Membership Geeks Podcast with Mike Morrison

In this episode, I dive into the vault to bring back some timeless wisdom on validating your membership idea before launching. Validation is crucial to ensure that your membership has strong foundations and stands the test of time.I share valuable insights on researching, understanding the problem you aim to solve, and making sure there's a paying audience ready for your solutions. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the planning stages of starting a membership site.In this episode:- What steps should I take to ensure that the problem my membership addresses actually exists?- How can I determine if my target audience has a recurring need or a lengthy journey that can be supported by a membership model?- In what ways can I validate that the audience I am targeting is willing to pay for my solution?- How do I evaluate my own long-term commitment and interest in running a membership site?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.

Discover advanced membership pricing tactics that can boost sales and influence consumer choices. Learn about price anchoring and how it makes your offers more appealing. Explore the concept of decoy products, which can shift buying decisions in your favor. Understand the psychological impact of pricing strategies, including the significance of leading numbers and trailing digits. Plus, find out why limiting options can prevent decision fatigue and lead to better customer choices.

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.In this episode:- 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?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.

Discover key insights from the latest report on the online membership industry. The analysis reveals trends in revenue growth and owner satisfaction, showcasing the sector's evolution. Learn how informed decision-making and community engagement can drive success. With valuable benchmarks and effective strategies highlighted, this discussion empowers listeners to enhance their membership businesses in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Tackling member refunds can be a real headache, but it's essential for building trust. A fair refund policy not only protects your business but also enhances customer satisfaction. Discover the concept of risk reversal and how it reduces reluctance. Learn to manage the emotional toll of refund requests and turn them into opportunities for goodwill. Plus, pick up practical tips on delegating refund tasks to lighten your load.

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.In this episode:How we dealt with the single biggest change in the history of the business and the upheaval it causedWhat content and features we've brought back to the Academy, and what else in being plannedHow I've overcome my resistance to coaching, and the approach that's finally workingThe huge announcement for 2025 that has me VERY excited!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.

Celebrating a significant milestone, the host reflects on nearly a decade of podcasting, sharing lessons learned and the evolution of the show. They discuss the importance of a clear purpose, the challenges of burnout, and the need for simplicity in content creation. Insights on repurposing material and effective listener engagement strategies are highlighted. Gratitude for the journey is paired with encouragement for continuous growth and the valuable role of community resources in the online membership space.

Discover three simple perks that can transform your membership site. Offering early access to products can create excitement and exclusivity. Preferential pricing for various services enhances overall value, making your members feel special. Negotiating discounts with external suppliers can also attract more members, while utilizing affiliate programs adds additional savings. These strategies not only boost engagement but also help your offering stand out in a crowded market.

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.In this episode:- 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?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.

Feeling stuck with your membership? Learn powerful strategies to kickstart your growth and engage your audience. Discover how to incentivize current members to promote your platform. Delve into the importance of market research and the common missteps during development. Embrace the need for flexibility by adjusting your strategy based on feedback and results. This practical guide is packed with insights to help you navigate the challenging early stages.