The Membership Machine Show for advice, tips, and insight on planning, running, and growing a thriving membership or community website on WordPress. Plus, we discuss the leading digital marketing and automation using WordPress or other online platforms. The show's regular hosts are Jonathan Denwood and Kurt von Ahnen.
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October 23, 202650 min
#190 - The Membership Machine Show: Everything You Need to Know About Membership Plugins
Everything You Need to Know About Membership Plugins Discover everything you need to know about membership plugins, from setup to monetization, and choose the best one for your WordPress site. Unlock the secrets of membership plugins with our comprehensive guide! In this show, we explore the must-know features, top plugins to consider, and how they can transform your digital business. Whether you're starting a new venture or optimizing your existing site, we've got you covered. Don't miss out on these valuable insights.
October 14, 202641 min
#189 - The Membership Machine Show:What Makes a Plugin the Right Choice for You?
What Makes a Plugin the Right Choice for You? Not all plugins are created equal. Discover key factors to consider before choosing the right plugin for your website or project Are you overwhelmed by the multitude of plugins available for your projects? In this show, we simplify the selection process by highlighting the key factors that determine the right plugin for your needs. From functionality to compatibility, we break down essential criteria to consider. If you're looking to enhance your workflow and maximize efficiency. Introduction 1. What problem are you actually trying to solve with this plugin? 2. How well does it work with your theme, hosting, and other plugins? 3. How active is the developer, and how often is the plugin updated? 4. What does good support and documentation look like before you buy? 5. Is the pricing model sustainable as your membership grows? 6. How easy is it to migrate away if the plugin stops working for you? Final Thoughts ---------------------- Sponsors of The Show ------------------- Jetpack - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 Ninja Forms - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 WP-Rollover - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 LifterLMS - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 ---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ Jonathan Denwood & Kurt von Ahnen Jonathan Denwood https://www.wp-tonic.com https://manananomas.com ---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ▬▬ LEARN FROM US ▬▬ ► Our course is Are You Looking To Build Your Membership Website Quickly And EASILY On WordPress?" https://www.wp-tonic.com/course/ ▬▬ LET'S CONNECT ▬▬ ► Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/wptonic ► Podcast "The Membership Machine Show." | "The WP-Tonic Show" | "The David Quald SEO Show" https://f0k0.short.gy/9AO3tG https://f0k0.short.gy/oF9q9f https://f0k0.short.gy/mLDLvv ► X (Twitter) https://x.com/wptonic_com ▬▬ SPECIAL DEALS ON THE TOOLS WE USE TO BUILD (ONLINE COURSES) ▬▬ https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 ▬▬ ABOUT THIS CHANNEL ▬▬ We discuss everything related to building a successful membership/community website in 2024, from the right technology to up-to-date digital marketing techniques. //CONTACT: For business inquiries ONLY, please use this email: jonathan@wp-tonic.com ----------------------------- ------------------------------- -----------------------------
October 9, 202627 min
#188 - The Membership Machine Show: Why Creators Are Leaving Skool at the End of 2026
Why are creators leaving Skool in 2026? Discover the real reasons behind the mass exodus and which platforms creators are switching to. In this insightful video, we explore why creators are leaving Skool as 2026 ends. We examine shifting dynamics across content-creation platforms, the impact of policy changes, and emerging alternatives attracting talent. Discover the trends influencing this migration and what it means for the future of digital content. Tune in to understand the landscape and why creators are making this pivotal shift. ---------------------- Sponsors of The Show ------------------- Jetpack - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 Ninja Forms - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 WP-Rollover - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 LifterLMS - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 ---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ Jonathan Denwood & Kurt von Ahnen Jonathan Denwood https://www.wp-tonic.com https://manananomas.com ---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ▬▬ LEARN FROM US ▬▬ ► Our course is" Are You Looking To Build Your Membership Website Quickly And EASILY On WordPress?" https://www.wp-tonic.com/course/ ▬▬ LET'S CONNECT ▬▬ ► Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/wptonic ► Podcast "The Membership Machine Show." | "The WP-Tonic Show" | "The David Quald SEO Show" https://f0k0.short.gy/9AO3tG https://f0k0.short.gy/oF9q9f https://f0k0.short.gy/mLDLvv ► X (Twitter) https://x.com/wptonic_com ▬▬ SPECIAL DEALS ON THE TOOLS WE USE TO BUILD (ONLINE COURSES) ▬▬ https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 ▬▬ ABOUT THIS CHANNEL ▬▬ We discuss everything related to building a successful membership/community website in 2024, from the right technology to up-to-date digital marketing techniques. //CONTACT: For business inquiries ONLY, please use this email: jonathan@wp-tonic.com ----------------------------- ------------------------------- ----------------------------- #1 - Growth Boost | made Skool pay-to-play. Skool used to give most communities some free reach through discovery and search. Now it takes at least 30% and up to 70% of sales from those channels. That includes people who already found you on YouTube and just searched your name inside Skool. People call this paying twice: once for the platform and again for the traffic. It only applies to Skool-driven leads: If a user joins your community through your own direct email invite, a social media link, or an external website, Skool only deducts standard processing fees (either the 10% Hobby fee or the 2.9% Pro fee). The 30% to 70% cut strictly applies to members categorized under the "Skool network" traffic source. #2 - Skool used to give most communities some free reach through discovery and search. Now it takes at least 30% and up to 70% of sales from those channels. That includes people who already found you on YouTube and just searched your name inside Skool. He calls this paying twice: once for the platform and again for the traffic. #3 - Only a few communities get boosted. People estimate Boost picks up only about 1–2% of communities. Those tend to be the ones already earning the most, trending, or converting best. Smaller or look-alike communities get little or nothing. #4 - The number of communities is falling. Skool went from close to 200,000 communities to about 156,000, a loss of at least 30,000 in recent months. He calls it a steady decline, and says many owners now see Skool as "just a platform." #5 - Without its network, Skool is just another platform. The main draw was the built-in audience, not the fea...
September 28, 202637 min
#187 - The Membership Machine Show:How To Create a Successful Training Platform for Your Organization in 2026
#187 - The Membership Machine Show:How To Create a Successful Training Platform for Your Organization in 2026 How To Create a Successful Training Platform for Your Organization in 2026 Learn how to create a successful training platform for your organization in 2026 with proven strategies, tools, and expert tips. Start building today. In this informative show, we explore the essential steps to build a successful training platform tailored for your organization in 2026. Discover innovative tools, strategies, and best practices to engage employees and strengthen skills development. Whether you're a leader or an HR professional, this guide will equip you to build a learning culture. ---------------------- Sponsors of The Show ------------------- Jetpack - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 Ninja Forms - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 WP-Rollover - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 LifterLMS - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 ---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ Jonathan Denwood & Kurt von Ahnen Jonathan Denwood https://www.wp-tonic.com https://manananomas.com ---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ▬▬ LEARN FROM US ▬▬ ► Our course is" Are You Looking To Build Your Membership Website Quickly And EASILY On WordPress?" https://www.wp-tonic.com/course/ ▬▬ LET'S CONNECT ▬▬ ► Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/wptonic ► Podcast "The Membership Machine Show." | "The WP-Tonic Show" | "The David Quald SEO Show" https://f0k0.short.gy/9AO3tG https://f0k0.short.gy/oF9q9f https://f0k0.short.gy/mLDLvv ► X (Twitter) https://x.com/wptonic_com ▬▬ SPECIAL DEALS ON THE TOOLS WE USE TO BUILD (ONLINE COURSES) ▬▬ https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 ▬▬ ABOUT THIS CHANNEL ▬▬ We discuss everything related to building a successful membership/community website in 2024, from the right technology to up-to-date digital marketing techniques. //CONTACT: For business inquiries ONLY, please use this email: jonathan@wp-tonic.com ----------------------------- ------------------------------- -----------------------------
September 15, 202636 min
#186 - The Membership Machine Show: What It Really Costs to Own a Website
What It Really Costs to Own a Membership Website Membership website costs revealed: platform fees, content creation, marketing & more. Get the real numbers before you launch. Have you ever considered launching a membership website? In this show, we reveal the true costs of owning and maintaining one. From platform fees to content creation and marketing, we break down each expense to give you a clear financial picture. Understanding these costs can save you time and money. Don’t miss out. ---------------------- Sponsors of The Show ------------------- Jetpack - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 Ninja Forms - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 WP-Rollover - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 LifterLMS - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 ---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ Jonathan Denwood & Kurt von Ahnen Jonathan Denwood https://www.wp-tonic.com https://manananomas.com ---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ #1 - Hidden Recurring Costs Hosting renewals, domain fees, SSL certificates, and premium plugin/theme licenses that quietly add up every year. #2 - The Maintenance Trap Ongoing costs for updates, backups, security monitoring, and uptime management that most site owners underestimate upfront. #3 - DIY vs. Hiring Help Comparing the true cost of building/managing a site yourself versus paying a developer, agency, or retainer service. #4 - Platform Lock-In Costs How switching CMS platforms, page builders, or hosts later can cost far more than the original setup. #5 - The Real Price of "Free" Why free website builders and plugins often carry hidden costs in ads, limitations, or expensive upgrade paths. #6 - Downtime and Security Breach Costs The financial impact of lost traffic, lost trust, and recovery expenses when a site goes down or gets hacked. ---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ▬▬ LEARN FROM US ▬▬ ► Our course is" Are You Looking To Build Your Membership Website Quickly And EASILY On WordPress?" https://www.wp-tonic.com/course/ ▬▬ LET'S CONNECT ▬▬ ► Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/wptonic ► Podcast "The Membership Machine Show." | "The WP-Tonic Show" | "The David Quald SEO Show" https://f0k0.short.gy/9AO3tG https://f0k0.short.gy/oF9q9f https://f0k0.short.gy/mLDLvv ► X (Twitter) https://x.com/wptonic_com ▬▬ SPECIAL DEALS ON THE TOOLS WE USE TO BUILD (ONLINE COURSES) ▬▬ https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 ▬▬ ABOUT THIS CHANNEL ▬▬ We discuss everything related to building a successful membership/community website in 2024, from the right technology to up-to-date digital marketing techniques. //CONTACT: For business inquiries ONLY, please use this email: jonathan@wp-tonic.com ----------------------------- ------------------------------- -----------------------------
September 10, 202640 min
#185 - The Membership Machine Show: What It Really Costs to Own a Website
What It Really Costs to Own a Membership Website Membership website costs revealed: platform fees, content creation, marketing & more. Get the real numbers before you launch. Have you ever considered launching a membership website? In this show, we reveal the true costs of owning and maintaining one. From platform fees to content creation and marketing, we break down each expense to give you a clear financial picture. Understanding these costs can save you time and money. Don’t miss out. #1 - Hidden Recurring Costs Hosting renewals, domain fees, SSL certificates, and premium plugin/theme licenses that quietly add up every year. #2 - The Maintenance Trap Ongoing costs for updates, backups, security monitoring, and uptime management that most site owners underestimate upfront. #3 - DIY vs. Hiring Help Comparing the true cost of building/managing a site yourself versus paying a developer, agency, or retainer service. #4 - Platform Lock-In Costs How switching CMS platforms, page builders, or hosts later can cost far more than the original setup. #5 - The Real Price of "Free" Why free website builders and plugins often carry hidden costs in ads, limitations, or expensive upgrade paths. #6 - Downtime and Security Breach Costs The financial impact of lost traffic, lost trust, and recovery expenses when a site goes down or gets hacked. https://www.blogmarketingacademy.com/cost-of-owning-a-website/ ---------------------- Sponsors of The Show ------------------- Jetpack - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 Ninja Forms - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 WP-Rollover - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 LifterLMS - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 ---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ Jonathan Denwood & Kurt von Ahnen Jonathan Denwood https://www.wp-tonic.com https://manananomas.com ---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ▬▬ LEARN FROM US ▬▬ ► Our course is" Are You Looking To Build Your Membership Website Quickly And EASILY On WordPress?" https://www.wp-tonic.com/course/ ▬▬ LET'S CONNECT ▬▬ ► Facebook Free Group "The Membership Machine Show" Group Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/membershipmachine ► Podcast "The Membership Machine Show." https://f0k0.short.gy/oF9q9f ► X (Twitter) https://x.com/wptonic_com ▬▬ SPECIAL DEALS ON THE TOOLS WE USE TO BUILD (ONLINE COURSES) ▬▬ https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/ ▬▬ ABOUT THIS CHANNEL ▬▬ We discuss everything related to building a successful membership/community website in 2024, from the right technology to up-to-date digital marketing techniques. //CONTACT: For business inquiries ONLY, please use this email: support@wptonic.com ----------------------------- ------------------------------- -----------------------------
September 3, 202641 min
#184 - The Membership Machine Show:How to Add a Community to a WordPress Site
How to Add a Community to a WordPress Site Learn how to add a community to a WordPress site in minutes! Step-by-step guide with plugin recommendations for forums, groups & more ----------------Sponsors------------------ Jetpack - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/ Ninja Forms - https://ninjaforms.com/ WP-Rollover - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/ LifterLMS - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/ ---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ In this show, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to effectively add a thriving community to your WordPress site. You'll learn about the best plugins, key settings, and essential features that foster engagement and interaction. Whether you're starting a forum or a membership site, we’ll give you practical tips to enhance user experience. #1 - Introduction #2 - Why WordPress #3 - Key Things You Need to Know #4 - Do You Need an App? #5 - What Are Your Real Options Fluent Community https://fluentcommunity.co BuddyBoss https://buddyboss.com PeepSo https://peepso.com/ LifterLMS + Social Learning add-on https://lifterlms.com/product/social-learning #6 - Final Conclusions ---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ Jonathan Denwood & Kurt von Ahnen Jonathan Denwood https://www.wp-tonic.com https://manananomas.com ▬▬ LEARN FROM US ▬▬ ► Our course is" Are You Looking To Build Your Membership Website Quickly And EASILY On WordPress?" https://www.wp-tonic.com/course/ ▬▬ LET'S CONNECT ▬▬ ► Facebook Free Group "The Membership Machine Show" Group Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/membershipmachine ► Podcast "The Membership Machine Show." https://f0k0.short.gy/oF9q9f ► X (Twitter) https://x.com/wptonic_com ▬▬ SPECIAL DEALS ON THE TOOLS WE USE TO BUILD (ONLINE COURSES) ▬▬ https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/ ▬▬ ABOUT THIS CHANNEL ▬▬ We discuss everything related to building a successful membership/community website in 2024, from the right technology to up-to-date digital marketing techniques. //CONTACT: For business inquiries ONLY, please use this email: support@wptonic.com ----------------------------- ------------------------------- -----------------------------
August 26, 202630 min
#183 - The Membership Machine Show:Should You Build or Buy LMS Software?
Should You Build or Buy LMS Software in a World of AI 2026? Build or buy LMS software? Compare costs, timelines & features to choose the right path for your training needs. Get expert insights now. In this informative video, we delve into the crucial decision of whether to build or buy your Learning Management System (LMS) software. Explore the pros and cons of each option, highlighting key factors like cost, customization, and scalability. By the end of the video, you’ll have the insights needed to make an informed choice for your organization. Here are 6 sharp, discussion-ready questions for that episode: #1 - The AI cost curve — With AI coding tools making custom builds faster and cheaper than ever, at what point does "build" actually beat "buy" in 2026 — and has that tipping point moved in the last year? #2 - Vendor lock-in vs. control — If AI features become the main battleground for LMS vendors, are schools and companies risking getting locked into a roadmap they don't control by buying instead of building? #3 - The maintenance trap — Everyone talks about build cost, but who's actually budgeting for the ongoing cost of keeping an AI-powered custom LMS updated as models and APIs change every few months? #4 - Buy now, build later? — Is there a hybrid path — buying a core LMS but building custom AI layers on top — that beats an all-or-nothing decision? #5 - Data as the real asset** — When an AI tutor or grading engine learns from your learners' data, who really owns that intelligence if you're renting it from a SaaS platform versus building it in-house? #6 - The skills gap question** — Most schools and small orgs don't have in-house AI engineers — does that reality alone settle the build-vs-buy debate before cost even enters the conversation? ----------------Sponsors------------------ Jetpack - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/ Ninja Forms - https://ninjaforms.com/ WP-Rollover - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/ LifterLMS - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/ ---------------- ------------------ Jonathan Denwood & Kurt von Ahnen Jonathan Denwood https://www.wp-tonic.com https://manananomas.com ▬▬ LEARN FROM US ▬▬ ► Our course is Are You Looking To Build Your Membership Website Quickly And EASILY On WordPress?" https://www.wp-tonic.com/course/ ▬▬ LET'S CONNECT ▬▬ ► Facebook Free Group "The Membership Machine Show" Group Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/membershipmachine ► Podcast "The Membership Machine Show." https://f0k0.short.gy/oF9q9f ► X (Twitter) https://x.com/wptonic_com ▬▬ SPECIAL DEALS ON THE TOOLS WE USE TO BUILD (ONLINE COURSES) ▬▬ https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/ ▬▬ ABOUT THIS CHANNEL ▬▬ We discuss everything related to building a successful membership/community website in 2024, from the right technology to up-to-date digital marketing techniques. //CONTACT: For business inquiries ONLY, please use this email: support@wptonic.com ----------------------------- ------------------------------- -----------------------------
August 20, 202632 min
#182 - The Membership Machine Show:The Biggest Challenges of Building a Membership Website
#182 - The Membership Machine Show:The Biggest Challenges of Building a Membership Website The Biggest Challenges of Building a Membership Website Discover the biggest challenges of building a membership website—from retention to payment issues—and how to solve them before you launch. Building a membership website can promise stability and community, but it also comes with significant hurdles. In this video, we dive deep into the biggest challenges you might face, from content management to member retention. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve an existing site, our insights will help you navigate these complexities. Don’t miss out — watch now to uncover essential strategies for a successful membership. ----------------Sponsors------------------ Jetpack - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/ Ninja Forms - https://ninjaforms.com/ WP-Rollover - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/ LifterLMS - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/ ---------------- ------------------ Jonathan Denwood & Kurt von Ahnen Jonathan Denwood https://www.wp-tonic.com https://manananomas.com ▬▬ LEARN FROM US ▬▬ ► Our course is" Are You Looking To Build Your Membership Website Quickly And EASILY On WordPress?" https://www.wp-tonic.com/course/ ▬▬ LET'S CONNECT ▬▬ ► Facebook Free Group "The Membership Machine Show" Group Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/membershipmachine ► Podcast "The Membership Machine Show." https://f0k0.short.gy/oF9q9f ► X (Twitter) https://x.com/wptonic_com ▬▬ SPECIAL DEALS ON THE TOOLS WE USE TO BUILD (ONLINE COURSES) ▬▬ https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/ ▬▬ ABOUT THIS CHANNEL ▬▬ We discuss everything related to building a successful membership/community website in 2024, from the right technology to up-to-date digital marketing techniques. //CONTACT: For business inquiries ONLY, please use this email: support@wptonic.com ----------------------------- ------------------------------- -----------------------------
August 11, 202641 min
#181 - The Membership Machine Show:Why Your Premier WordPress Host Isn’t Fixing Your Slow Site
#181 - The Membership Machine Show:Why Your Premier WordPress Host Isn’t Fixing Your Slow Site Why Your Premier WordPress Host Isn’t Fixing Your Slow Site Your WordPress host promises speed but delivers frustration. Discover why premium hosting isn't solving your slow site—and what actually works. Are you frustrated with a sluggish WordPress site, despite relying on a top-tier hosting provider? In this show, we expose the hidden reasons for your website’s slow performance and discuss why even premier hosts might not be the solution. Learn how to identify the real culprits behind your site's lag and discover practical steps to enhance speed. Don't let a slow site hinder your success. ----------------Sponsors------------------ WP-Rollover - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/ LifterLMS - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/ ---------------- ------------------ Jonathan Denwood & Kurt von Ahnen Jonathan Denwood https://www.wp-tonic.com https://manananomas.com ▬▬ LEARN FROM US ▬▬ ► Our course is" Are You Looking To Build Your Membership Website Quickly And EASILY On WordPress?" https://www.wp-tonic.com/course/ ▬▬ LET'S CONNECT ▬▬ ► Facebook Free Group "The Membership Machine Show" Group Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/membershipmachine ► Podcast "The Membership Machine Show." https://f0k0.short.gy/oF9q9f ► X (Twitter) https://x.com/wptonic_com ▬▬ SPECIAL DEALS ON THE TOOLS WE USE TO BUILD (ONLINE COURSES) ▬▬ https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/ ▬▬ ABOUT THIS CHANNEL ▬▬ We discuss everything related to building a successful membership/community website in 2024, from the right technology to up-to-date digital marketing techniques. //CONTACT: For business inquiries ONLY, please use this email: support@wptonic.com ----------------------------- ------------------------------- -----------------------------
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