

Community Creators with Shana Lynn
Shana Lynn Bresnahan
Entrepreneurs and online business owners can no longer grow with great marketing alone. If you want to scale your course, membership, or coaching program, I’ll teach you how to maximize your profit and multiply your impact by creating a thriving online community. Be sure to connect with me on IG: http://instagram.com/shanaspeaksI’ve spent over a decade working with top brands and entrepreneurs to cultivate thriving online communities and empowered community teams that increase their reach, retention, and revenue. This podcast is a space for community creators like you and me to share our insights, best practices, and what’s working now in the community space.You’ll discover proven strategies, actionable tactics, and innovative ideas that you and your team can use to reduce refunds and increase retention. You won’t want to miss an episode! Subscribe now and let’s get started! Show notes & more: https://ShanaLynn.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 5, 2025 • 16min
3 Accelerators to Reduce Churn & Keep Members Longer
https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersEp 45 - Two Types of Member Outreach: https://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/two-types-of-member-outreachIn this insightful episode, Shana was invited by the incredible Heartbeat Community as a guest expert to share her signature Retention Accelerator Framework—a game-changing approach for anyone managing an established membership and ready to scale sustainably.This episode is perfect for you if:You manage an established membership or communityYou're seeing churn and want practical solutionsYou’re looking to build long-term value with your membersIf you’re serious about growth, focusing on retention is key. In this clip, Shana offers a deep dive into how to keep members engaged, reduce churn, and build a thriving, loyal community.Additional Resources:Discover 77+ Connection Ideas for a Stronger Community with our free guide: connectionideas.comWant 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.comListen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies: Apple, or SpotifyMake 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/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated

Jul 29, 2025 • 6min
All Roads Lead to One Community
https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersCheck out the full episode: Ep 60: How to Have Raving Fans and Lead a Meaningful Community with Lauren GoldenMost membership owners use webinars to sell but what happens to the people who don’t buy right away?Lauren Golden, founder of The Free Mama Movement, has built a powerful strategy that connects her webinar funnel directly to a free Facebook group turning cold leads into warm, connected community members who often convert later.In this episode, I’ll break down:How Lauren uses her webinar funnel to drive Facebook group growthWhy she keeps paying customers inside the free group (and how that boosts conversions)Her strategy for using weekly Facebook Lives to nurture non-buyersHow identity-driven messaging fuels long-term engagementWhy “building the movement first” is the secret to her successIf you run a free group, host webinars, or want to create a loyal audience that buys without pressure, this episode will help you build connection, trust, and long-term value before and after the sale.Ready to boost connection in your community?Get 77+ actionable ways to build engagement and loyalty at connectionideas.comAdditional 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.comListen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies:Apple, or SpotifyMake 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/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated

Jul 22, 2025 • 7min
Why Tracking Retention and Churn Isn’t Enough - Leading vs. Lagging Metrics
https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersMost membership owners track churn and retention rates, but by the time those numbers start changing, it’s already too late.Retention and churn are lagging metrics and they tell you what has already happened, but they don’t tell you why members are leaving or what you can do to keep them longer.If you wait until churn increases to take action, you’re already behind.In this episode, I’ll break down:The difference between leading and lagging retention metrics and why both matterKey early indicators that predict churn so you can act before members cancelHow to track member engagement, progress, and activation metricsWhy failed payment tracking is one of the most overlooked retention metricsHow to move from reactive to proactive retention strategiesIf you’re not tracking the right data, you’re guessing when it comes to retention. This episode will show you how to stop relying only on churn numbers and start using leading metrics to improve retention and keep members longer.Additional Resources:Get Instant Access to the Membership Retention & Lifetime Value Calculator: https://www.memberltv.com/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.comListen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies: Apple, or SpotifyMake 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/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated

Jul 15, 2025 • 6min
The #1 Red Flag to Watch for as Your Business Scales
https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersCheck out the full episode: https://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/preparing-your-business-for-scale-with-alex-charfenScaling a business is an exciting goal, but it comes with challenges. In a recent conversation with Alex Charfen shared the biggest red flag entrepreneurs should watch for when growing their business. Speaking from personal experience, he knows firsthand the pain of ignoring this warning. Consider this your heads-up - don’t overlook this crucial insight!Additional Resources:https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersWatch on YouTube :https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivatedLearn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/Learn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaks

5 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 6min
Why Your Community Manager Feels Like More Work (And How to Fix It)
https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersIf you feel like your community manager is creating more work for you instead of solving problems, you’re not alone. Many membership owners hire a community manager expecting them to drive engagement and improve retention—but instead, they end up micromanaging every decision.The problem isn’t your community manager. The problem is that they’re working reactively instead of proactively.In this episode, I’ll break down:The difference between a Community Manager and a Community Moderator (and why most membership owners accidentally turn their manager into a moderator)How a reactive community manager adds work instead of solving problemsWhat a proactive community manager actually does to drive retention and engagementBest practices for training your community manager to be more strategicIf you’re ready to shift your community manager from reactive to proactive, this episode will show you how.Additional Resources:Want to train your community manager to drive engagement and retention? Learn more about my Cultivate Community Training Course at shanalynn.com/cultivate.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.comListen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies:Apple, or SpotifyMake 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/Connect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated

Jul 1, 2025 • 15min
How Showing Up Authentically Impacts Business Success
https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersEp 132 - Unlock your Full Potential in Life and Business with Tracy Harris: https://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/unlock-your-full-potential-in-life-and-business-with-tracy-harrisAuthenticity online is often discussed, but what does it really mean for your business? In this highlight, Shana shares insights from Tracy Harris, known for embracing her true self online and attracting incredible clients because of it. Tracy reveals how showing up authentically has impacted her success and why you shouldn’t fear being yourself. Don’t miss this valuable lesson in building a genuine and thriving online presence!Additional Resources:https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersWatch on YouTube :https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivatedLearn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/Learn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaks

Jun 24, 2025 • 7min
How to Adjust Pricing for Your Membership Without Losing Members
https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersThinking about raising your membership price but worried about losing members? Or wondering if your price is too high and hurting conversions?Pricing adjustments can feel risky—but they don’t have to be. The truth is, pricing isn’t permanent. You can test, analyze, and optimize your pricing without guessing or hurting retention.In this episode, I’m walking you through smart pricing adjustments based on data, not fear. I’ll also share a real-life example of a membership owner who raised his prices based on advice from a mastermind—but after testing different price points, he actually made more revenue by lowering his price.In this episode, you’ll learn:The biggest pricing mistakes membership owners makeFour smart ways to adjust pricing without hurting retentionThe psychology of pricing and how it affects conversionsWhy pricing alone won’t fix retention or sales problems if your value isn’t clearIf you’re making pricing decisions based on what feels right instead of real data, this episode is for you.Additional Resources:Want to see how a pricing change could impact your membership’s lifetime value and revenue? Grab my free Membership LTV calculator here: memberltv.comWant 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.comListen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies:Apple, or SpotifyMake 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/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated

7 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 7min
Create Intentional Connection with the REACH Framework
https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersEp 96 - How this One Question can be Rocket Fuel for your Business with Blake Fly: https://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/how-this-one-question-can-be-rocket-fuel-for-your-business-with-blake-flyIf traditional networking feels overwhelming or just isn’t your thing, you won’t want to miss this! In this short clip, Shana sits down with her friend Blake Fly, who shares his powerful REACH framework - a simple yet effective approach to building meaningful and lasting connections. Whether you're an introvert or just looking for a better way to connect, this method will change the way you think about networking.Additional Resources:https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersWatch on YouTube :https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivatedLearn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/Learn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaks

Jun 10, 2025 • 5min
The Stoplight Strategy - How to Identify and Retain At Risk Members
https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersMost membership owners focus on who cancels, but the real opportunity is tracking who is at risk before they cancel.By the time a member officially cancels, it’s already too late. The Stoplight Strategy helps you categorize members based on their engagement levels so you can take action before they churn.In this episode, I’ll walk you through:What the Stoplight Strategy is and how it helps reduce churnThe three categories of members and how to recognize themHow to integrate this into your Member Journey Map to create a reactivation strategyWhy personalization at scale is critical for retentionIf you want to move from reactive to proactive retention strategies, this episode is for you.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.comListen on the go? Subscribe to the podcast for more membership retention strategies:Apple, or SpotifyMake 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/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksWatch on YouTube :https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivated

Jun 3, 2025 • 5min
Million Dollar Personal Branding Strategies
https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersEp 93 - Millionaire Sales Secrets and the Power of Personal Branding with Lauren Tickner: https://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/millionaire-sales-secrets-and-the-power-of-personal-branding-with-lauren-ticknerBuilding a strong personal brand is essential for business success, and few understand this better than Lauren Tickner. As a past guest on Shana’s podcast, Lauren shared how she became a millionaire by 23 through the power of personal branding. Even as she expands into more corporate ventures, she continues to see its value. In this highlight, Lauren discusses the importance of a personal brand, along with her strategies for batching content and leveraging her team to maintain and grow her presence.Additional Resources:https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersWatch on YouTube :https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivatedLearn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/Learn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaks