486 - Ask Mike: Should I Drip Content to Improve Retention?

This episode kicks off a new regular feature on the show: Ask Mike, where I pull real questions straight from our monthly member Q&A archive inside Membership Academy and share the answers with you.

First up is a question about drip feeding content. A membership owner running a diet and lifestyle site wanted to know if releasing their courses gradually, rather than giving members full access, would help improve retention.

My answer might surprise you, because drip feeding as a retention tactic isn't actually the fix most people think it is. The real issue is almost always something else entirely.

If you've ever wondered whether locking up your content on a schedule would keep people around longer, this episode is for you.

In this episode:Why drip feeding content to force people to stay is the wrong way to think about retentionWhat to check first before you even consider a drip feed strategy (onboarding and offboarding)How to build a step-by-step content pathway that gives members a reason to stick aroundWhy too many live calls can actually make members feel like they're failingHow milestones, rituals, and habits keep people engaged without artificial gates

If you want a wider view of where the gaps in your membership strategy actually are, our free Membership Healthcheck will help you find them fast.

And if you're looking to get your questions answered by me in our next Membership Academy Q&A, you can join Membership Academy here to be part of the conversation.

Key Quotes & Takeaways:"I'm not a big fan of just arbitrarily drip feeding content as a means of prolonging someone's membership."

"Nine times out of 10, people drop off because they never really get started the right way."

"If you give them that path, you don't need to drip feed because you're telling them exactly what to do and when you are laying out the journey for them."

"I think members should stay members and stay subscribed because they're getting something from it."

You might also find useful:Is Your Member Onboarding Missing These 3 Vital Things?21 Quick Tips For Improving Member RetentionHow to Identify Your Membership Drop-Off PointsThe 5 Key Stages of the Member Lifecycle