https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More Members

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.
How high engagement doesn’t always equal progress—and how “procrast-working” shows up in communities.
The hidden ways engagement can become a distraction for both leaders and members.
The real metric you should focus on: progress and activation, not likes or comments.
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

Listen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies:

Apple, or Spotify

Make sure to subscribe for more strategies on keeping members engaged and growing your recurring revenue!

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

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