The Next Decade of Memberships: Where The Industry Is Headed

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 […]

How To Cater to Multiple Segments in Your Membership

Your member experience plays a central role in your membership success.

When your members are happy, engaged, and keep coming back, they’re more likely to stick around for the long term. And that’s a win-win for both of you!

One way to take your member experience to the next level is through segmentation.

Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Membership Academy

In this special 10th anniversary episode, I take you behind the scenes for a raw and honest look at the past year inside Membership Academy. […]

Ten Years of Membership Insights: Lessons Learned from a Decade in the Academy

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 […]

Making Our Membership Roadmap Free: Have I Totally Lost the Plot?

In this episode, I share a bold decision we’ve just made: we’re giving away our signature Membership Roadmap course—for free, to everyone. I explain the […]

The Brutal Truth: 5 Hardest Things I’ve Had To Do As a Membership Owner

In this special episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I open up about the toughest moments, biggest challenges, and real struggles I’ve faced over a decade of running a membership business.

As we kick off a month of anniversary-focused content, I dive deep into pivotal decisions, unexpected setbacks, and the realities that most membership owners rarely talk about publicly. In fact, these are the kinds of behind-the-scenes struggles that don’t often get shared, but are crucial to understand.

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 membership struggles arise and things get tough.

Building a Hybrid Membership Model: Lessons from Freelancer Magazine

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.

9 Non-Negotiable Traits of Thriving Membership Owners

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.

Why Is Mike Stelzner Closing His Successful Membership?

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.

Everything You Know About Scarcity Marketing is Wrong

In this episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I dive into the controversial tactic 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!

The Hidden Costs of Legacy Pricing (And What to Do About It)

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.

These Membership Plugin Recommendations Could Cost You Big Time!

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.

How Big Does Your Audience Need To Be Before You Launch Your Membership?

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…

Surviving and Thriving in the Modern Membership Economy with Robbie Kellman Baxter

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 on memberships, and what the future holds for the industry.

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.

Do Online Memberships REALLY Give Passive Income?

Passive income… two simple but loaded words that have become associated with the world of online memberships.

It’s difficult to have a conversation these days on the subject without someone bringing it up…

And that’s because a lot of people think that starting a membership is a guaranteed way to make passive income…

You just set it all up once, sit back and watch the money roll in, right?

Erm, no not quite… 

You’ll rarely see us talking about memberships and passive income in the same sentence…

And there’s a good reason for that!

There are a lot of so-called internet marketing gurus that point you in the direction of the membership model and promise that you can make money while you sleep…

The truth is, it’s just not that simple…

And if you’re reading this post looking for me to do the same, then I’ve got some bad news for you….

A membership is never going to bring you 100% passive income.

But does that mean you can’t make any passive income from your membership?

Are You Using Risk Reversal To Increase Membership Sales?

Every buying decision is a risk. You could get ripped off. What you’re buying mightn’t be as described or live up to the hype. You may be over-charged, or billed more regularly than you expect.

So, for your potential members, you need to find a strategy to alleviate that risk.