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58: Course or Membership? How to Know Which Model Is Right for You
One of the most common questions I get from digital entrepreneurs is this:
Should I launch a membership or a course first?
In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of my founding member launch for IGNITE and explain why it worked… and why I do not believe memberships should be your first move in most cases.
When I launched my membership, I did not open it to my full list. I invited 150 past clients and customers, people who had already experienced my cohort-style courses and live coaching. By the end of the month, 47 joined as founding members.
But the success was not about the sales page.
It was about three years of relationship building.
If you are a course creator, coach, or digital entrepreneur trying to decide between launching a cohort-style course or building a membership, this episode will help you think strategically about your next best step.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
• Why my founding member launch converted at 31 percent
• The power of relational equity before launching a membership
• Why cohort-style courses are often easier to sell
• The math behind $997 programs versus $47 per month memberships
• What churn and retention really mean for recurring revenue
• The foundational questions to ask before choosing your model
This conversation is especially for:
• Course creators launching their first or second offer
• Coaches considering adding a membership
• Digital entrepreneurs who want sustainable, predictable revenue
• Anyone feeling pressure to “start a membership” too soon
If your income feels inconsistent, or you are trying to decide which model makes sense for your stage of business, this episode will bring clarity.
Key Takeaway
Memberships are powerful when they are built on a strong foundation of trust and live connection.
But for many entrepreneurs, launching a cohort-style course first creates:
• Higher revenue faster
• Stronger testimonials
• Clearer messaging
• Deeper relationships
Relationships first. Membership second.
Submit your question for our From Purpose to Impact podcast series and be entered into a special listener giveaway.
Share what's holding you back from launching your business, offer, or next idea. Selected questions will be answered on the podcast, and all submissions are entered for a chance to receive access to programs designed to support your journey.
Submit your question at youronlinebusinessmentor.com
Access resources and programs at https://launchwithlydia.com
Looking for a platform to run your online business? Get a 30-Day Free Trial + training & support at https://launchwithlydia.com/kajabi
Connect with me:
https://instagram.com/lydiamartinbiz
https://youtube.com/@lydiamartinbiz
https://launchwithlydia.substack.com
View all episodes
By Lydia Martin | Online Business MentorOne of the most common questions I get from digital entrepreneurs is this:
Should I launch a membership or a course first?
In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of my founding member launch for IGNITE and explain why it worked… and why I do not believe memberships should be your first move in most cases.
When I launched my membership, I did not open it to my full list. I invited 150 past clients and customers, people who had already experienced my cohort-style courses and live coaching. By the end of the month, 47 joined as founding members.
But the success was not about the sales page.
It was about three years of relationship building.
If you are a course creator, coach, or digital entrepreneur trying to decide between launching a cohort-style course or building a membership, this episode will help you think strategically about your next best step.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
• Why my founding member launch converted at 31 percent
• The power of relational equity before launching a membership
• Why cohort-style courses are often easier to sell
• The math behind $997 programs versus $47 per month memberships
• What churn and retention really mean for recurring revenue
• The foundational questions to ask before choosing your model
This conversation is especially for:
• Course creators launching their first or second offer
• Coaches considering adding a membership
• Digital entrepreneurs who want sustainable, predictable revenue
• Anyone feeling pressure to “start a membership” too soon
If your income feels inconsistent, or you are trying to decide which model makes sense for your stage of business, this episode will bring clarity.
Key Takeaway
Memberships are powerful when they are built on a strong foundation of trust and live connection.
But for many entrepreneurs, launching a cohort-style course first creates:
• Higher revenue faster
• Stronger testimonials
• Clearer messaging
• Deeper relationships
Relationships first. Membership second.
Submit your question for our From Purpose to Impact podcast series and be entered into a special listener giveaway.
Share what's holding you back from launching your business, offer, or next idea. Selected questions will be answered on the podcast, and all submissions are entered for a chance to receive access to programs designed to support your journey.
Submit your question at youronlinebusinessmentor.com
Access resources and programs at https://launchwithlydia.com
Looking for a platform to run your online business? Get a 30-Day Free Trial + training & support at https://launchwithlydia.com/kajabi
Connect with me:
https://instagram.com/lydiamartinbiz
https://youtube.com/@lydiamartinbiz
https://launchwithlydia.substack.com