Membership Machine Show | Membership | WordPress | Community | Marketing

Why are creators leaving Skool in 2026? Discover the real reasons behind the mass exodus and which platforms creators are switching to.

In this insightful video, we explore why creators are leaving Skool as 2026 ends. We examine shifting dynamics across content-creation platforms, the impact of policy changes, and emerging alternatives attracting talent. Discover the trends influencing this migration and what it means for the future of digital content. Tune in to understand the landscape and why creators are making this pivotal shift.

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Jetpack - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8

Ninja Forms - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8

WP-Rollover - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8

LifterLMS - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8

---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------

Jonathan Denwood & Kurt von Ahnen

Jonathan Denwood

https://www.wp-tonic.com

https://manananomas.com

---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------

▬▬ LEARN FROM US ▬▬

► Our course is" Are You Looking To Build Your Membership Website Quickly And EASILY On WordPress?"

https://www.wp-tonic.com/course/

▬▬ LET'S CONNECT ▬▬

► Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/wptonic

► Podcast "The Membership Machine Show." | "The WP-Tonic Show" | "The David Quald SEO Show"

https://f0k0.short.gy/9AO3tG

https://f0k0.short.gy/oF9q9f

https://f0k0.short.gy/mLDLvv

► X (Twitter)

https://x.com/wptonic_com

▬▬ SPECIAL DEALS ON THE TOOLS WE USE TO BUILD (ONLINE COURSES) ▬▬

https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8

▬▬ ABOUT THIS CHANNEL ▬▬

We discuss everything related to building a successful membership/community website in 2024, from the right technology to up-to-date digital marketing techniques.

//CONTACT:

For business inquiries ONLY, please use this email: [email protected]

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#1 - Growth Boost | made Skool pay-to-play.

Skool used to give most communities some free reach through discovery and search. Now it takes at least 30% and up to 70% of sales from those channels. That includes people who already found you on YouTube and just searched your name inside Skool. People call this paying twice: once for the platform and again for the traffic.

It only applies to Skool-driven leads: If a user joins your community through your own direct email invite, a social media link, or an external website, Skool only deducts standard processing fees (either the 10% Hobby fee or the 2.9% Pro fee). The 30% to 70% cut strictly applies to members categorized under the "Skool network" traffic source.

#2 - Skool used to give most communities some free reach through discovery and search.

Now it takes at least 30% and up to 70% of sales from those channels. That includes people who already found you on YouTube and just searched your name inside Skool. He calls this paying twice: once for the platform and again for the traffic.

#3 - Only a few communities get boosted. People estimate Boost picks up only about 1–2% of communities.

Those tend to be the ones already earning the most, trending, or converting best. Smaller or look-alike communities get little or nothing.

#4 - The number of communities is falling.

Skool went from close to 200,000 communities to about 156,000, a loss of at least 30,000 in recent months. He calls it a steady decline, and says many owners now see Skool as "just a platform."

#5 - Without its network, Skool is just another platform.

The main draw was the built-in audience, not the features, and other community platforms offer more features. Skool also wants Boost traffic sent to its own Skool web addresses, which he feels means advertising Skool's business instead of yours. He adds that Skool seems to be moving toward hobby and low-price communities.

#6 - Don't build on rented land.

People are making the same mistake with other platforms like Substack and Patreon

#187 - The Membership Machine Show:How To Create a Successful Training Platform for Your Organization in 2026

How To Create a Successful Training Platform for Your Organization in 2026

Learn how to create a successful training platform for your organization in 2026 with proven strategies, tools, and expert tips. Start building today.

In this informative show, we explore the essential steps to build a successful training platform tailored for your organization in 2026. Discover innovative tools, strategies, and best practices to engage employees and strengthen skills development. Whether you're a leader or an HR professional, this guide will equip you to build a learning culture.

---------------------- Sponsors of The Show -------------------

Jetpack - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8

Ninja Forms - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8

WP-Rollover - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8

LifterLMS - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8

---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------

Jonathan Denwood & Kurt von Ahnen

Jonathan Denwood

https://www.wp-tonic.com

https://manananomas.com

---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------

▬▬ LEARN FROM US ▬▬

► Our course is" Are You Looking To Build Your Membership Website Quickly And EASILY On WordPress?"

https://www.wp-tonic.com/course/

▬▬ LET'S CONNECT ▬▬

► Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/wptonic

► Podcast "The Membership Machine Show." | "The WP-Tonic Show" | "The David Quald SEO Show"

https://f0k0.short.gy/9AO3tG

https://f0k0.short.gy/oF9q9f

https://f0k0.short.gy/mLDLvv

► X (Twitter)

https://x.com/wptonic_com

▬▬ SPECIAL DEALS ON THE TOOLS WE USE TO BUILD (ONLINE COURSES) ▬▬

https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8

▬▬ ABOUT THIS CHANNEL ▬▬

We discuss everything related to building a successful membership/community website in 2024, from the right technology to up-to-date digital marketing techniques.

//CONTACT:

For business inquiries ONLY, please use this email: [email protected]

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What It Really Costs to Own a Membership Website

Membership website costs revealed: platform fees, content creation, marketing & more. Get the real numbers before you launch.

Have you ever considered launching a membership website? In this show, we reveal the true costs of owning and maintaining one. From platform fees to content creation and marketing, we break down each expense to give you a clear financial picture. Understanding these costs can save you time and money. Don’t miss out.

---------------------- Sponsors of The Show -------------------

Jetpack - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8

Ninja Forms - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8

WP-Rollover - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8

LifterLMS - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8

---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------

Jonathan Denwood & Kurt von Ahnen

Jonathan Denwood

https://www.wp-tonic.com

https://manananomas.com

---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------

#1 - Hidden Recurring Costs

Hosting renewals, domain fees, SSL certificates, and premium plugin/theme licenses that quietly add up every year.

#2 - The Maintenance Trap

Ongoing costs for updates, backups, security monitoring, and uptime management that most site owners underestimate upfront.

#3 - DIY vs. Hiring Help

Comparing the true cost of building/managing a site yourself versus paying a developer, agency, or retainer service.

#4 - Platform Lock-In Costs

How switching CMS platforms, page builders, or hosts later can cost far more than the original setup.

#5 - The Real Price of "Free"

Why free website builders and plugins often carry hidden costs in ads, limitations, or expensive upgrade paths.

#6 - Downtime and Security Breach Costs

The financial impact of lost traffic, lost trust, and recovery expenses when a site goes down or gets hacked.

---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------

▬▬ LEARN FROM US ▬▬

► Our course is" Are You Looking To Build Your Membership Website Quickly And EASILY On WordPress?"

https://www.wp-tonic.com/course/

▬▬ LET'S CONNECT ▬▬

► Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/wptonic

► Podcast "The Membership Machine Show." | "The WP-Tonic Show" | "The David Quald SEO Show"

https://f0k0.short.gy/9AO3tG

https://f0k0.short.gy/oF9q9f

https://f0k0.short.gy/mLDLvv

► X (Twitter)

https://x.com/wptonic_com

▬▬ SPECIAL DEALS ON THE TOOLS WE USE TO BUILD (ONLINE COURSES) ▬▬

https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8

▬▬ ABOUT THIS CHANNEL ▬▬

We discuss everything related to building a successful membership/community website in 2024, from the right technology to up-to-date digital marketing techniques.

//CONTACT:

For business inquiries ONLY, please use this email: [email protected]

----------------------------- ------------------------------- -----------------------------

What It Really Costs to Own a Membership Website

Membership website costs revealed: platform fees, content creation, marketing & more. Get the real numbers before you launch.

Have you ever considered launching a membership website? In this show, we reveal the true costs of owning and maintaining one. From platform fees to content creation and marketing, we break down each expense to give you a clear financial picture. Understanding these costs can save you time and money. Don’t miss out.

#1 - Hidden Recurring Costs

Hosting renewals, domain fees, SSL certificates, and premium plugin/theme licenses that quietly add up every year.

#2 - The Maintenance Trap

Ongoing costs for updates, backups, security monitoring, and uptime management that most site owners underestimate upfront.

#3 - DIY vs. Hiring Help

Comparing the true cost of building/managing a site yourself versus paying a developer, agency, or retainer service.

#4 - Platform Lock-In Costs

How switching CMS platforms, page builders, or hosts later can cost far more than the original setup.

#5 - The Real Price of "Free"

Why free website builders and plugins often carry hidden costs in ads, limitations, or expensive upgrade paths.

#6 - Downtime and Security Breach Costs

The financial impact of lost traffic, lost trust, and recovery expenses when a site goes down or gets hacked.

https://www.blogmarketingacademy.com/cost-of-owning-a-website/

---------------------- Sponsors of The Show -------------------

Jetpack - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8

Ninja Forms - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8

WP-Rollover - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8

LifterLMS - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8

---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------

Jonathan Denwood & Kurt von Ahnen

Jonathan Denwood

https://www.wp-tonic.com

https://manananomas.com

---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------

▬▬ LEARN FROM US ▬▬

► Our course is" Are You Looking To Build Your Membership Website Quickly And EASILY On WordPress?"

https://www.wp-tonic.com/course/

▬▬ LET'S CONNECT ▬▬

► Facebook Free Group "The Membership Machine Show" Group Page

https://www.facebook.com/groups/membershipmachine

► Podcast "The Membership Machine Show."

https://f0k0.short.gy/oF9q9f

► X (Twitter)

https://x.com/wptonic_com

▬▬ SPECIAL DEALS ON THE TOOLS WE USE TO BUILD (ONLINE COURSES) ▬▬

https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/

▬▬ ABOUT THIS CHANNEL ▬▬

We discuss everything related to building a successful membership/community website in 2024, from the right technology to up-to-date digital marketing techniques.

//CONTACT:

For business inquiries ONLY, please use this email: [email protected]

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How to Add a Community to a WordPress Site

Learn how to add a community to a WordPress site in minutes! Step-by-step guide with plugin recommendations for forums, groups & more

----------------Sponsors------------------

Jetpack - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/

Ninja Forms - https://ninjaforms.com/

WP-Rollover - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/

LifterLMS - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/

---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------

In this show, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to effectively add a thriving community to your WordPress site. You'll learn about the best plugins, key settings, and essential features that foster engagement and interaction. Whether you're starting a forum or a membership site, we’ll give you practical tips to enhance user experience.

#1 - Introduction

#2 - Why WordPress

#3 - Key Things You Need to Know

#4 - Do You Need an App?

#5 - What Are Your Real Options

Fluent Community

https://fluentcommunity.co

BuddyBoss

https://buddyboss.com

PeepSo

https://peepso.com/

LifterLMS + Social Learning add-on

https://lifterlms.com/product/social-learning

#6 - Final Conclusions

---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------

Jonathan Denwood & Kurt von Ahnen

Jonathan Denwood

https://www.wp-tonic.com

https://manananomas.com

▬▬ LEARN FROM US ▬▬

► Our course is" Are You Looking To Build Your Membership Website Quickly And EASILY On WordPress?"

https://www.wp-tonic.com/course/

▬▬ LET'S CONNECT ▬▬

► Facebook Free Group "The Membership Machine Show" Group Page

https://www.facebook.com/groups/membershipmachine

► Podcast "The Membership Machine Show."

https://f0k0.short.gy/oF9q9f

► X (Twitter)

https://x.com/wptonic_com

▬▬ SPECIAL DEALS ON THE TOOLS WE USE TO BUILD (ONLINE COURSES) ▬▬

https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/

▬▬ ABOUT THIS CHANNEL ▬▬

We discuss everything related to building a successful membership/community website in 2024, from the right technology to up-to-date digital marketing techniques.

//CONTACT:

For business inquiries ONLY, please use this email: [email protected]

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Should You Build or Buy LMS Software in a World of AI 2026?

Build or buy LMS software? Compare costs, timelines & features to choose the right path for your training needs. Get expert insights now.

In this informative video, we delve into the crucial decision of whether to build or buy your Learning Management System (LMS) software. Explore the pros and cons of each option, highlighting key factors like cost, customization, and scalability. By the end of the video, you’ll have the insights needed to make an informed choice for your organization.

Here are 6 sharp, discussion-ready questions for that episode:

#1 - The AI cost curve — With AI coding tools making custom builds faster and cheaper than ever, at what point does "build" actually beat "buy" in 2026 — and has that tipping point moved in the last year?

#2 - Vendor lock-in vs. control — If AI features become the main battleground for LMS vendors, are schools and companies risking getting locked into a roadmap they don't control by buying instead of building?

#3 - The maintenance trap — Everyone talks about build cost, but who's actually budgeting for the ongoing cost of keeping an AI-powered custom LMS updated as models and APIs change every few months?

#4 - Buy now, build later? — Is there a hybrid path — buying a core LMS but building custom AI layers on top — that beats an all-or-nothing decision?

#5 - Data as the real asset** — When an AI tutor or grading engine learns from your learners' data, who really owns that intelligence if you're renting it from a SaaS platform versus building it in-house?

#6 - The skills gap question** — Most schools and small orgs don't have in-house AI engineers — does that reality alone settle the build-vs-buy debate before cost even enters the conversation?

----------------Sponsors------------------

Jetpack - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/

Ninja Forms - https://ninjaforms.com/

WP-Rollover - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/

LifterLMS - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/

---------------- ------------------

Jonathan Denwood & Kurt von Ahnen

Jonathan Denwood

https://www.wp-tonic.com

https://manananomas.com

▬▬ LEARN FROM US ▬▬

► Our course is Are You Looking To Build Your Membership Website Quickly And EASILY On WordPress?"

https://www.wp-tonic.com/course/

▬▬ LET'S CONNECT ▬▬

► Facebook Free Group "The Membership Machine Show" Group Page

https://www.facebook.com/groups/membershipmachine

► Podcast "The Membership Machine Show."

https://f0k0.short.gy/oF9q9f

► X (Twitter)

https://x.com/wptonic_com

▬▬ SPECIAL DEALS ON THE TOOLS WE USE TO BUILD (ONLINE COURSES) ▬▬

https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/

▬▬ ABOUT THIS CHANNEL ▬▬

We discuss everything related to building a successful membership/community website in 2024, from the right technology to up-to-date digital marketing techniques.

//CONTACT:

For business inquiries ONLY, please use this email: [email protected]

----------------------------- ------------------------------- -----------------------------

#182 - The Membership Machine Show:The Biggest Challenges of Building a Membership Website

The Biggest Challenges of Building a Membership Website

Discover the biggest challenges of building a membership website—from retention to payment issues—and how to solve them before you launch.

Building a membership website can promise stability and community, but it also comes with significant hurdles. In this video, we dive deep into the biggest challenges you might face, from content management to member retention. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve an existing site, our insights will help you navigate these complexities. Don’t miss out — watch now to uncover essential strategies for a successful membership.

----------------Sponsors------------------

Jetpack - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/

Ninja Forms - https://ninjaforms.com/

WP-Rollover - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/

LifterLMS - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/

---------------- ------------------

Jonathan Denwood & Kurt von Ahnen

Jonathan Denwood

https://www.wp-tonic.com

https://manananomas.com

▬▬ LEARN FROM US ▬▬

► Our course is" Are You Looking To Build Your Membership Website Quickly And EASILY On WordPress?"

https://www.wp-tonic.com/course/

▬▬ LET'S CONNECT ▬▬

► Facebook Free Group "The Membership Machine Show" Group Page

https://www.facebook.com/groups/membershipmachine

► Podcast "The Membership Machine Show."

https://f0k0.short.gy/oF9q9f

► X (Twitter)

https://x.com/wptonic_com

▬▬ SPECIAL DEALS ON THE TOOLS WE USE TO BUILD (ONLINE COURSES) ▬▬

https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/

▬▬ ABOUT THIS CHANNEL ▬▬

We discuss everything related to building a successful membership/community website in 2024, from the right technology to up-to-date digital marketing techniques.

//CONTACT:

For business inquiries ONLY, please use this email: [email protected]

----------------------------- ------------------------------- -----------------------------

#181 - The Membership Machine Show:Why Your Premier WordPress Host Isn’t Fixing Your Slow Site

Why Your Premier WordPress Host Isn’t Fixing Your Slow Site

Your WordPress host promises speed but delivers frustration. Discover why premium hosting isn't solving your slow site—and what actually works.

Are you frustrated with a sluggish WordPress site, despite relying on a top-tier hosting provider? In this show, we expose the hidden reasons for your website’s slow performance and discuss why even premier hosts might not be the solution. Learn how to identify the real culprits behind your site's lag and discover practical steps to enhance speed. Don't let a slow site hinder your success.

----------------Sponsors------------------

WP-Rollover - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/

LifterLMS - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/

---------------- ------------------

Jonathan Denwood & Kurt von Ahnen

Jonathan Denwood

https://www.wp-tonic.com

https://manananomas.com

▬▬ LEARN FROM US ▬▬

► Our course is" Are You Looking To Build Your Membership Website Quickly And EASILY On WordPress?"

https://www.wp-tonic.com/course/

▬▬ LET'S CONNECT ▬▬

► Facebook Free Group "The Membership Machine Show" Group Page

https://www.facebook.com/groups/membershipmachine

► Podcast "The Membership Machine Show."

https://f0k0.short.gy/oF9q9f

► X (Twitter)

https://x.com/wptonic_com

▬▬ SPECIAL DEALS ON THE TOOLS WE USE TO BUILD (ONLINE COURSES) ▬▬

https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/

▬▬ ABOUT THIS CHANNEL ▬▬

We discuss everything related to building a successful membership/community website in 2024, from the right technology to up-to-date digital marketing techniques.

//CONTACT:

For business inquiries ONLY, please use this email: [email protected]

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#180 - The Membership Machine Show: Migrating from LearnDash to LifterLMS

Migrating from LearnDash to LifterLMS

Migrating from LearnDash to LifterLMS? Discover a step-by-step guide to move your courses seamlessly—no data loss, no downtime.

In this show, we guide you through the essential steps for migrating your online courses from LearnDash to LifterLMS. Discover the key differences between these two platforms, and learn how to seamlessly transfer your content, quizzes, and user data without losing any vital information. Whether you're enhancing your course's features or improving user experiences, this migration process is crucial.

----------------Sponsors------------------

WP-Rollover - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/

LifterLMS - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/

---------------- ------------------

Jonathan Denwood & Kurt von Ahnen

Jonathan Denwood

https://www.wp-tonic.com

https://manananomas.com

▬▬ LEARN FROM US ▬▬

► Our course is" Are You Looking To Build Your Membership Website Quickly And EASILY On WordPress?"

https://www.wp-tonic.com/course/

▬▬ LET'S CONNECT ▬▬

► Facebook Free Group "The Membership Machine Show" Group Page

https://www.facebook.com/groups/membershipmachine

► Podcast "The Membership Machine Show."

https://f0k0.short.gy/oF9q9f

► X (Twitter)

https://x.com/wptonic_com

▬▬ SPECIAL DEALS ON THE TOOLS WE USE TO BUILD (ONLINE COURSES) ▬▬

https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/

▬▬ ABOUT THIS CHANNEL ▬▬

We discuss everything related to building a successful membership/community website in 2024, from the right technology to up-to-date digital marketing techniques.

//CONTACT:

For business inquiries ONLY, please use this email: [email protected]

----------------------------- ------------------------------- -----------------------------

Best Platforms For Webinars That Get Real Results

Discover the best webinar platforms that deliver real results. Compare top tools, features & pricing to boost attendance and conversions today.

Are you looking to elevate the effectiveness of your webinars? In this video, we explore the best platforms that deliver real results for your online events. We'll break down the features, usability, and unique benefits of top tools, ensuring you make an informed choice. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you maximize your webinar impact.

----------------Sponsors------------------

WP-Rollover - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/

LifterLMS - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/

---------------- ------------------

Jonathan Denwood & Kurt von Ahnen

Jonathan Denwood

https://www.wp-tonic.com

https://manananomas.com

▬▬ LEARN FROM US ▬▬

► Our course is" Are You Looking To Build Your Membership Website Quickly And EASILY On WordPress?"

https://www.wp-tonic.com/course/

▬▬ LET'S CONNECT ▬▬

► Facebook Free Group "The Membership Machine Show" Group Page

https://www.facebook.com/groups/membershipmachine

► Podcast "The Membership Machine Show."

https://f0k0.short.gy/oF9q9f

► X (Twitter)

https://x.com/wptonic_com

▬▬ SPECIAL DEALS ON THE TOOLS WE USE TO BUILD (ONLINE COURSES) ▬▬

https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/

▬▬ ABOUT THIS CHANNEL ▬▬

We discuss everything related to building a successful membership/community website in 2024, from the right technology to up-to-date digital marketing techniques.

//CONTACT:

For business inquiries ONLY, please use this email: [email protected]

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