How to Get Your First 10 Paying Members Without a Big Audience
When I started building my first membership, I didn’t have a big audience. I had no email list, no massive following, and definitely no fancy marketing funnel. But I still got my first 10 paying members—and you can too.
You don’t need thousands of followers to build a profitable membership. All you need is a clear offer and a simple strategy. Here’s exactly how to get your first 10 paying members without a big audience.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Focus on Solving a Specific Problem
The key to getting your first members is clarity. People don’t join memberships for general information; they join because you solve a problem they care about.
Think about the questions people always ask you. What’s something you can help them achieve faster or easier? Build your membership around that.
Step 2: Start With the People You Already Know
Your first paying members will likely come from your existing network. Reach out to friends, colleagues, or past clients who could benefit from your membership.
Don’t be afraid to send personal messages. Let them know you’re launching something new and offer them a chance to be founding members at a discounted rate.
Step 3: Keep It Simple
You don’t need a big website or complicated funnel. Use a platform like Skool to host your community and collect payments. It’s fast, easy, and looks professional from day one.
The easier you make it for people to join, the faster you’ll reach your first 10 members.
Step 4: Offer Founding Member Pricing
Give your first members an incentive to join now. Founding member pricing works because it rewards early adopters with a lower price while giving you testimonials and feedback for future marketing.
Make it clear that the price will go up after the initial spots are filled. This creates urgency.
Step 5: Deliver an Amazing Experience
Once your first members join, focus on making them feel special. Welcome them personally, ask for feedback, and celebrate their wins.
When people feel valued, they’ll stick around—and they’ll tell others.
Why This Works
You don’t need a big audience because you’re building real relationships. Your first members will likely be people who already know, like, and trust you. Once you help them get results, they’ll become your biggest advocates.
Ready to Get Your First 10 Members?
You don’t need thousands of followers or complicated systems to start. Focus on solving a problem, reaching out to the people you already know, and using a simple platform.
Click here to create your Skool account and launch your membership today—the easy way.
One of the most important things to remember is that your first members don’t care how big your audience is—they care about the results you can help them achieve. If your membership solves a clear problem, even a small group of members can make it successful.
I also learned that being personal is powerful. Instead of blasting a generic message to everyone you know, take the time to individually reach out. Let people know why you thought of them and how your membership could help them specifically.
Offering a small group experience can also be appealing. Tell potential members that they’ll be part of the first group, where they’ll get more one-on-one attention from you. Many people love the idea of being early members with extra access.
Another strategy that works well is using social proof, even if it’s small. Share any testimonials or feedback you receive from your first members. This builds trust and helps others feel confident about joining.
Don’t underestimate the power of social media, even with a small audience. Post about your membership consistently and share behind-the-scenes updates. People may be watching silently and decide to join once they see others joining too.
I recommend setting a clear start date. When people know your membership is opening on a specific day, they’re more likely to take action. Deadlines create momentum, and that’s exactly what you need for your first 10 members.
Another helpful tip is to go live on social media or host a free workshop. This gives people a chance to connect with you, see your expertise, and ask questions. At the end, invite them to join your membership.
Be clear about the transformation your membership offers. People don’t just want content; they want to know how their life or business will change by joining. Communicate the outcome clearly in all your conversations and posts.
You can also use beta testing as a strategy. Offer the first 10 spots at a lower “beta price” in exchange for their feedback. This helps you refine the experience while building momentum.
Once your first members join, overdeliver. Make them feel like VIPs and create such a great experience that they can’t wait to tell their friends. Word-of-mouth referrals can easily help you get your next 10 members.
Keep your offer simple. Don’t try to include too much content or overwhelm your members. Focus on delivering one clear result, and your first members will love the simplicity.
Finally, be patient and persistent. Getting your first 10 paying members might take a little time, but once you do, you’ll have the foundation for a thriving membership that grows month after month.
One great way to find your first members is to tap into online communities where your ideal audience already spends time. Facebook groups, LinkedIn groups, and niche forums can be excellent places to connect with potential members. Just make sure you provide value first and build trust before promoting your membership.
You can also collaborate with other small creators or business owners who serve a similar audience. Offer to host a joint live event, podcast episode, or Instagram takeover. This helps you get in front of new people who are likely to be interested in what you’re offering.
Lastly, remember that your confidence matters. People are more likely to join when they see you believe in your membership and the transformation it offers. Show up excited, share your vision clearly, and trust that the right members will be drawn to your energy.