Membership Geeks Podcast with Mike Morrison

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 ex...

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...

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 s...

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,...

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 tha...

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 compl...

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 succ...

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...

Just like that, another year is over... And what a year 2024 has been! It has certainly been a big year for the Membership Geeks! We hope it’s been a successful and productive year for you and your membership.  With only a few days left of 2020 , it’s time for our traditional end of year recap show. Listen for our top 10 most popular episodes of the Membership Geeks podcast in 2024.  Tha...

In this episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I delve into the crucial issue of what to do when members are leaving your membership site because they say they can't afford to stay subscribed. I explore practical strategies you can implement to address both actual financial challenges and the perception of value that might be causing cancellations. I'll also discuss how to gather valuable data f...

In this episode of the Membership Geeks podcast, I discuss why an exceptional new member onboarding process is crucial for the success and longevity of your membership business. I delve into how effective onboarding can significantly improve member retention, set the right tone from day one, and help new members feel welcomed and valued. I also share practical steps and strategies to create a warm...

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 co...

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 i...

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...

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...

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...

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 import...

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 brought back to the Academy, and what else in being...

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...

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 o...

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 th...

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 a...

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 communi...

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...