The Membership Guys Podcast - Practical Advice For Membership Website Owners

In this episode, I share some of the coolest and most innovative ideas I've recently encountered in the world of memberships.I dive into real-life examples from other membership sites that have inspired me, highlighting creative ways they’re engaging their members, improving onboarding, and making their communities stand out.Whether you’re looking to refresh your own membership or just want some creative inspiration, these ideas are sure to spark new possibilities.Tune in to hear what’s working—and what you might want to test out for yourself!In this episode:How can leveraging the voices of real members during promotional events boost social proof and trust with potential joiners?What creative onboarding tactics can help new members feel understood, engaged, and set up for success from day one?Why is personalization in the onboarding process essential, and how can tools like interactive video assessments be used effectively?What does a truly hybrid (online/offline) membership look like, and why might this mod

In this episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I dive into the world of personal branding, exploring why it's crucial for membership owners and online experts to show up intentionally and authentically.Joined by personal brand strategist Bob Gentle, we have an honest conversation about the human side of building your brand—dealing with confidence, comparison, and imposter syndrome—while navigating today's noisy online landscape.We break down the practical steps you can take to start shaping your brand, especially if you've never given it much thought.Whether you're already visible or just getting started, you'll find actionable advice to help your business and membership thrive.In this episode:What does “personal branding” really mean beyond logos and social media presence?How do you overcome fear, imposter syndrome, and comparison when building your personal brand?What practical steps can you take to start taking control and direction of your personal brand?Which platforms and strategies should membership

In this episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I pull back the curtain on the major changes happening inside Membership Academy this year.After a decade of running our membership, I want to share how we're shifting our focus to better serve a rapidly evolving market and meet the needs of membership owners looking not just to launch, but to grow and thrive.From streamlining our content and embracing new technology to diversifying our offerings and making an important pricing update, I walk you through the thinking and strategies behind every big move.If you're interested in how to keep your membership business ahead of the curve, this episode is packed with actionable insights.In this episode:How is Membership Academy shifting its focus from launching memberships to prioritizing growth and ongoing success?What prompted the decision to remove tech walkthroughs, and how does this change benefit members today?In what ways is Membership Academy diversifying its offerings beyond the core membership program?Why is

In this episode, I dive into what it really means to be a productive membership owner with special guest Louise Miller.We explore why traditional approaches to productivity might be missing the mark and how to create more space and intention in your day-to-day operations.This conversation is packed with practical insights for redefining productivity, regaining focus, and helping both yourself and your members achieve more—without the overwhelm or burnout.In this episode:What does productivity actually mean for membership owners, and why might traditional definitions be holding us back?How can you shift your mindset and daily habits to focus on what’s truly important—instead of just getting more “stuff” done?What practical steps can you take to create more space, clarity, and effective action in your business, even amidst daily chaos and unexpected challenges?How can you support your own members’ productivity and implementation, reducing churn and helping them achieve the transformation they joined your commun

In this episode, I get on my soapbox about one of the most persistent myths in the membership world: the idea that scarcity marketing and closed-door enrollment are absolutely necessary to grow a successful membership.I break down why this notion is misleading, how it can harm your business in the long run, and why good marketing should never rely on manipulative gimmicks.I share real-world examples, challenge some of the loudest voices in the space, and lay out the facts so you can make the best decision for your membership business.In this episode:Do you really need scarcity or closed-door enrollment to sell and grow a membership?What are the long-term consequences of relying on scarcity tactics for membership sales?When (if ever) does a closed-door model actually make strategic sense for a membership business?How can you create genuine urgency and attract committed members without resorting to manipulative marketing gimmicks?Thank You For ListeningI really appreciate you choosing us and for supporting the

In this episode, I dive into the ever-evolving world of podcasting with special guest Colin Gray, founder of The Podcast Host and Alitu.Together, we unpack the new rules of the podcasting landscape in 2024, explore how independent creators can still stand out in a space now dominated by big names and AI-generated content, and discuss strategies for using podcasts to grow and deepen your membership business.Whether you're running a podcast or thinking of starting one, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and real talk on what really works right now.In this episode:Is it too late for independent creators to succeed in podcasting amid increased competition and the rise of celebrity-led and AI-generated shows?What are the most effective ways to increase discoverability and grow a podcast audience in today’s saturated market?How has podcasting changed in recent years, and what new strategies should membership site owners consider for using podcasts as a marketing tool?In a world of rapidly improvin

In this episode, I dive into my top five priorities that will fuel your membership success in 2026.I share the key actions and mindset shifts that every membership owner, whether just starting out or looking to scale, should be focusing on to ensure lasting growth.From getting a grip on your numbers to embracing a results-driven approach, experimenting more, and building the right support network, I break down practical, proven advice to set you up for an amazing year with your membership business.In this episode:Why is understanding your numbers and KPIs so essential for sustainable membership growth, and how do you get started?How has the value of content changed, and why should you stop positioning your membership as just a library of resources?In what ways can diversifying your offerings safeguard your membership business and better serve your audience's evolving needs?Why is experimentation, as well as surrounding yourself with the right support network, key to overcoming industry changes and staying ahe

In this episode, I explore the importance of truly stepping away from your membership business over the holiday season.I share personal stories and practical advice on setting boundaries and embracing rest, debunking the myth that constant hustle is required for success.I also discuss how taking a real break not only protects your wellbeing, but can spark creativity and increase your effectiveness as a membership owner in the new year.Tune in for actionable tips to help you (and your community) enjoy the festive period guilt-free.In this episode:Why is it essential for membership owners to take genuine time off during the holidays, rather than just reducing work hours?What are the consequences of always being available and not properly disconnecting from your business?How can you plan and communicate your holiday break effectively to your team and members?What are the benefits—both personal and strategic—to stepping back from your membership, and how can it set you up for success in the new year?Thank You For

In this episode, I discuss the most critical mistake that I see far too many membership business owners making—neglecting their new member onboarding process.I emphasize why onboarding isn’t just a nice-to-have, but a fundamental pillar for ensuring member retention and long-term business success.Drawing on over a decade of experience, I break down actionable strategies to set new members up for a positive, engaging start.Whether you’re brand new or running a well-established membership, these insights will help you avoid costly pitfalls and boost your retention rates.In this episode:Why is the new member onboarding process so crucial for the success of a membership business?What typically goes wrong when onboarding is overlooked or poorly executed?What are the four essential steps that every onboarding strategy should include?How can membership owners improve their current onboarding experience to increase member retention and satisfaction?Thank You For ListeningI really appreciate you choosing us and for su

In this episode, I tackle the rise of AI-generated "slop" and what it means for those of us running membership businesses.I share practical strategies for standing out in an era where generic, low-effort content is flooding the internet.I discuss why your real voice, perspective, and personal touch are more valuable than ever—and how to leverage these strengths both in your content marketing and inside your membership.Join me for a conversation on keeping things authentic, building trust, and rising above the AI noise.In this episode:How can membership owners differentiate themselves when AI-generated content is everywhere?What types of content and formats showcase your unique personality and expertise beyond what AI can replicate?Why is authenticity, storytelling, and vulnerability so crucial for building trust with your audience today?How should the value proposition of a membership evolve in a world where "more content" is no longer enough?Thank You For ListeningI really appreciate you choosing us and for

In this episode, I dive into the power of feedback loops and how they've been instrumental in driving membership growth for our community.I share exclusive insights from my session at Retain Live 2025, breaking down how to effectively gather, analyze, and act on feedback at every stage of the member lifecycle.You'll learn practical tactics for not only getting useful member input, but also using it to shape your offerings, refine your marketing, and boost retention.If you're ready to make your members feel heard and create a more engaging and successful membership, this episode is for you.In this episode:What exactly is a feedback loop, and why is it so vital for membership businesses?How can you effectively gather and use feedback from non-buyers, new members, existing members, and those leaving your community?What are the key stages in the member lifecycle where feedback loops should be implemented for maximum impact?How do you close the loop by showing members the tangible results and changes that result f

In this from the vault episode, I dive into one of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of running a membership business: managing stress.As memberships grow and evolve, it’s easy to find yourself overwhelmed by unrealistic expectations, perfectionism, and trying to do everything yourself.I share eight actionable tips from the archives on how to ease that pressure and prevent burnout, with plenty of practical advice for maintaining your mental health and building a sustainable business.Whether you’re just starting out or are an experienced membership owner, this episode will help you keep things in perspective and enjoy the journey.In this episode:How can you set realistic expectations for your membership growth and success?What strategies help you avoid perfectionism and focus on sustainable, long-term progress?What boundaries and outsourcing tactics can reduce overwhelm and keep your work-life balance in check?How do you keep stress in context and avoid unnecessary anxiety about delays, changes,

In this from the vault episode, I dive into the essential steps every membership site owner should take after launching their membership.It’s not just about getting started—the real work begins once your site is live, and what you do next can make or break your success.I revisit some timeless strategies for keeping your momentum strong, nurturing your new members, and planning for steady growth.Whether you’ve just launched, stalled, or are looking ahead, this practical guide will help you set a solid foundation for your membership’s future.In this episode:How can you effectively assess what worked (and didn’t) during your membership launch?What steps should you take to ensure new members are engaged and set up for success?How do you gather and leverage early social proof to fuel continued marketing?What are the best ways to follow up with non-buyers and plan your ongoing organic marketing efforts after launch?Key Quotes & Takeaways:“90% of success is all about what happens on the inside of a membership.”

In this special "From the Vault" episode, I dive deep into the biggest and most frustrating marketing myths that circulate in the world of membership sites.After more than a decade of helping membership owners, I've heard it all—from secret silver bullets to outdated pressure tactics.I unpack the myths, the nonsense, and the misleading advice that could be steering your membership off course.Join me as I challenge some of the most common misconceptions and share what actually works for building and marketing a successful membership.In this episode:Why is the idea that you have to pressure people to "buy today" potentially harmful to your membership business?Do you really need scarcity tactics to effectively market and sell your membership?Is it true that "a good product sells itself" and what role does audience building play in your success?Do you need a massive audience to launch and grow your membership, or can dedicated superfans be enough?Key Quotes & Takeaways:“Successful marketing is all about getti

In this episode, I dive into the often-overlooked group within membership communities: the "lurkers"—those quiet members who rarely participate publicly but remain subscribed and engaged in their own ways.I break down why silence doesn't mean disengagement, how these silent members may actually be some of your most valuable, and what you as a membership owner can do to serve and retain them.I also share practical tips for balancing your community to support both vocal and quieter members, ensuring your membership thrives for everyone.If you're ready to rethink how you look at engagement and create a space where all types of members feel valued, this episode is for you.In this episode:Who are the "lurkers" in membership communities, and why do they matter?Does silence from members really mean they're disengaged or not finding value in your membership?What mistakes do membership owners make when trying to increase engagement, and how can these backfire?How can you better serve and retain your quieter members wi

In this episode, I dive into one of the toughest aspects of running a membership business: spotting the signs that someone is about to leave your membership.I discuss the clear and subtle warning signals you need to watch for and share practical strategies you can use to proactively re-engage at-risk members before it’s too late.From leveraging technology to understanding behavioral patterns and key milestones, I aim to give you actionable steps to strengthen your retention strategy and keep your community thriving.In this episode:What are the warning signs that indicate a member might be at risk of cancelling their membership?How can you use technology and data to identify members who are becoming disengaged?What are the common “off ramps” or critical moments when cancellations are most likely to occur—and how can you address them?Which proactive steps can you take to re-engage at-risk members and boost your overall retention rates?Key Quotes & Takeaways:"If someone has come and said, I think I might nee

In this episode, I give you a transparent, behind-the-scenes look at a major strategic shift at Membership Academy: why I decided to discontinue our lowest-priced membership tier.I dive deep into the challenges, member feedback, and business data that informed this big decision.I share the lessons learned, the impact on our community and sales, and why simplifying our offerings makes more sense for both our members and our business as we move forward.If you're considering multiple membership tiers, or are curious about evolving your pricing strategy, this episode unpacks it all.In this episode:What prompted the initial move to a two-tier membership strategy at Membership Academy, and what were those tiers?What unexpected challenges and downsides did introducing a lower-priced tier create for both the business and members?How did having multiple tiers affect member retention, sales performance, and customer experience over time?Why did I ultimately decide to revert to a single-tier membership, and how was this

In this episode, I dive into three crucial things I want every membership owner to know about AI.Drawing on insights from a recent Membership Academy roundtable, I break down some common misconceptions about how AI tools like ChatGPT actually work, the real impact they’re having on memberships, and how to adapt your approach to make the most of these changes.Whether you’re excited about AI or feeling a bit overwhelmed by the hype, I’ll help you put things in perspective and understand where the real opportunities (and challenges) lie for membership businesses.In this episode:What is the true business model behind popular AI tools like ChatGPT, and why does it matter for membership owners?How should membership owners critically approach the use of AI-generated content, given the current landscape of online information?What unique advantages do human-driven elements add to memberships in an age of AI-produced educational content?How are search engines shifting toward "answer engines," and what does that mean fo

In this episode, I dive into the five best investments I’ve made for my membership business—investments that made a significant impact and helped the business to grow sustainably.I reflect on where I chose to put my time, money, and attention, and why those decisions moved the needle more than anything else.You’ll hear candid insights drawn from my own experiences, including both the mindset behind these choices and the practical benefits they brought.If you’re looking for guidance on where to best invest for maximum results in your own membership business, this episode is for you!In this episode:What types of investments have delivered the biggest positive impact on my membership business’s growth and sustainability?Why is attending live, in-person events so valuable for online business owners, and what unique benefits do they offer?How can joining other memberships, upgrading audio/video equipment, and hiring specialized support each play a critical role in membership business success?What’s the value of ma

In this episode, I come clean about a big lie I’ve been telling for years: that there’s no secret formula to membership business success. I reveal that, while there’s no easy button or magic tactic, there actually are two “magic bullets” behind thriving membership sites—but they’re not as flashy as you might hope. Join me as I break down what these real secrets are, why they matter more than any marketing trick, and how you can use them to drive growth and retention in your own membership. Get ready for a candid chat about data, feedback, and building a business that lasts.In this episode:What is the true “secret formula” for membership success that most people overlook?Why aren’t flashy marketing tactics or miracle tools actually the answer to growing a membership?How can you harness the power of data and member feedback to make smarter decisions and fuel your membership’s growth?What practical steps should you take to collect, analyze, and act on data and feedback in your membership business?Key Quotes &