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.

• 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..."

We 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.

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.

• 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."

We 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.

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.

• 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?

We 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.

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.

• 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?

We 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.

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.

• 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?

We 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.

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.

• 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?

We 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.

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.

• 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?

We 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.

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.

• 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?

We 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.

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.

• 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?

We 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.

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.

• 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?

We 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.