Membership Geeks Podcast with Mike Morrison

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...

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...

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...

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 plugi...

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 tha...

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...

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 f...

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 effecti...

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 dissatisfac...

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 di...

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...

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, ethi...

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...

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...