Episódios
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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In this episode, I dive into the world of ManyChat and Instagram automation with Mel Eilers, also known as the "ManyChat Queen".
We explore how you can leverage ManyChat to streamline lead generation on Instagram, shorten customer journeys, and keep your audience engaged—all while freeing up more of your time.
From practical strategies for capturing email leads to creative ways to use automation for member engagement and retention, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for membership owners at every level.
Whether you’re new to automation or looking for advanced tips, you’ll leave with a notebook full of ideas to test in your own membership business.
In this episode:What exactly is ManyChat for Instagram, and how does it differ from typical email lead generation or DM strategies?How can membership owners use ManyChat to grow their email lists, waitlists, or even run engaging quizzes and registrations directly on Instagram?In what ways can ManyChat be used beyond acquisition—such as supporting member onboarding, retention, and ongoing engagement via channels like WhatsApp and SMS?What are the common pitfalls to avoid when getting started with ManyChat automations, and how can you maintain a personal, human touch in a relationship-driven 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.
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In this episode, I dive into the crucial elements that can significantly impact the success of your membership site’s registration process.
It’s not just about building a great membership or crafting an enticing sales page; the moment of truth happens when a potential member decides to join.
I discuss five common mistakes that membership site owners make in their joining process and how to effectively fix them, ensuring a smooth, efficient, and attractive path to membership, ultimately leading to higher conversion rates.
In this episode:How can I simplify my membership sales page to ensure potential members sign up?What pricing practices should I avoid to maintain transparency and honesty with potential members?Why is it important to display my membership pricing clearly on my sales page?How can I reduce friction and unnecessary steps in my membership checkout process to enhance user experience?
Thank You For ListeningWe really appreciate you choosing to listen to us and for supporting the podcast.
We would be 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.
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In this special episode, I revisit a timeless topic from the Membership Geeks archives to explore how you can reignite your passion for your membership.
Memberships are a long-term commitment, and it's not uncommon to find yourself feeling disconnected or burnt out. I share insights and strategies on how to fall back in love with your membership by understanding the root causes of your dissatisfaction and implementing practical steps to rekindle your enthusiasm.
Whether you have specific issues or a general loss of passion, this episode offers actionable advice to help you reconnect with your purpose and ensure your membership journey remains fulfilling and rewarding.
In this episode:How can I identify the root cause of my declining enthusiasm for my membership?What strategies can I use to change up my routine and reengage with my membership topic?How can I reconnect with my membership community to regain my passion for being a membership owner?What are some practical ways to reaffirm my "why" and maintain long-term enthusiasm for my 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.
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In this episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I dive into a challenge many membership owners face: figuring out what to do when your membership isn't working as expected and you feel the need to pivot.
I discuss how to determine if a pivot is truly necessary or if you're simply panicking and provide practical steps to assess and address the underlying issues in your membership.
We'll explore different pivoting strategies and how to communicate changes effectively to your audience.
In this episode:How can I determine if a pivot is necessary or if I am just panicking about my membership's performance?What are the main issues that might be affecting the growth or engagement of my membership, and how can I assess them?What types of pivots should I consider if I decide that a change in direction is needed for my membership?How should I communicate and implement a pivot to ensure minimal disruption for current members while attracting new ones?
Thank You For ListeningWe really appreciate you choosing to listen to 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.
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In this episode, I dive into the essential steps for validating your membership idea to ensure it leads to long-term success.
We explore the increasingly common misconception that you can simply launch your membership without preparation and share the importance of building a foundation before asking people for money.
I highlight the pitfalls of rushing into a membership launch and offer practical strategies for testing and refining your concept. Join me as we discuss how to approach membership validation methodically so you can set yourself up for sustainable growth.
In this episode:What are the risks of launching a membership without proper validation?Why is building an audience crucial before starting a membership?How can a waitlist be used to effectively gauge interest and demand?What is a minimum viable membership, and why is it important for a successful launch?
Thank You For ListeningWe really appreciate you choosing to listen to us and for supporting the podcast.
We would be eternally grateful if you 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.
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In this episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I dive deep into the contentious topic of whether you should enforce a minimum term for your online membership.
Many membership site owners grapple with locking members into commitments, but is this approach truly beneficial for your business and your members?
I explore the potential pitfalls of enforcing minimum terms, including the financial, ethical, and legal implications, and discuss alternative strategies that focus on providing genuine value rather than forced commitment.
In this episode:Why do some membership owners consider enforcing a minimum term, and what are the typical justifications given?What are the potential challenges and risks associated with enforcing a minimum term for memberships?How might minimum term commitments negatively impact the member experience and perception of your membership business?What are some alternative strategies to improve retention without resorting to locking members into long-term commitments?
Thank You For 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.
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In this episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I dive into the challenges of people pleasing as a membership site owner.
Balancing responsiveness to your community with maintaining the integrity of your membership can be difficult, especially when faced with loud and demanding voices.
I explore why it's impossible to make everyone happy and how trying to do so can undermine your goals. Learn how to make informed decisions that benefit the whole community and back your expertise with confidence.
In this episode:How can you navigate the challenge of not being able to please everyone in your membership?Why is it dangerous to accommodate every request, demand, or complaint from members?How should you handle pricing pressures from members who claim your membership is too expensive?What is the importance of trusting your expertise and making decisions for the benefit of the entire community, rather than catering to individual requests?
Thank You For ListeningWe really appreciate you choosing to listen to us and for 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.
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In this episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I tackle a common question: Does a membership site need its own mobile app?
We dive deep into the reasons why a mobile app might not be necessary for most memberships and explore the cost implications, usage patterns, and potential alternatives. I also discuss scenarios where having an app might actually make sense and share some insights from my extensive experience with membership sites.
In this episode:Is it necessary for my membership site to have a dedicated mobile app?What are the costs and challenges associated with developing a mobile app for my membership site?How do most people use mobile apps, and does it justify the investment for my membership?Are there specific situations where having a mobile app for a membership is truly beneficial?
Thank You For ListeningWe really appreciate you choosing to listen to us and for supporting the podcast.
We would be eternally grateful if you would consider taking a minute or two to leave an honest review and 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.
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In this episode of the Membership Geeks podcast, I reveal a surprising truth: even the largest and most successful membership sites make mistakes.
I dive into some of the most common blunders these membership giants are making, gleaned from our membership insider series, where I explore sites like Masterclass.com, Digital Marketer, and more. Join me as I unpack these mistakes, offering insights on how you can avoid them and improve your own membership experience.
In this episode:What are the common mistakes big membership sites make in their new member onboarding process?How do issues with integrating multiple tech systems impact the overall membership experience?Why is attention to detail crucial, and how can neglecting it affect your membership site?How can a well-designed offboarding process benefit a membership, and what are some examples of neglect in this area?
Thank You For ListeningWe really appreciate you choosing to listen to us and for supporting the podcast.
We would be eternally grateful if you 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.
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In this episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I’m joined by marketing expert Teresa Heath-Wareing to delve into the strategic use of webinars for driving member sales.
We unpack the essential ingredients that make a webinar effective in attracting and converting attendees into paying members.
From boosting registration and show-up rates to the nuances of live versus automated webinars, Teresa shares her wealth of experience and actionable insights.
Whether you're new to using webinars or looking to refine your current approach, this episode is packed with practical tips to elevate your membership marketing efforts.
In this episode:What are the key ingredients that make a webinar effective for attracting and converting attendees to your membership?How can membership owners improve registration and attendance rates for their webinars?What techniques can be used to keep attendees engaged throughout the webinar to ensure they stay for the pitch?Are automated or hybrid webinars a viable strategy, and how can they be executed without compromising authenticity?
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.
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In this episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I discuss how to make key connections within your industry that can significantly benefit your membership business.
Whether you’re looking to bring in guest experts, create joint ventures, or simply expand your network, I share practical tips and strategies for building strong, valuable relationships.
Discover how to leverage your existing network, attend industry events, and even use your own platforms to connect with influential figures.
Main Questions Addressed:
Why making key connections within your industry is essential for benefiting your membership?How can you leverage your existing network to find valuable connections?What are the best practices for meeting and connecting with people at industry events?How can you use platforms, like podcasts, to establish relationships with bigger names in your industry?
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.
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In this episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I chat with Funk Roberts, the founder of the Over 40 Alpha Brotherhood, about the secrets to building a loyal and engaged membership community.
We dive into strategies for fostering engagement, the importance of a transformative journey, and how you can maintain a personal touch even as your community scales.
Funk also shares actionable insights that membership site owners can immediately implement to see results.
In this episode:
What key elements are often missing from membership communities in terms of engagement and building a vibrant community?How can membership owners stay connected with their audience over time, especially as their membership grows in size?What strategies can be applied to non-visual or less activity-driven memberships to foster engagement and community rituals?How do you balance content creation with community building, and what role does a structured transformation journey play in this process?
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.
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In this episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I dive into the newly enacted "Click to Cancel" regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission in the US.
Effective as of January 15, 2025, these regulations mandate that cancelling a subscription must be as easy as signing up.
These new rules directly impact online membership businesses, and I'll be discussing what you need to know to comply and enhance member trust.
In this episode:
What are the specific requirements of the FTC's click to cancel regulation?How should membership site owners adjust their cancellation processes to comply with the new rules?What are the implications of these regulations on the clarity and transparency of membership terms?Why is it important for membership owners, even those outside of the US, to adhere to these best 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.
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In this episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I dive into the essential do’s and don’ts of marketing a membership website.
I share practical tips and advice to help you attract and retain the right members while avoiding common pitfalls.
Whether you're new to marketing or looking to refine your current strategies, this episode is packed with insights to set your membership up for long-term success.
In this episode:
Why is it crucial to play the long game when marketing a membership site?What are the dangers of chasing "magic bean" strategies and how can they be avoided?How important is building an email list compared to relying on social media followings?What role does social proof and risk reversal play in building trust with potential members?
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In this episode, I reflect on how the online membership industry has evolved over the past decade.
From the rise of AI to the decline of gimmicky marketing tactics, we'll explore the trends, challenges, and technological advancements that have shaped the world of online memberships over the past 10 years
Main Questions Addressed:
How have membership marketing gimmicks and "founding member launches" fallen short, and what strategies have taken their place?What impact has subscription fatigue had on the membership industry, and how can providers effectively communicate their value to stand out?How has artificial intelligence influenced content creation and marketing within memberships, and what ethical considerations should be taken into account?In what ways have membership software and hosted platforms evolved, and how do these advancements affect the choices available for developers and business owners?
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