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

If you've heard previous episodes about the Retention Accelerator framework, you already know that retention starts long before someone considers canceling. It starts on day one.

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the most important place to apply your retention strategy: your onboarding experience. Because the truth is, most memberships lose the highest percentage of members in the first 30 days. And that first impression? It matters more than you think.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why onboarding is the first (and most important) retention audit
• The power of defining one clear “best next step”
• How to tailor onboarding to your audience (including high-support communities)
• Why overcommunication builds confidence and momentum
• How to reinforce culture, expectations, and values from day one
• The importance of always making support visible and accessible

Your onboarding doesn’t have to be perfect - it just needs to be clear. When members feel confident they’re in the right place and know their next step, they’re far more likely to stay.

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

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

Ep 111: Foster a Fans First Team Culture with Emily Cole of The Savannah Bananas: https://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/foster-a-fans-first-team-culture-with-emily-cole-of-the-savannah-bananas

One of the most impressive things about the Savannah Bananas is how quickly they execute. If something trends online today, there’s a good chance they’ll have a reel up within 24 hours. They don’t wait for perfect conditions. They test, adjust, and keep moving.

In this episode, Shana sits down with co-founder Emily Cole to talk about how their team maintains a “speedboat mentality” especially as they grow. From trying new ideas at every single game to empowering employees to call audibles in live moments, Emily breaks down how they’ve built a culture that embraces rapid implementation without overwhelming the team.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to set expectations for speed and adaptability during the hiring process
• Why glorifying tests creates psychological safety on your team
• How constraints actually foster creativity and better solutions
• How to build feedback loops that help your team learn quickly without adding overwhelm
• The growing pains of scaling a fast-moving company and how to navigate friction as you grow

If you want to create a culture where innovation moves faster than fear, this conversation will challenge you to rethink how your team operates.

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

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

Retention is one of the most important metrics in any online business especially if you run a course, membership, or group program. It directly impacts revenue, profitability, and long-term sustainability.

But if you’ve been searching for a magic formula to instantly increase retention, this episode might surprise you. In this conversation, we break down what data actually reveals about the biggest driver of retention and it’s probably not what you think.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why retention is a must-track metric as your business scales
• The common mistake program owners make when trying to increase retention
• The #1 activity that most strongly impacts member retention (based on real data)
• Why orientation and onboarding matter more than gamification, discounts, or bonuses
• What a strong onboarding experience actually needs to include

When members complete your orientation, they’re much more likely to stay in the first three months. So instead of adding more perks, focus on strengthening the beginning of their experience. A strong orientation helps them feel confident they’re in the right place, believe they can succeed, and know exactly what to do next.

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

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

If you’re a membership owner doing all the “right” things for retention - systems in place, onboarding mapped out, training completed - but your churn is still high, this episode is for you.

In this highlight conversation with Melinda Cohen, they unpack the one thing that quietly sabotages retention efforts and it has nothing to do with retention strategies themselves. It’s about motivation, onboarding, and how marketing can’t stop once someone joins your program.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why strong retention systems still fail without sustained motivation
• The real reason onboarding is so critical (hint: it’s about capitalizing on momentum)
• How the Progress Wheel helps members reconnect with purpose and see forward motion
• Why extrinsic motivation (rewards, gamification) backfires over time
• How to use your original marketing language inside your membership
• Why members falling off is normal—and how to normalize getting back on track

Retention doesn’t improve when you push harder - it improves when you reconnect members to why they joined in the first place. Motivation and action must move together, and your job is to make that next step feel simple, doable, and worth it.

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

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

Choosing the right community platform can feel overwhelming with so many options available. In this episode, Shana breaks down a practical and strategic approach to help you confidently choose the community platform that aligns with your purpose, your audience, and your long-term goals. Instead of chasing shiny features or copying what others are using, you’ll learn how to make a decision that truly supports your community and business.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why a community platform is just a tool - and not the community itself
• How to clearly define the purpose of your community before choosing a platform
• The difference between “must-have” and “nice-to-have” features
• How to conduct a needs assessment based on both current and future growth.

There is no perfect community platform - only the one that best fits your unique needs. By getting clear on your purpose, prioritizing what matters most, and thinking long-term, you can avoid costly mistakes and build a community that truly thrives. Take the time to evaluate wisely, and you’ll set yourself up for sustainable growth and meaningful connection.

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

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

Ep 138 - Designing Unforgettable Live Event Experiences with Phil Mershon

https://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/designing-unforgettable-live-event-experiences-with-phil-mershon

Shana talks a lot about member journeys when it comes to memberships and for good reason. In fact, her entire Retain Group consulting program is focused on creating incredible member journeys.

But what many people overlook is that events need a customer journey too.

In this episode, Shana highlights a powerful conversation with Phil Mershon, event experience expert. Phil shares how to think about events the same way we think about memberships and courses: as a thoughtfully crafted journey designed for a specific audience.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why an event’s customer journey starts the moment someone buys a ticket
• How events are similar to memberships and course experiences
• What most events get wrong about community and connection
• Why people come for the content - but stay for the community
• How first impressions at an event can make or break the entire experience

If you want your events to be unforgettable, you have to think beyond the agenda and start designing the journey. When people feel welcomed, connected, and part of something bigger, they don’t just attend your event - they remember it, talk about it, and come back for more.

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

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

On a recent Q&A, Shana answered a question she gets all the time - and one that comes up often for many business owners with memberships:

If you have lots of programs, should everything be included in your membership?

It’s tempting to want to give members everything. Members often feel like they should get access to everything, too. But is that actually the best strategy for your business?

In this episode, we break down why including everything inside your membership may not be sustainable - and what to do instead.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why including all programs inside your membership can hurt profitability
• The difference between rewarding members and restricting your offers
• How to use first access as a powerful (and simple) marketing strategy
• Why first access works for both members and your email list
• How to offer member discounts without underpricing your programs

Your membership should feel valuable without limiting your growth. By offering members first access, a discount, or both, you reward loyalty while keeping your offers profitable. This approach gives you flexibility, helps you fill spots, and supports long-term sustainability in your business.

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

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

Ep 60 - How to Have Raving Fans and Lead a Meaningful Community with Lauren Golden

https://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/how-to-have-raving-fans-and-lead-a-meaningful-community-with-lauren-golden

Have you ever felt a calling to start something meaningful—but didn’t know where to begin?

In this episode, Shana sits down with Lauren Golden, founder of the Free Mama Movement, to talk honestly about fear, confidence, and what it really takes to build a movement from the ground up.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why feeling “not ready” doesn’t mean you’re not called
• How confidence is built through action, not waiting
• Why your first idea doesn’t have to be your forever idea
• How fear of regret can be a powerful motivator
• The importance of starting small and talking about your vision
• Why “unfinished” projects are not a waste of time

That calling you keep feeling isn’t random—and it’s not going away. This episode is an invitation to stop waiting for permission and start nurturing the idea that’s been placed on your heart. Small steps, imperfect starts, and many mini wins can lead to something far bigger than you ever imagined.

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