steps for validating your membership idea to ensure it leads to long-term success. We explore the increasingly common misconception that you can simply launch your membership without preparation and share the importance of building a foundation before asking people for money. I highlight the pitfalls of rushing into a membership launch and offer practical strategies for testing and refining your concept. Join me as we discuss how to approach membership validation methodically so you can set yourself up for sustainable growth.In this episode:What are the risks of launching a membership without proper validation?Why is building an audience crucial before starting a membership?How can a waitlist be used to effectively gauge interest and demand?What is a minimum viable membership, and why is it important for a successful launch?Thank You For ListeningWe really appreciate you choosing to listen to us and for supporting the podcast. We would be eternally grateful if you wo

In this episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I dive deep into the contentious topic of whether you should enforce a minimum term for your online membership. Many membership site owners grapple with locking members into commitments, but is this approach truly beneficial for your business and your members? I explore the potential pitfalls of enforcing minimum terms, including the financial, ethical, and legal implications, and discuss alternative strategies that focus on providing genuine value rather than forced commitment.In this episode:Why do some membership owners consider enforcing a minimum term, and what are the typical justifications given?What are the potential challenges and risks associated with enforcing a minimum term for memberships?How might minimum term commitments negatively impact the member experience and perception of your membership business?What are some alternative strategies to improve retention without resorting to locking members into long-term commitments?Thank You For ListeningW

In this episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I dive into the challenges of people pleasing as a membership site owner. Balancing responsiveness to your community with maintaining the integrity of your membership can be difficult, especially when faced with loud and demanding voices. I explore why it's impossible to make everyone happy and how trying to do so can undermine your goals. Learn how to make informed decisions that benefit the whole community and back your expertise with confidence.In this episode:How can you navigate the challenge of not being able to please everyone in your membership?Why is it dangerous to accommodate every request, demand, or complaint from members?How should you handle pricing pressures from members who claim your membership is too expensive?What is the importance of trusting your expertise and making decisions for the benefit of the entire community, rather than catering to individual requests?Thank You For ListeningWe really appreciate you choosing to listen to us and for

In this episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I tackle a common question: Does a membership site need its own mobile app? We dive deep into the reasons why a mobile app might not be necessary for most memberships and explore the cost implications, usage patterns, and potential alternatives. I also discuss scenarios where having an app might actually make sense and share some insights from my extensive experience with membership sites.In this episode:Is it necessary for my membership site to have a dedicated mobile app?What are the costs and challenges associated with developing a mobile app for my membership site?How do most people use mobile apps, and does it justify the investment for my membership?Are there specific situations where having a mobile app for a membership is truly beneficial?Thank You For ListeningWe really appreciate you choosing to listen to us and for supporting the podcast. We would be eternally grateful if you would consider taking a minute or two to leave an honest review and ra

In this episode of the Membership Geeks podcast, I reveal a surprising truth: even the largest and most successful membership sites make mistakes. I dive into some of the most common blunders these membership giants are making, gleaned from our membership insider series, where I explore sites like Masterclass.com, Digital Marketer, and more. Join me as I unpack these mistakes, offering insights on how you can avoid them and improve your own membership experience.In this episode:What are the common mistakes big membership sites make in their new member onboarding process?How do issues with integrating multiple tech systems impact the overall membership experience?Why is attention to detail crucial, and how can neglecting it affect your membership site?How can a well-designed offboarding process benefit a membership, and what are some examples of neglect in this area?Thank You For ListeningWe really appreciate you choosing to listen to us and for supporting the podcast. We would be eternally grateful if you wou