Community Creators with Shana Lynn

Hosted by Shana Lynn Bresnahan

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About the show

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

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60 recent

11 min

7-Figure Direct Message Selling Strategy

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 Ticknerhttps://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/millionaire-sales-secrets-and-the-power-of-personal-branding-with-lauren-ticknerWhat if your next client is already watching your content but you’re just one message away from closing the deal?In this episode, we break down how Lauren Tickner turns everyday social media content into real conversations and real revenue through direct messages. If you’ve ever felt like your posts aren’t converting, or you don’t know how to move from “likes” to actual sales, this is where things start to click.In this episode, you’ll learn:How Lauren built authority that turns content into inbound leadsWhy most lead generation fails and the real reason people aren’t convertingHow to structure content so people want to message you firstA simple DM flow: from first message to qualified prospectHow to ask better open-ended questions that keep conversations aliveThe key checkpoints to qualify leads before making an offerHow to gauge buying intent without sounding pushy or scriptedIf you’ve been struggling to turn content into conversations or conversations into clients, this episode gives you a clear path to fix both. Start with authority, lead with value, and let the right people come to 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

14 min

The Life Cycle of an Online Community

https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersCommunity building can feel isolating, especially when things get messy. But what if those challenges are actually a sign that your community is growing exactly as it should?In this episode, we break down the Community Development Life Cycle - a powerful framework that explains the natural phases every community goes through. If you’ve ever felt like something is “wrong” inside your group, this conversation will help you reframe that thinking and lead with more clarity and confidence.In this episode, you’ll learn:The 4 phases of the community development cycleWhy a quiet or slow-starting community is completely normalHow to step into leadership and use conflict as a realignment opportunityPractical ways to identify which phase your community is currently inWhether you’re just starting out or managing a thriving membership, this episode will help you understand what’s happening beneath the surface and how to lead your people through 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

6 min

The Mindset Shift Needed to Maximize Collaborations

https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersEp 87: How to Leverage Collabs to Skyrocket Your Revenue with Jordan Gill:https://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/how-to-leverage-collabs-to-skyrocket-your-revenue-with-jordan-gillEveryone talks about collaboration as a powerful way to grow your business but what if the real thing holding you back isn’t strategy, but mindset? In this episode, we dive into a powerful conversation with collaboration expert Jordan Gill, exploring the internal shifts needed to truly benefit from partnerships and stop chasing short-term wins.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why a short-term mindset can limit your growth through collaborationsThe hidden value of collaborations beyond immediate salesHow trust is built through multiple touchpoints (and why it matters more than ever)The concept of “planting and harvesting seeds” in your businessWhy not everyone needs to buy from you to bring valueHow collaborations can create long-term opportunities like speaking gigs, referrals, and audience growthIf you’ve been hesitant to collaborate because you’re unsure of the immediate return, this is your reminder: not all results show up right away. Keep showing up, keep building connections, and trust that the seeds you plant today will grow into opportunities tomorrow.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

6 min

Stop Undercharging: The Psychology of Pricing Your Membership

https://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

13 min

A Simple Reengagement Campaign to Increase Retention Fast

https://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

4 min

The Squeakiest Wheel Shouldn’t Get the Grease

https://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

7 min

#1 Reason You’re Not Getting Referrals and 3 Ways to Start

https://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

20 min

The Key Onboarding Step You’re Missing

https://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

7 min

Revenue Impact of Personal Branding

https://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

4 min

How to Audit Your Program Onboarding

https://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