Membership Geeks Podcast with Mike Morrison

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 transition communicated to existing members?Key Quotes & Takeaways:"They join on the lesser membership tier so they don't get all the great things that will ensure that they are as successful as they can be. And then they look at their membership and say, oh, well, I haven't had the success I wanted, so why would I upgrade?""As the membership industry, and indeed the online education industry, changes and evolves, with the proliferation of AI, with the shift away from search engines to answer engines that are powered by AI, as all these new challenges face us coming into the next five, ten years and beyond, then memberships are going to need an entirely different level, an entirely different kind of support.""But what it's done is it's created that clarity, it's removed that friction, it's taking confusion out of the joining process because a confused mind doesn't buy.""Making that pivot, making that change has been a big decision, but a one that I'm extremely confident is the right one for where we want to take the academy going forward."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 rating for the show. They're extremely helpful when it comes to reaching our audience and we read each and every one personally!Finally, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to make sure that you never miss an episode.

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 for content marketing and discoverability for memberships?Key Quotes & Takeaways:"I don't think there's going to be a continuous trend upwards of the amount of poor quality AI generated content that's out there. I think we are at a tipping point now.""We can't rely on the fact that we know that our content is better than someone can get from AI, because your audience don't know that. And someone can get a step by step action plan of how to solve a problem from an AI tool faster than they can log into your membership or log into your courses. And they aren't discerning or informed enough to know the difference in quality. So we need to give something more than just education.""Citing your website is not equal to your website appearing page one in Google. So a lot of marketers I'm seeing are equating the two and they're kind of telling people, hey, content marketing is still as powerful as it's ever been. But now it's just a case of making sure that you cater towards the AI tools, that you cater towards these so that they'll reference you. But the context really matters. Because someone's getting a full answer from an AI tool, they're not as likely to actually click through to the website. Like click through rate on AI answers are not a fraction of what they were for search engine listings."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 rating for the show. They're extremely helpful when it comes to reaching our audience and we read each and every one personally!Finally, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to make sure that you never miss an episode.

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 masterminds and high-level group programs for established membership business owners looking to hit the next level?Key Quotes & Takeaways:"Not only does that help me know that I'm doing my job in helping as many membership owners as I can the right way, but it helps us to reach much wider and make more of an impact across the membership industry.""Some of the best returns that I've ever had in an investment for my business has been getting in those rooms, getting on those zoom calls with people of a certain level, at a certain point on their trajectory, with similar ambitions, similar mindset and ethos, working towards common goals, that has just been such a difference maker.""I cannot understate the value of being in a collective that is focused, that is aligned in terms of their ambition, in terms of the kind of challenges you're facing, the kind of experiences you're having, that is so, so valuable and critical.""Seriously, we are all online business owners and we can often forget the power of meeting up with people offline, but live events are where it's at. Make sure you go there. There's so many ways in which you can leverage them for your business."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 rating for the show. They're extremely helpful when it comes to reaching our audience and we read each and every one personally!Finally, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to make sure that you never miss an episode.

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 & Takeaways:"The fundamental truth is that your membership success will be so heavily fueled on data and feedback data. In terms of what are members using when you have your membership up and running? What are members using? What features are they engaged with? What features are they not engaged with?""People very rarely travel in a straight line from discovering you to joining your membership. And so if you're just looking at the data without the feedback to back it up, you're not getting the full picture.""That feedback, someone who is interested enough in what you do to get on your email list, but not taking that next step. We want to know why they're not joining, not so we can pitch them, but so we can use that to refine our strategy, to refine our value proposition, to look at our offer and make sure it's actually aligned.""How can you possibly create a membership that solves your audience's problems if you're not getting feedback from that very audience on what their problems are?"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 rating for the show. They're extremely helpful when it comes to reaching our audience and we read each and every one personally!Finally, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to make sure that you never miss an episode.

In this episode, I take you behind the scenes as I share how we’ve pivoted and refined Membership Academy in response to major industry shifts and the evolution of our member community.I talk about why we decided to make our flagship Membership Roadmap course completely free, the thought process behind streamlining our membership tiers, and the exciting new resources and live programs we’re launching to help members scale, grow, and sustain their membership businesses over the long term.This episode is packed with insights on adapting your own memberships to a more mature and competitive market, and offers a special incentive for our loyal podcast listeners.In this episode:Why did we choose to make the Membership Roadmap, our signature course, available for free, and how does that reflect changes in the membership business landscape?How has the focus and structure of the Membership Academy evolved to better support members beyond the initial launch phase?What new features, live support, and advanced resources are now included in the Academy to help members with growth, scaling, and long-term sustainability?Why did we simplify from a two-tier to a single-tier membership model, and what does that mean for the kind of members we’re best equipped to help?Key Quotes & Takeaways:"We want to help people get started the right way, and if that means we have to teach them how to do it for free, then that's what we're going to do. Because I'd much rather we give away the right course than people spend money on the wrong course.""But then we're going even further, we're scaling your business and then we're looking at that big, long term future high end stuff that you're going to be facing at that point in that journey when you get to your five year anniversary, ten year anniversary. So we really are moving the bar and we are going to be delivering this new material absolutely live over the next few months and beyond that, actually we are running Level Up Live.""Membership Academy now is putting you on its shoulders and speeding ahead through the marathon of running a membership, growing it, scaling it, evolving it through all these new features and support."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 rating for the show. They're extremely helpful when it comes to reaching our audience and we read each and every one personally!Finally, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to make sure that you never miss an episode.

In this episode, I dive into the essential topic of delegating key tasks to a membership community manager.I walk you through the specific responsibilities that have made the biggest impact for us, and why freeing up your time is so crucial as your membership grows.I also share helpful advice for anyone considering hiring their first community manager, plus tips on how to get started if you’re unsure what tasks to pass on.If you’re looking to take your member experience—and your own sanity—to the next level, this episode is for you!In this episode:What key tasks should you delegate to a community manager in a membership business?How does a community manager enhance the experience for new and existing members?What role can a community manager play in keeping engagement high and answering member questions?What’s the best way to start when hiring a community manager, and how do you tailor the role to your membership’s specific needs?Key Quotes & Takeaways:"You can't be the rock star and the roadie. Your time, your attention is best spent on the things that only you can do. Things that are centered around really harnessing your expertise and turning it into content, turning it into coaching, turning it into opportunities to give your community access to you. That's going to take up enough of your time. And that's just the stuff where you're working in the business.""(The role of a community manager) is much more about being almost a concierge of sorts, about suggesting that other people join the conversation, about pointing them to other resources or even tagging myself, you know, if it's something that we know that I need to chime in on them going in there and tagging me to kind of bump it up my priority list." "If you know that you want to level up things with your member onboarding, but you just don't have the capacity for it, then these are some key things that your community manager could bring to the table."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 rating for the show. They're extremely helpful when it comes to reaching our audience and we read each and every one personally!Finally, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to make sure that you never miss an episode.

In this episode, I dive into the exciting world where gaming and memberships collide. Joined by gamification expert Kimba Cooper-Martin, we explore what gamification really means for online memberships and how you can use playful techniques to build stronger engagement, improve onboarding, and enhance member retention.We bust myths around gamification being just for fun topics or certain ages, get practical about challenges and best practices, and discuss the real psychology behind why gamification actually works.Whether your membership feels “serious” or already has a streak of fun, you’ll discover strategies to motivate and delight your community.In this episode:What exactly is gamification, and how is it different from simply adding points, badges, or competitions?Why does gamification motivate people, and how do you accommodate different personality types within your membership when designing gamified experiences?How can you apply gamification techniques to onboarding, engagement, and retention—but avoid the common pitfalls and keep things ethical and inclusive?Is gamification suitable for every type of membership, including so-called “boring” or highly professional fields, and how can you experiment safely without overwhelming your members?Key Quotes & Takeaways:"It's everywhere. So we've all played games, we've played conkers, cricket, tiddlywinks, you know, board games, video games, any kind of game you can imagine. And within those games are tools and techniques that are used to encourage you to keep playing, even when you're bored or you're frustrated because you want to get to that next level or you want to beat your opponent.""Give people an option to opt out if you're going to run competitive things, if you're going to run challenges, you know, some people run like a five day challenge or a 30 day challenge or whatever in their memberships. If you're going to do that kind of thing, absolutely fine. Give people the option to opt in or opt out so they don't have to take part.""If your membership is doing the same thing it's done for the last five years and you haven't made any changes, then people's minds, even if they want to engage, even if they find the thing really useful, even if it's what they want more than anything, it will naturally disengage because there's other things that are new and challenging and a bigger threat.""How can you incorporate the senses to change the way that people interact with your membership, which obviously with online memberships sometimes that can be difficult, but you can add in little things here and there to change people's association with stuff."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 rating for the show. They're extremely helpful when it comes to reaching our audience and we read each and every one personally!Finally, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to make sure that you never miss an episode.

In this special anniversary episode, I take a deep dive into what the future might hold for the membership industry over the next decade.Drawing from my experience and industry insights, I explore how foundational principles will persist even as we face seismic changes driven by technology, consumer expectations, and a rapidly evolving online landscape.I address the challenges and opportunities that come with AI, the need for community-centric memberships, and how to futureproof your business in the face of increased competition and commoditization of content.If you want to stay ahead in the membership world, this episode is packed with the big-picture thinking you'll need.In this episode:What key industry shifts are redefining the membership landscape as we look ahead to the next ten years?How will artificial intelligence impact the creation, delivery, and perceived value of membership content?What are the foundational principles that will remain essential for long-term membership success?Why is building community, personal connections, and trust more critical than ever for thriving memberships in the future?Key Quotes & Takeaways:"Knowledge and content can no longer be your selling point. You should not be aiming to be the Netflix of your industry. If you're trying to be the Netflix of yoga, the Netflix of marketing, the Netflix of drumming, you, your business will die within the next decade because content is becoming so, so over commoditized, it's becoming so accessible and there is so much slop, there is so much to wade through and your audience isn't always going to know the difference in quality and it's not always going to be able to care.""If you can find ways to shorten the path between problem and solution, to remove friction and deliver real tangible results, you're going to be more likely to succeed over the next decade.""Whereas I think quite often we've always jealously guarded our audience, like we don't want our audience to hear from anyone else who has too much expertise or might, might take their dollars away from us or anything like that. I think people are really, really going to tap into the power of collaboration even more than they ever have."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 rating for the show. They're extremely helpful when it comes to reaching our audience and we read each and every one personally!Finally, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to make sure that you never miss an episode.

In this special 10th anniversary episode, I take you behind the scenes for a candid look back at the past year in Membership Academy.I reflect on our biggest wins, tough decisions, reasons for change, and the evolution of our offerings as we hit a major milestone—ten years of helping membership site owners grow and thrive.Plus, I dive into the launch of some exciting new features, share the realities of juggling conferences with running an Academy, and reveal what’s coming next. This is a raw, honest year-in-review that pulls back the curtain on both our successes and the obstacles we’ve overcome.In this episode:What were the major highlights, challenges, and changes within Membership Academy over the past year?Why did I decide to make the Membership Roadmap course completely free, and what does this mean for the future of the Academy?How did we bring back popular features like live masterclasses and member-only podcasts, and what impact have they had on our community?What’s on the horizon for Membership Academy and the wider membership community in the next decade?Key Quotes & Takeaways:"A lot of people when they say that they're going to do this, what they really mean is they're going to show off how fantastically well they're doing and then sell you the secret formula to emulating their success. But that's not really what I'm about. I'm more about showing you the realities, ugly sides and all.""The challenge of somebody who is five years in is different from someone who's five months in. The scope of what membership owners need support with and need help with once they've launched is much broader and much wider.""We didn't just want to release the version of the Roadmap that we had, we've re recorded the entire thing for 2025. So it's, it's all fresh, it's all bang up to date with the latest strategies. It incorporates, you know, the various advantages and challenges that AI is brought into the mix. And so it's the most up to date, cutting edge, practical, tactical, useful and all the other superlatives. The complete course for launching a new membership. And it's completely free."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 rating for the show. They're extremely helpful when it comes to reaching our audience and we read each and every one personally!Finally, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to make sure that you never miss an episode.

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 today?Key Quotes & Takeaways:"We've just announced that our membership roadmap course, this is our signature course that has been the backbone of Membership Academy...we're giving this to the world completely free. No catch, no fancy funnel, no little marketing gimmicks or tricks.""I'm sick of not seeing memberships launch the way they should launch. Because people have been swept up in seductive marketing campaigns by affiliates who are making a fortune off the back of commission. And they've done these courses that have taught them the wrong way, that have rushed them into starting a membership without validating, without doing it the right way, and they blow their shot.""Our competitors were selling $2,000 courses and they were making a whole big thing once a year, doing this big launch of this 2002 and a half thousand dollar course to get you in. And we just knew that it wasn't delivering results because people will come to us a month or two later having done this course and spent all this money and they come to us for help because they hadn't gotten anywhere."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 rating for the show. They're extremely helpful when it comes to reaching our audience and we read each and every one personally!Finally, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to make sure that you never miss an episode.

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 & Takeaways:"If you are looking for a magic bullet, the magic bullet is not marketing strategies. It's not an ad strategy, it's not wording in a social media caption, it's not a funnel, it's not closing your doors and opening it. There is no magic bullet in marketing, but the magic bullets for membership and for all business is feedback and data.""Not hearing from people, not seeing people in your community, doesn't mean they're not happy, doesn't mean they're not active. And even, even if they're not lurkers like I am, some people will be part of your membership and be happy paying just because they like to know that it is there when they need it.""People are there for transformation, not information. And if they can accomplish something significant in just five minutes of logging into your membership site and never log in again the rest of that year, but that five minutes moves the needle for them in a way that is seriously groundbreaking, then they're going to be happy."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 rating for the show. They're extremely helpful when it comes to reaching our audience and we read each and every one personally!Finally, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to make sure that you never miss an episode.

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 my first team member go and navigating the unexpected departure of a cofounder—and how did these affect my business moving forward?Key Quotes & Takeaways:"If you've been listening to us for a while, you'll know that I never shy away from the uglier side of the membership world of business, and I always give it to you straight.""We couldn't compete with the black book, the huge financial backing, and the fact that they could incentivize others to portray them as this ever knowing, all knowing guru, and fast track them to their place in the industry by paying them a thousand dollars for every customer that they referred.""A lot of people kind of revealed what their true motivation was. And I've got to be honest, that that made me a lot more cynical about the online business world and the kind of people who were influential within it""You can never go wrong just refocusing on your people. Right? Refocusing on your members. Why you're doing it for them? What they need from you? How you can best serve them?"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 rating for the show. They're extremely helpful when it comes to reaching our audience and we read each and every one personally!Finally, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to make sure that you never miss an episode.

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 impacted retention, member engagement, and the direction of the magazine?How are marketing strategies for Freelancer Magazine adapted to suit both the traditional print side and the dynamic online membership community?Key Quotes & Takeaways:"Virtual just seemed to make more sense. It's really accessible to people. We started doing some virtual co-working and it just took off - it's really popular. We probably get between 15 and 30 people every morning, and when volunteer hosts started running the sessions, it began running itself. Some people join the membership just for that community, while the magazine becomes a nice add-on.""We actually don't have a Facebook group or a circle group - and that's intentional because other communities do that well. The magazine has become the hero product, but it's all about getting the community connected in different ways""Because we're relatively small, with about a thousand paid subscribers and 5,000 in the newsletter community, I can personally reach out and offer solutions - like a complimentary digital copy if someone's struggling financially. That kind of one-to-one feedback is really, really nice, and chasing specific churn percentages isn't of interest to me right now."Related LinksFreelancer MagazineConnect with Sophie Cross on LinkedInThank 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 rating for the show. They're extremely helpful when it comes to reaching our audience and we read each and every one personally!Finally, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to make sure that you never miss an episode.

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 serving, what the purpose of your membership is, then that passion that's going to elevate your membership comes from knowing your purpose, knowing what you're here to do.""But you do need to care about your members as human beings, not just numbers on a spreadsheet and money in your bank account.""Your membership lives or dies by your ability to teach, explain, engage, and connect, whether that is through, courses, video tutorials, live q and a's, email newsletters, forum posts inside your community, workshops, challenges, whatever format you're using, your success hinges on how well you can take your expertise, your knowledge and deliver it to someone else in a way that sticks."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 rating for the show. They're extremely helpful when it comes to reaching our audience and we read each and every one personally!Finally, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to make sure that you never miss an episode.

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 supported during the transition?What lessons has Michael learned from running multiple memberships, and how is he approaching the new landscape in the world of online communities and AI?Key Quotes & Takeaways:"that idea of pivoting, even just a small amount can be daunting. But some of the lessons and some of the things that you've done in terms of maintaining that long term vision, looking for those overlaps and not rushing it, not just cutting everything off and considering it as an entirely new business.""I'm militant about saying no to anything that's not in alignment to my mission because I can't do it all. And those who do it all end up failing.""We at Social Media Examiner believe very strongly to do fewer things well is better than doing lots of things poorly."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 rating for the show. They're extremely helpful when it comes to reaching our audience and we read each and every one personally!Finally, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to make sure that you never miss an episode.

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 deadline or some daft countdown timer. It should come from your product. The urgency should come from having a compelling product that people just have to have. From the fact that what you offer helps people solve a real problem.""But if your entire sales strategy hinges on act now or else, then you're not giving people time to actually evaluate, trust, and commit.""Quite often, marketing tactics that apply pressure, that manipulate your potential members with false scarcity or leaning too heavily on scarcity quite often will convert very well in the short term. You will see a big influx of members during your limited open period if you have a closed door membership."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 rating for the show. They're extremely helpful when it comes to reaching our audience and we read each and every one personally!Finally, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to make sure that you never miss an episode.

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 rates, especially when your offering has fundamentally changed?What are the practical options and communication strategies for transitioning legacy members to new pricing, and how can you do this while maintaining trust and goodwill?Key Quotes & Takeaways:"The fact that I would lose out on that legacy pricing, the fact that if I left and then came back in the future would mean I'd be paying a lot more. That can be enough of an incentive for me to not cancel, for me to leave my membership active for a month or two, even if I'm real busy, in order to hold on to that really advantageous, really attractive legacy pricing.""So instead of going from $20 a month to $80 a month, you maybe go $20 to $50 a month, and they're locked in at that rate. So you acknowledge their loyalty by giving them still a significant discount, but you also acknowledge the fact that the product has changed, and you're taking care of them essentially by saying, you know, what you're paying for now, this is a total different product.""You can take the original offer as a basic tier whereby what people get at that level more closely resembles what was originally offered at the time those members signed up."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 rating for the show. They're extremely helpful when it comes to reaching our audience and we read each and every one personally!Finally, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to make sure that you never miss an episode.

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 evaluating tech options for your membership?Key Quotes & Takeaways:"Anyone who offers you advice on plug ins or software, but doesn't ask what your membership actually is, what you're offering, how you wanna run it, what features you need, They're just giving you generic advice with zero basis, and generic advice is dangerous for your member""If you're not technically inclined, don't pick the most complex plug in just because someone says it's the most powerful, it's the most flexible, you can do everything with it.""good tools will not make a bad membership work, but the wrong tools can definitely get in your way."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 rating for the show. They're extremely helpful when it comes to reaching our audience and we read each and every one personally!Finally, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to make sure that you never miss an episode.

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, honest advice that will set you up for membership success!Key Quotes & Takeaways:"a list of 300 highly engaged, relevant, interested people beats a list of 3,000 who don't even remember who you are when you pop up in their inbox and they have no idea why they're on your list in the first place.""You can only create a solution in the form of a membership if you understand the problems that membership will solve.""Focus more on email subscribers than the vanity metrics of social media. Don't just play the numbers game. Make sure you're attracting the right kind of people and ignore all that nonsense gimmicky advice..."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 rating for the show. They're extremely helpful when it comes to reaching our audience and we read each and every one personally!Finally, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to make sure that you never miss an episode.

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 future-proof your membership business for the next five to ten years in a world where subscription fatigue and global changes are a reality?Key Quotes & Takeaways:"a lot of people who launched memberships, maybe especially in that go go period from, let's call it, 2019 to 2022, suddenly got a rude awakening and realized, you know, I actually have to engage people once I bring them in. I have to have an offering, that justifies a forever transaction more scientific in the way that I run my business.""This is a time to take a step back, and say, what are we doing right? What are we doing wrong? What would we and this is, I think, the money question. What would we be doing differently if we were starting today?""And they say our existing members love us, but we're having trouble acquiring new members. And that is a signal that your offering is no longer competitive, no longer relevant. That should be a huge wake up call to you.""I think organizations that can continue to focus on aligning the member outcome, desired outcome with the way they package their value are the ones that are gonna do well."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 rating for the show. They're extremely helpful when it comes to reaching our audience and we read each and every one personally!Finally, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to make sure that you never miss an episode.