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 insights that remain highly relevant today.

- Why do I believe the closed door membership model often results in higher costs and lower long-term member retention?

- How can a closed door strategy negatively impact the dynamics and engagement within your membership community?

- Why might relying on this model indicate lazy marketing and potentially attract less motivated members?

- What are the circumstances where a closed door membership model might actually make sense and benefit both the member and the 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.

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 data we do have tends to come from either the broader subscription industry, or from membership associations.

Neither of which reflect the online membership world.

Years ago we made it our on a mission to change that by conducting a survey of thousands of membership owners designed to shine a light on the real data and benchmarks for the online membership industry.

And now it's time for an update...

We’ve spent the past fews months tapping into our audience of tens of thousands of membership business owners to identify how they’re performing, what challenges they’re facing and which benchmarks and trends are prevalent.

And we've compiled those results into the Online Membership Industry Report 2024

In today's episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I'm sharing some of my top observations, takeaways, trends and other interesting tidbits and insights taken from this year's report.

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 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.

- Why is it important to have a fair and generous refund policy for your membership?

- What is risk reversal, and how does it help in reducing customer reluctance?

- How can you mentally cope with the frustration and disappointment of handling refund requests?

- What are some practical steps for managing refunds effectively, including delegating them to a team member?

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.

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.

• 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 planned
• How I've overcome my resistance to coaching, and the approach that's finally working
• The huge announcement for 2025 that has me VERY excited!

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 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's core purpose, repurposing content effectively, and the ongoing evolution that keeps the show fresh and engaging.

• How has the Membership Geeks podcast evolved since its inception in 2015?
• What are the challenges and benefits of repurposing podcast content?
• Why is it important to stay committed to the core purpose of your podcast?
• How can podcasters avoid burnout and maintain sustainable podcasting practices?

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 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 of value and stand out in a competitive market.

- How can offering early access to products and events outside of your membership be a beneficial perk?

- In what ways can preferential pricing for other products and services enhance the value of your membership?

- How can negotiating discounted offers with external suppliers add value for your members?

- What strategies can you use to leverage affiliate programs to secure discounts for your membership site members?

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 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.

- How can I handle hostile or difficult customer service inquiries without becoming demoralized?

- Is the customer always right, and how should I handle unreasonable demands?

- When is it okay to let go of a problematic member rather than trying to appease them?

- How can I keep my perspective and mental health in check when dealing with frequent customer service issues?

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 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 audience to boost membership numbers?
• What are some strategies to incentivize existing members to help promote your membership?
• How important is market research and validation in the early stages of developing a membership, and what steps might you have missed?
• Why and how should you remain open to pivoting your membership's strategy in response to feedback and initial results?