How to Create a Profitable Membership Without Ads or Funnels
When I started my first membership site, I thought I needed expensive ads and complicated funnels to make it profitable. I spent weeks building pages, setting up automations, and wasting money on ads that didn’t convert. But over time, I realized you don’t need any of that to succeed. You can create a profitable membership without ads or funnels, and I’m going to show you how.
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Why Ads and Funnels Aren’t Always the Answer
Ads and funnels can work, but they’re expensive and stressful when you’re just starting out. You end up focused on tech and metrics instead of actually building a community people love.
The truth is, the simplest approach is often the most effective. When you focus on relationships and delivering real value, you’ll attract members naturally—without spending a fortune on Facebook or Instagram ads.
Step 1: Build an Engaged Audience First
The first step to building a profitable membership site without ads is to focus on organic growth. This could be through your email list, a podcast, guest appearances, or creating SEO-friendly content like blog posts.
Instead of spending money to get attention, you’re using value-driven content to attract people who genuinely care about your topic.
Step 2: Create a Community, Not Just Content
One of the biggest mistakes I made early on was treating my membership like a content library. People don’t just want information—they want connection.
That’s why I use Skool to build an engaged community around my membership. It combines courses and community in one platform, making it easy for members to connect and stay engaged month after month.
Step 3: Leverage Word-of-Mouth
When members love being part of your community, they’ll tell others. I created a simple referral program that rewards members for bringing in friends. This turned my members into my best marketers—and it didn’t cost me a dime.
Word-of-mouth growth is powerful because it brings in people who are already warm and excited to join.
Step 4: Offer an Irresistible Experience
Your membership should feel valuable from the moment someone joins. A smooth onboarding process, clear communication, and engaging events will keep people around.
When members are happy, your retention rates go up, which means you don’t have to constantly find new people just to stay profitable.
Step 5: Keep It Simple
You don’t need complicated funnels or dozens of upsells to make your membership successful. Focus on serving your members well, and you’ll naturally build a profitable membership business.
I’ve found that when I simplify my processes, I have more energy to focus on what matters most: helping my members succeed.
Ready to Build a Membership That Grows Organically?
You can build a profitable membership without relying on ads or funnels. Start by creating content that attracts your ideal audience, building a true community, and giving members an incredible experience.
Click here to create your Skool account and start building a membership that grows naturally and profitably.
One of the biggest advantages of building a membership organically is that you attract the right people. Ads can bring in anyone who clicks, but organic growth brings in those who are genuinely interested in your topic and community. This leads to higher engagement and better retention rates.
I also discovered that you don’t need a massive audience to make a membership profitable. Even a small group of committed members can generate consistent, recurring income if you serve them well. This is why I focus on quality over quantity when growing my community.
Another strategy I use is collaborating with other creators in my niche. Guest appearances on podcasts, interviews, or co-hosted workshops allow me to reach new audiences without spending a dollar on ads. These collaborations often lead to warm leads who are ready to join my membership.
I also recommend leveraging the content you already have. Blog posts, YouTube videos, or even your social media archives can be repurposed into lead-generating content. This allows you to continue attracting new members on autopilot without constantly creating something new.
Engagement is the secret to retention. Members need to feel like they’re part of something special. I do this by hosting live calls, posting conversation starters, and encouraging members to share their wins. When people feel connected, they stay—and even refer others.
One tactic that has worked well for me is offering a low-barrier entry point. Instead of charging a high price upfront, I start with an affordable monthly fee. Once members experience the value, they’re more likely to stick around and even upgrade to higher-tier offers later.
I also make a point to regularly ask my members for feedback. This helps me improve the community and ensure I’m meeting their needs. When members feel heard, they become more invested in the success of the membership.
Automating parts of the experience is another key. I use Skool to handle payments, member access, and onboarding. This frees up my time to focus on delivering value rather than managing tech.
It’s also important to show up consistently. Organic growth doesn’t mean doing less work upfront—it means building trust through consistent content and engagement. Over time, this compounds and attracts members naturally.
Another tip is to highlight success stories. When potential members see the results your current members are achieving, they’re more likely to join. Testimonials and case studies are powerful tools for organic growth.
I also believe in the power of free value. Offering free resources, workshops, or challenges can showcase what your membership is all about. Many of my best members first discovered me through something free and later decided to join.
Finally, remember that building a profitable membership without ads or funnels takes patience. It may not happen overnight, but the community you build will be stronger and more sustainable in the long run. Organic growth creates a foundation that isn’t dependent on ad budgets or complex tech.