Membership Geeks Podcast with Mike Morrison

In this episode of Membership Geeks Podcast, I dive into the exciting news of our upcoming live conference, Retain Live 2025! I share the backstory of our first event in 2019, why we decided not to continue with annual events, and how we navigated the challenges posed by the global pandemic. Join me as I talk about the renewed enthusiasm and strategic decisions behind running another membership conference and what attendees can look forward to.Main Questions Addressed:Why did we decide to bring back Retain Live after a six-year hiatus?What were the key factors that influenced the decision to not hold annual events?How did the global pandemic impact our initial plans for future conferences?What can attendees expect from Retain Live 2025 in terms of content, speakers, and networking opportunities?Find out more about Retain Live 2025 at www.retainlive.com

In this episode, I dive into the vault to bring back some timeless wisdom on validating your membership idea before launching. Validation is crucial to ensure that your membership has strong foundations and stands the test of time.I share valuable insights on researching, understanding the problem you aim to solve, and making sure there's a paying audience ready for your solutions. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the planning stages of starting a membership site.In this episode:- What steps should I take to ensure that the problem my membership addresses actually exists?- How can I determine if my target audience has a recurring need or a lengthy journey that can be supported by a membership model?- In what ways can I validate that the audience I am targeting is willing to pay for my solution?- How do I evaluate my own long-term commitment and interest in running a membership site?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 "From The Vault" episode, I delve into advanced membership pricing tactics that can significantly influence consumer decisions and enhance membership sales. We explore concepts such as price anchoring, decoy products, and comparative pricing, providing practical examples from successful companies. Additionally, we discuss the psychological impact of pricing strategies and the importance of limiting options to avoid overwhelming potential customers. Join me as we unravel these powerful techniques to fine-tune your membership pricing strategy.In this episode:- How can price anchoring be implemented to make a membership option more appealing compared to other choices?- What are decoy products, and how can they be used to reframe buying decisions in favor of a preferred option?- Why is it essential to limit the number of membership options to avoid decision fatigue, and how can this be managed effectively?- How do psychological factors like the leading number in a price and the influence of prices ending in 9 or 7 affect consumer perception and decision-making?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 archives to revisit one of our most talked-about topics from 2017: the closed door membership model. While it's a tactic that’s gained traction over the years, I share five reasons why I generally dislike this approach for memberships. You'll hear me discuss the potential downsides, such as community stagnation and attracting the wrong type of members, and provide insights that remain highly relevant today.In this episode:- Why do I believe the closed door membership model often results in higher costs and lower long-term member retention?- How can a closed door strategy negatively impact the dynamics and engagement within your membership community?- Why might relying on this model indicate lazy marketing and potentially attract less motivated members?- What are the circumstances where a closed door membership model might actually make sense and benefit both the member and the 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.

Do you know what the average churn rate is for a typical online membership?How about revenue benchmarks?Average conversion rates?What about the most popular tech solutions? Or the most effective marketing channels?Truth is, there's very little reliable data available about the online membership industry.That's because this market is relatively tiny.It's a niche, of a niche, of a niche.What data we do have tends to come from either the broader subscription industry, or from membership associations.Neither of which reflect the online membership world.Years ago we made it our on a mission to change that by conducting a survey of thousands of membership owners designed to shine a light on the real data and benchmarks for the online membership industry.And now it's time for an update...We’ve spent the past fews months tapping into our audience of tens of thousands of membership business owners to identify how they’re performing, what challenges they’re facing and which benchmarks and trends are prevalent.And we've compiled those results into the Online Membership Industry Report 2024In today's episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I'm sharing some of my top observations, takeaways, trends and other interesting tidbits and insights taken from this year's report.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 delve into the often frustrating topic of handling member refunds. Listen in as I explore the importance of a fair and generous refund policy, the concept of risk reversal, and why it can be beneficial despite the occasional setbacks. I also share insights on managing the emotional side of facing refunds and how to maintain a positive outlook.In this episode:- Why is it important to have a fair and generous refund policy for your membership?- What is risk reversal, and how does it help in reducing customer reluctance?- How can you mentally cope with the frustration and disappointment of handling refund requests?- What are some practical steps for managing refunds effectively, including delegating them to a team member?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.

Membership Academy just turned 9 years old!Listen in as I discuss the in's and out's of the past 12 months at Membership Academy and look ahead to what’s in store for the coming months and beyond.In this episode:How we dealt with the single biggest change in the history of the business and the upheaval it causedWhat content and features we've brought back to the Academy, and what else in being plannedHow I've overcome my resistance to coaching, and the approach that's finally workingThe huge announcement for 2025 that has me VERY excited!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 milestone 400th episode of Membership Geeks, I reflect on the valuable lessons learned over nearly a decade of podcasting. From the early days of educating a fresh market about memberships to the overcomplicated strategy that led to putting the show on hiatus, I delve into the ups and downs of hosting a long-running podcast for over 9 years. I share insights on staying true to your podcast's core purpose, repurposing content effectively, and the ongoing evolution that keeps the show fresh and engaging.In this episode:How has the Membership Geeks podcast evolved since its inception in 2015?What are the challenges and benefits of repurposing podcast content?Why is it important to stay committed to the core purpose of your podcast?How can podcasters avoid burnout and maintain sustainable podcasting practices?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 delve into three simple yet effective perks that you can offer within your membership site to enhance value and attract more members. These often-overlooked perks can set your membership apart and make it more appealing. Whether you're just starting or looking to revamp your existing membership offering, these tips will help you add extra layers of value and stand out in a competitive market.In this episode:- How can offering early access to products and events outside of your membership be a beneficial perk?- In what ways can preferential pricing for other products and services enhance the value of your membership?- How can negotiating discounted offers with external suppliers add value for your members?- What strategies can you use to leverage affiliate programs to secure discounts for your membership site members?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 strategies for maintaining your sanity while managing customer service in a membership business. I explore why customer service can sometimes be a challenge, how to handle difficult members, and the importance of keeping perspective. I'll also share some tips on keeping sight of the positives in your business, even when you're not feeling motivated.In this episode:- How can I handle hostile or difficult customer service inquiries without becoming demoralized?- Is the customer always right, and how should I handle unreasonable demands?- When is it okay to let go of a problematic member rather than trying to appease them?- How can I keep my perspective and mental health in check when dealing with frequent customer service issues?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 discuss actionable strategies to help you get your membership up and running when things aren't going as planned. Whether you’re experiencing low initial sign-ups or struggling to maintain momentum post-launch, I'll share four essential steps to diagnose and overcome these challenges. In this episode:How can you effectively grow and engage your audience to boost membership numbers?What are some strategies to incentivize existing members to help promote your membership?How important is market research and validation in the early stages of developing a membership, and what steps might you have missed?Why and how should you remain open to pivoting your membership's strategy in response to feedback and initial results?

In this special episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I share a huge update on what's been happening within the company this year regarding Callie Willows - the co-founder of the business - having to make the decision to step away.Listen in for more on what this means, and for a farewell message to the community from Callie herself.

In this episode of the Membership Geeks podcast, I discuss the dos and don'ts of launching a brand new membership website. Join me as I share practical tips and advice to ensure that your membership launch is successful and sets the stage for long-term growth and engagement.In this episode:- How can I build anticipation for my membership website launch?- What are the key elements of clearly communicating the value of my membership?- Why is testing crucial for a successful membership website launch?- What are the common pitfalls to avoid when launching a membership webThank 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 today's episode of the Membership Geeks podcast, I delve into the topic of tailoring your membership experience to cater to multiple segments within the member base. Join me for insights and strategies on identifying key segments and incorporating them into your content strategy, as well as ways of using new member questionnaires and leveraging tags to tailor member experiences.In this episode:- Why should your membership business cater to different segments within the member base?- What are the three approaches recommended for segmenting your members?- How should segments be incorporated into the content strategy for an online membership?- How can you leverage new member questionnaires and utilize tags to create tailored member experiences?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 delve into key strategies and techniques for attracting committed members to your membership site. I discuss key challenges, the importance of member commitment, and share six practical techniques for fostering long-term, engaged membership. Join me as we explore how to cultivate a thriving community of dedicated members for your membership site.In this episode:- How can I overcome the challenges of attracting committed members to my membership site?- What are the key reasons for wanting more committed members, and how can I address them?- What specific techniques can I implement to attract and retain committed members to my membership site?- How can content marketing and pre-filtering be used to ensure that potential new members are committed and aligned with the values of the membership 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 discuss the importance of setting realistic expectations when aiming for growth in membership businesses. Learn why ambitious membership owners need to ground big goals in practical reality and logistics, and how to avoid banking on "moonshot" opportunities. I also share valuable insights on the philosophy of marginal gains and the impact of achieving ambitious goals on a business trajectory.In this episode:- How can membership businesses ensure their growth goals are grounded in practical reality and logistics?- What are the potential pitfalls of focusing solely on ambitious, game-changing opportunities for growth?- How does a measured, steady approach to growing memberships contribute to sustained success?- What are the key considerations in setting realistic expectations for growth in online memberships?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 discuss whether membership businesses should prevent canceled members from ever rejoining. While not commonplace, it's a practice that does exist! But is it worth considering?I delve into the reasons behind this concept and how it can be detrimental to the growth and success of a membership business.In this episode:- Why would a membership businesses prevent canceled members from rejoining?- What are the main drawbacks of preventing canceled members from rejoining your membership?- How do cancellations fit into the member lifecycle and why do most membership owners view them the wrong way?- What is the importance of member lifetime value and how does it relate to the handling of canceled members?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 discuss the challenges faced by membership owners as their business grows and the day-to-day operations become more complex. Join me as I provide practical tips on how to intentionally become less hands-on in a membership business without compromising the quality and value of the member experience.In this episode:- How can membership owners become less hands-on in the day-to-day operations as their business grows?- What are the key steps in growing a reliable team and delegating key tasks to empower the team?- In what ways can processes be streamlined and automated to make operations more efficient?- How can membership owners create self-serve resources for their members to foster a culture of self-sufficiency within the community?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 discuss the common mistakes made with the closed door membership model, and why it may not be the one-size-fits-all solution it's often made out to be.From neglecting existing members to the dangers of overhyping, we explore the potential pitfalls of this fringe membership strategy.In this episode:- Why is focusing solely on launch promotions a mistake when using the closed door membership model?- What are the common mistakes and misconceptions around implementing a closed door membership model?- Key differences between closed-door and open-door membership models, and how might they impact member retention and community energy- What are the drawbacks and dangers of employing scarcity in marketing, especially within a closed door membership model?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 discuss 5 ways membership owners can stay ahead of the competition and keep their membership business at the forefront of their industry. From soliciting member feedback to tapping into the wealth of opportunity in their own community, I explore practical tips to ensure that membership owners remain relevant and responsive to their audience's needs.In this episode:- How can membership owners actively solicit and utilize member feedback to stay ahead of the competition?- What are the benefits of being active in one's own community as a membership owner?- How can membership owners keep their expertise sharp by remaining practitioners in their field?- Why is it important for membership owners to look outside their industry and join other memberships?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.