Is Engagement the Wrong Goal for Your Membership Community?

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If you’re running an online community, you’ve probably been told that engagement is the goal. More likes, more comments, more activity. But here’s the truth: engagement is not the goal—and focusing on it might actually hurt your community in the long run.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why engagement isn’t always positive and can even signal conflict or distraction in your group.
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• How high engagement doesn’t always equal progress—and how “procrast-working” shows up in communities.
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• The hidden ways engagement can become a distraction for both leaders and members.
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• The real metric you should focus on: progress and activation, not likes or comments.
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• Practical examples of what to track instead of vanity metrics so your community truly delivers on its promise.

Whether you run a Facebook group, a Mighty Networks community, or a private forum, this episode will shift the way you think about engagement—and help you create a space where your members don’t just talk, they transform.

Additional Resources:

Want expert help mapping out your member journey and setting up feedback loops that actually work? Apply for my high-level membership consulting program, Retain: https://joinretain.com

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Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/

Learn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivate

Connect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaks

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated