Podcast
Community Creators with Shana Lynn
Hosted by Shana Lynn Bresnahan · EN
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/shanaspeaks
I’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
33episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Stop Undercharging: The Psychology of Pricing Your Membership
2w ago00:06:24Tap to summarizehttps://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersPricing your membership can feel overwhelming especially when it doesn’t directly help people make money.In today’s episode, we’re unpacking a powerful mindset shift around pricing. If your membership focuses on personal growth, clarity, community, or transformation (not income), this conversation will help you confidently price and sell your offer based on real value - not just financial ROI.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why most people already spend money on things that don’t generate incomeHow to reframe “value” beyond just financial returnsHow to identify your ideal member and the transformation you provideSimple ways to research and compare pricing in your marketWhy confidence matters more than your actual price pointHow to communicate intangible value like clarity, growth, and life improvementIf you’ve been underpricing your membership or doubting its value because it doesn’t produce direct income, this is your permission slip to think bigger. Start where you feel confident, grow your pricing over time, and most importantly, own the value you bring.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
Transcribe →A Simple Reengagement Campaign to Increase Retention Fast
3w ago00:13:50Tap to summarizehttps://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersRetention is the hidden driver behind sustainable growth in any online program or membership. While most business owners focus on acquiring new customers, the real profit lies in keeping the ones you already have engaged.Shana shares how a simple, strategic reactivation campaign helped one of her high-level clients increase retention from 89% to 92%—and ultimately to 94%—in just a few months. Even more impressive? A 41% increase in active members came from just a couple of emails.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why retention is the most important metric for long-term business growthHow retention directly impacts lifetime customer value and marketing successThe biggest mistake most program owners make when it comes to engagementWhat causes members to disengage (and why it’s not what you think)A simple 4-step reactivation strategy you can implement immediatelyHow to identify inactive members and segment them effectivelyIf you run a membership, course, or group program, this episode will show you how to re-engage inactive members and boost your revenue without adding more to your plate.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
Transcribe →The Squeakiest Wheel Shouldn’t Get the Grease
4w ago00:04:51Tap to summarizehttps://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersEp 09 - The Biggest Energy Suck in Your Online Business: https://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/the-biggest-mistake-community-managers-makeWe break down a hidden drain in online businesses: spending too much time trying to fix unhappy customers. While it feels responsible to focus on complaints, the truth is that this effort rarely delivers meaningful return on investment.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why unhappy customers consume the most resources—but deliver the least returnThe difference between neutral customers and true advocatesWhy shaping your offer around complaints can backfireHow to create boundaries that protect your time and energyThe long-term impact of focusing on loyalty over damage controlStart investing in the customers who are ready to grow with you, and you’ll build not just a business, but a loyal, thriving community.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
Transcribe →#1 Reason You’re Not Getting Referrals and 3 Ways to Start
May 500:07:25Tap to summarizehttps://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersStruggling to get your existing customers to refer others into your program? Shana breaks down the real reason referrals aren’t happening and it might not be what you expect. She shares why results-driven programs naturally create word-of-mouth growth, plus three simple, actionable steps you can implement today to start generating consistent referrals without complicated systems or incentives.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why referrals are the most valuable source of new customersThe #1 reason people don’t refer others (and how to fix it)The difference between having “good content” vs. delivering real resultsWhy teaching something well is a different skill than knowing itHow to identify if your program is actually helping people succeedReferrals can be a powerful growth driver for your business. Focus on getting real results, ask happy customers to share, and make it easy for them to do so.Start small. Ask one person, keep it simple, and watch your community grow.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
Transcribe →The Key Onboarding Step You’re Missing
Apr 2800:20:24Tap to summarizehttps://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersThere’s one critical onboarding step that most online program owners overlook and it has nothing to do with your new members.If you run an online course, membership, group coaching program, or sell through a launch model, you already know onboarding matters. It impacts retention, refunds, engagement, testimonials, and long-term customer success. But here’s the truth: You’re not just onboarding your new customers.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why onboarding doesn’t stop when the cart closesThe two overlooked groups you must onboard before focusing on new membersWhy onboarding directly impacts retention, refunds, and future salesHow to enroll your team into delivering a seamless member experienceThe connection between onboarding and long-term business growthHow to prevent community “storming” and cultural disruptionStrong onboarding isn’t just about welcoming new members. It’s about activating your entire ecosystem to support transformation. When your team is aligned and your community is engaged, onboarding becomes a growth engine, not just a checklist.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
Transcribe →Revenue Impact of Personal Branding
Apr 2100:07:45Tap to summarizehttps://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersEp 129: Create a Valuable Personal Brand with AJ Vaden: https://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/create-a-valuable-personal-brand-with-aj-vadenIn this episode, we dive deep into why personal branding is far more than a vanity metric - it’s a measurable business growth strategy. Featuring insights from AJ Vaden, we unpack groundbreaking research on how personal brands directly impact revenue, retention, referrals, and long-term trust.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why personal branding is not a vanity metric, but a proven driver of revenue and business growthHow personal brands act as a trust accelerator, shortening the sales cycleWhat national research reveals about how Gen Z and modern consumers make buying decisionsWhy people are more likely to buy and spend more with someone who has an established personal brandHow free content (podcasts, blogs, social media) influences purchasing decisionsWhy strong personal brands increase retention and referralsIf you’ve ever wondered whether building a personal brand is worth your time as a founder, CEO, or community builder - this conversation will change the way you think about 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.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
Transcribe →How to Audit Your Program Onboarding
Apr 1400:04:33Tap to summarizehttps://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersIf 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 auditThe power of defining one clear “best next step”How to tailor onboarding to your audience (including high-support communities)Why overcommunication builds confidence and momentumHow to reinforce culture, expectations, and values from day oneThe importance of always making support visible and accessibleYour 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.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
Transcribe →How to Train Your Team to Pivot Fast
Apr 700:05:33Tap to summarizehttps://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersEp 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-bananasOne 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 processWhy glorifying tests creates psychological safety on your teamHow constraints actually foster creativity and better solutionsHow to build feedback loops that help your team learn quickly without adding overwhelmThe growing pains of scaling a fast-moving company and how to navigate friction as you growIf 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.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
Transcribe →The #1 Way to Increase Retention Fast
Mar 3100:04:50Tap to summarizehttps://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersRetention 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 scalesThe common mistake program owners make when trying to increase retentionThe #1 activity that most strongly impacts member retention (based on real data)Why orientation and onboarding matter more than gamification, discounts, or bonusesWhat a strong onboarding experience actually needs to includeWhen 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.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
Transcribe →How Your Marketing is Sabotaging Your Retention Efforts
Mar 2400:04:49Tap to summarizehttps://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersIf 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 motivationThe 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 motionWhy extrinsic motivation (rewards, gamification) backfires over timeHow to use your original marketing language inside your membershipWhy members falling off is normal—and how to normalize getting back on trackRetention 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.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
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