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 strate…

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…

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 …

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 …

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…

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 pos…

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 caused What content and features we've b…

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…

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 off…

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 busin…

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 episo…

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 …

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 …

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 communi…

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 t…

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 busine…

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 memb…

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 episod…

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 remai…

In this episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I discuss the 4 essential last-minute checks EVERYONE needs to do before launching a new membership website. These checks are crucial to ensure a smooth and successful launch without any unforeseen hiccups - so skip this episode at your peril! In this episode: - How can you prepare your website host …

In this episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I delve into the challenge of member retention in an increasingly busy world. Listen in to learn practical tips for membership business owners to address the common reason for members leaving due to lack of time to utilize their membership effectively. I'm sharing my top strategies to streamline cont…

When people think about launching a membership, they think about the day that they finally open their doors for the very first time and welcome their first crop of new members. It's a big deal! However that grand opening isn't the only opportunity you have to launch... There are different launch types for each stage of your business, depending on h…

The new year is upon us and for most membership owners this is likely to be a time where you are looking ahead to what you want to achieve with your business this year. And I’m willing to bet good money that growing and improving your membership is one of your aims. Or at least it should be! So with that in mind we're kicking off 2024 by taking a l…

And just like that, another year is almost over! How was your 2023? After missing last year due to the podcast being on hiatus, we're reviving our festive tradition of wrapping the year up by taking a look back at some of the fantastic episodes of the Membership Geeks Podcast, counting down the top 10 most downloaded episodes of 2022-2023. Thanks t…