
Membership Geeks Podcast with Mike Morrison
Join Mike Morrison - founder of the Membership Geeks - for advice, tips and insight on planning, running and growing a successful membership website plus interviews with existing membership owners and industry experts.
Latest episodes

Jun 3, 2025 • 45min
426 - Surviving and Thriving in the Modern Membership Economy with Robbie Kellman Baxter
Robbie Kellman Baxter, author of 'The Membership Economy' and expert consultant on subscription models, joins to unpack how membership businesses have evolved in recent years. She discusses the seismic shifts triggered by COVID-19 and the rise of AI in membership models, stressing the importance of meaningful member engagement. Listeners gain insights on future-proofing their businesses against subscription fatigue, alongside strategies for maintaining a human connection amidst tech advancements. This conversation is a treasure trove of actionable advice for thriving in a competitive landscape.

May 27, 2025 • 43min
425 - Growing Your Membership with Manychat for Instagram with Mel Eilers
In this episode, I dive into the world of ManyChat and Instagram automation with Mel Eilers, also known as the "ManyChat Queen". We explore how you can leverage ManyChat to streamline lead generation on Instagram, shorten customer journeys, and keep your audience engaged—all while freeing up more of your time. From practical strategies for capturing email leads to creative ways to use automation for member engagement and retention, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for membership owners at every level. Whether you’re new to automation or looking for advanced tips, you’ll leave with a notebook full of ideas to test in your own membership business.In this episode:What exactly is ManyChat for Instagram, and how does it differ from typical email lead generation or DM strategies?How can membership owners use ManyChat to grow their email lists, waitlists, or even run engaging quizzes and registrations directly on Instagram?In what ways can ManyChat be used beyond acquisition—such as supporting member onboarding, retention, and ongoing engagement via channels like WhatsApp and SMS?What are the common pitfalls to avoid when getting started with ManyChat automations, and how can you maintain a personal, human touch in a relationship-driven membership business?Thank You For ListeningWe 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.

May 20, 2025 • 13min
424 - 5 Ways To Fix Your Membership Joining Process
In this episode, I dive into the crucial elements that can significantly impact the success of your membership site’s registration process. It’s not just about building a great membership or crafting an enticing sales page; the moment of truth happens when a potential member decides to join. I discuss five common mistakes that membership site owners make in their joining process and how to effectively fix them, ensuring a smooth, efficient, and attractive path to membership, ultimately leading to higher conversion rates.In this episode:How can I simplify my membership sales page to ensure potential members sign up?What pricing practices should I avoid to maintain transparency and honesty with potential members?Why is it important to display my membership pricing clearly on my sales page?How can I reduce friction and unnecessary steps in my membership checkout process to enhance user experience?Thank You For ListeningWe 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.

May 13, 2025 • 24min
423 - From the Vault: How to Fall Back in Love with Your Membership
In this special episode, I revisit a timeless topic from the Membership Geeks archives to explore how you can reignite your passion for your membership. Memberships are a long-term commitment, and it's not uncommon to find yourself feeling disconnected or burnt out. I share insights and strategies on how to fall back in love with your membership by understanding the root causes of your dissatisfaction and implementing practical steps to rekindle your enthusiasm. Whether you have specific issues or a general loss of passion, this episode offers actionable advice to help you reconnect with your purpose and ensure your membership journey remains fulfilling and rewarding.In this episode:How can I identify the root cause of my declining enthusiasm for my membership?What strategies can I use to change up my routine and reengage with my membership topic?How can I reconnect with my membership community to regain my passion for being a membership owner?What are some practical ways to reaffirm my "why" and maintain long-term enthusiasm for my membership business?Thank You For ListeningWe 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.

May 6, 2025 • 14min
422 - I Need To Pivot My Online Membership. Help!
In this episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I dive into a challenge many membership owners face: figuring out what to do when your membership isn't working as expected and you feel the need to pivot. I discuss how to determine if a pivot is truly necessary or if you're simply panicking and provide practical steps to assess and address the underlying issues in your membership.We'll explore different pivoting strategies and how to communicate changes effectively to your audience.In this episode:How can I determine if a pivot is necessary or if I am just panicking about my membership's performance?What are the main issues that might be affecting the growth or engagement of my membership, and how can I assess them?What types of pivots should I consider if I decide that a change in direction is needed for my membership?How should I communicate and implement a pivot to ensure minimal disruption for current members while attracting new ones?Thank You For ListeningWe 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.

Apr 29, 2025 • 15min
421 - How To Validate Your Membership Idea The Right Way
Discover essential strategies for validating your membership idea before launching. Learn the risks of skipping preparation and why building an audience is crucial. Explore how a waitlist can effectively gauge interest and the importance of a minimum viable membership. This insightful discussion provides a roadmap to avoid common pitfalls and set the stage for sustainable growth.

Apr 22, 2025 • 10min
420 - Should You Have A Minimum Term For Your Membership?
In this episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I dive deep into the contentious topic of whether you should enforce a minimum term for your online membership. Many membership site owners grapple with locking members into commitments, but is this approach truly beneficial for your business and your members? I explore the potential pitfalls of enforcing minimum terms, including the financial, ethical, and legal implications, and discuss alternative strategies that focus on providing genuine value rather than forced commitment.In this episode:Why do some membership owners consider enforcing a minimum term, and what are the typical justifications given?What are the potential challenges and risks associated with enforcing a minimum term for memberships?How might minimum term commitments negatively impact the member experience and perception of your membership business?What are some alternative strategies to improve retention without resorting to locking members into long-term commitments?Thank You For ListeningWe 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.

Apr 15, 2025 • 11min
419 - Perils Of People Pleasing As A Membership Owner
In this episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I dive into the challenges of people pleasing as a membership site owner. Balancing responsiveness to your community with maintaining the integrity of your membership can be difficult, especially when faced with loud and demanding voices. I explore why it's impossible to make everyone happy and how trying to do so can undermine your goals. Learn how to make informed decisions that benefit the whole community and back your expertise with confidence.In this episode:How can you navigate the challenge of not being able to please everyone in your membership?Why is it dangerous to accommodate every request, demand, or complaint from members?How should you handle pricing pressures from members who claim your membership is too expensive?What is the importance of trusting your expertise and making decisions for the benefit of the entire community, rather than catering to individual requests?Thank You For ListeningWe 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.

Apr 8, 2025 • 12min
418 - Does My Membership Need its Own Mobile App?
In this episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I tackle a common question: Does a membership site need its own mobile app? We dive deep into the reasons why a mobile app might not be necessary for most memberships and explore the cost implications, usage patterns, and potential alternatives. I also discuss scenarios where having an app might actually make sense and share some insights from my extensive experience with membership sites.In this episode:Is it necessary for my membership site to have a dedicated mobile app?What are the costs and challenges associated with developing a mobile app for my membership site?How do most people use mobile apps, and does it justify the investment for my membership?Are there specific situations where having a mobile app for a membership is truly beneficial?Thank You For ListeningWe 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.

Apr 1, 2025 • 19min
417 - Even Huge Memberships Make Mistakes. Here Are the Most Common…
In this episode of the Membership Geeks podcast, I reveal a surprising truth: even the largest and most successful membership sites make mistakes. I dive into some of the most common blunders these membership giants are making, gleaned from our membership insider series, where I explore sites like Masterclass.com, Digital Marketer, and more. Join me as I unpack these mistakes, offering insights on how you can avoid them and improve your own membership experience.In this episode:What are the common mistakes big membership sites make in their new member onboarding process?How do issues with integrating multiple tech systems impact the overall membership experience?Why is attention to detail crucial, and how can neglecting it affect your membership site?How can a well-designed offboarding process benefit a membership, and what are some examples of neglect in this area?Thank You For ListeningWe 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.