199: How to Build a Thriving Membership Site featuring Stu McLaren
May 08, 2025
Stu McLaren is one of the most impactful mentors I’ve ever had, and I’m thrilled to bring him back to the podcast to talk about a topic that can completely transform your creative business: recurring revenue through membership sites. Stu’s course, The Membership Experience, was a game changer for me. It’s the only course I’ve ever completed on time, and it’s one I return to year after year. After taking it, my membership revenue shifted from unpredictable spikes to a steady, staircase-like pattern of growth.
In this episode, we explore why recurring revenue is so powerful—especially for creatives who often juggle inconsistent income streams and the demands of hands-on work. Stu shares his journey of moving from burnout and one-on-one service work to launching Wishlist Member, the world’s number one WordPress membership plugin. That experience gave him unique insight into what makes a membership site succeed over time.
We discuss why creatives are uniquely suited to this model, with stories of artists, painters, sticker designers, and teachers who now run thriving memberships. Stu and I also tackle common concerns like the fear of content burnout and the myth of "subscription fatigue." He offers practical, encouraging advice on how to create a membership that delivers real results and keeps your members engaged.
Whether you already run a membership, are thinking about launching one, or are simply curious, this conversation is full of wisdom and actionable ideas. Stu’s upcoming free live workshop is also something I recommend wholeheartedly—it’s one of the most energizing events I attend every year.
We’re in the happy business. As long as people continue to get results, they’ll stay.
Key Takeaways
- Recurring revenue brings stability and reduces financial stress in your business.
- Too much content can overwhelm members. Clear and focused delivery creates better retention.
- You don’t need a big audience or perfect content to launch a membership.
- Teaching others often increases demand and appreciation for your own creative work.
- Subscription models are growing. They offer convenience, accountability, and long-term customer engagement.
Free Workshop
Join Stu McLaren’s free workshop to explore what recurring revenue could look like in your business:
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Review of the week:
SUCH A GREAT PODCAST!
The most helpful and heartfelt creative business podcast I've ever listened to! Bonnie is so generous and sweet. Grateful for her! πΈβ€οΈ
— Ekett
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Quick Disclosure: This post may include some affiliate links which means that if you click the link to purchase something on this page, it won't cost you more but I may receive a commission for sharing this with you. Which is great, because I was going to share it with you anyway!
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