Need to Know Strategies for Customer Retention from Funk Roberts

Feb 6, 2025

Four insane strategies Funk Roberts Use to Boost the Retention, Engagement, and Revenue (PROOF Inside!)                                                                                             Reader Disclosure Reader Disclosure

For anyone running an online membership site keeping existing members is always been more difficult than acquiring new ones. While attracting new members is important but keeping them interested and committed is the real game-changer.

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Higher retention means more predictable revenue, deeper community connections, and an increased and committed membership base. There's a wealth of ways to engage members online and you'll be unable to determine the effectiveness of these strategies until you test them yourself.

That's why we approached Funk Roberts, a well-known online fitness coach and a active member for many years, to talk about the strategies that have helped him increase retention, engagement and even revenue.

        Here are the methods Funk Robert shared with us.        

1. The 'Shared Rituals' Strategy

Shared rituals are consistent and repeatable events that your members participate in regularly, creating a strong sense of belonging and community. They are like glue. help keep members returning and deepen their connection to your membership.

Some of the key Benefits of this strategy are:

  • Creates a strong community culture
  • Promotes regular participation and engagement
  • Increases member loyalty and retention

What do you think this will look as in actual practice?

I manage a membership plan that is called " Over 40 Alpha." It is fitness and health-related membership for men over 40, 50, 60, and beyond. I have several shared rituals for this membership program, which ensure that the participants are focused on the mission and the community.

  • Sweet Selfies: Members post pictures at the end of every workout, expressing their commitment and encouraging others to do the same.
  • Alpha Meal posts The members share pictures of their meals, breaking them into macro parts to foster accountability and educate the community.
  • Birthday burpees For birthdays, the members record themselves doing burpees corresponding to their years of age. This is fun and challenging and creates a shared celebration throughout the entire community.

How can you implement such routines that are shared by your team members?

  • Find the key behaviors or activities that are in line with your Tribe's members' goals.
  • Create easy-to-follow prompts or hashtags to promote participants.
  • Highlight these rituals in the onboarding material to establish expectations right at the beginning.

When you incorporate these common rituals to create a lively enjoyable and interactive environment where participants won't be able to leave.

2. The 'Identity Crafting' Technique

Understanding your target audience isn't just about knowing their demographics; it's all about understanding their needs, desires goals, challenges, and hopes. The majority of people don't need to purchase a item or service, they are looking to join something greater.

If you can create a distinct and distinctive image for your community, you'll give participants the sense of belonging and pride in who they're becoming by participating in the program you've created.

The majority of people want to be part of a community, they wanna feel valued and respected. And they wanna feel part of something greater that is bigger than them.

Some of the Benefits of this technique are:

  • Builds a strong sense of belonging
  • Differentiates your membership from competitors
  • Increases engagement and increases loyalty

In the Over 40 Alpha program it isn't about joining a fitness program but being transformed into over 40 Alphas. The Over 40 Alpha identity symbolizes strength, commitment to change and commitment. All of it, from the rites to the way of speaking, reinforces this identity, creating a badge respect.

How can you ensure an identical feeling for your members:

  • Define a unique image that resonates with the aspirations of your target audience.
  • Include this image in your rituals, content, and communications.
  • Continue to reinforce the identity of this brand through stories, testimonials, and community interactions.

As members assume an identity and brand new look that is in line with their objectives and values, they are more involved in the community, increasing the likelihood of them staying.

The "Insider Language" Method

Each successful tribe uses its own language, a secret handshake that separates insiders from the outside world. The creation of unique words, slogans or hand signals exclusive to your tribe could create a strong feeling of belonging and a sense of exclusivity. This insider language helps build an exclusive and difficult-to-copy culture.

The main benefits of this method include:

  • It gives a feeling of exclusivity as well as a sense of status.
  • Builds stronger bonds between communities.
  • Inspires retention over time by making members feel part of something special.

In Over 40 Alpha there are members with phrases like:

  • GID (Get It Done! ) GID (Get It Done!) is our rallying call that reaffirms our dedication to action and persistence.
  • "Smell The Rose": A call to pause, breathe, and appreciate the journey.

They're more than just catchy slogans but are an integral part of the tribal DNA. They help create a community where people feel they're part of something special and unique--something they want to stay a part of.

What can you do to get this to happen to your employees:

  • Create unique terms or phrases that reflect your community's values and goals.
  • Make sure to use these terms in all of your email, platform as well as occasions.
  • Inspire members to adopt and use these phrases in their own posts and interactions.

Creating a shared language builds a sense of community that members feel proud to be a part of, which directly impacts retention.

4. The  Transformation Journey Framework

One of the most efficient strategies to improve retention is to lead your members on a journey of transformation through clear objectives, incentive programs and support from the community. It gives them an incentive to stay and continue progressing in the context of your membership.

The main benefits of this framework:

  • Keeps members motivated and engaged.
  • It provides a clearly defined path for you to follow, helping reduce confusion and anxiety.
  • Encourages continuous membership renewal.

What is the best way to use this: Craft a path which leads to change, in which each member begins at a defined point and is guided towards the goals they set, and by your assistance throughout the process.

Here's what I do for my program:

  • Milestones: Set up signs along the way to celebrate your progress (for example, Milestone T-shirts that members of the Over 40 Alpha program earn every three phases in the "One Year To Alpha" journey).
  • Incentive Programs Reward accomplishments to motivate the next steps.
  • Community Assistance: Ensure no one walks this path without support by encouraging a sense of support and encouragement.

What can you do to implement this model for your staff members:

  • Draw out a clearly defined and step-by-step plan for a member's transformation.
  • Establish milestones of significance which are recognized with reward points.
  • Maintain a steady community of support with group challenges, check-ins, and encouragement.

Implementing a framework for transformation gives a compelling reason for participants to remain. The members are constantly moving towards the goal they have set and receive tangible benefits.

In summary

It is the core of any membership company that is successful. We hope this blog has given you a greater understanding of Fun Roberts' most effective strategies for increasing members' retention and engage. By implementing these four strategies--shared Rituals, Identity Crafting, Insider Language, and a transformation journey--you will be able to cultivate a thriving community that boosts retention and, in turn, increases the revenue.

Are you prepared to move your membership to the next step?

Dive deeper into the strategies listed above and many more using the Tribe Secrets The Tribe SecretsThe 27 Psychological Strategies To Turn Your Business Into A Family of Loyal Customers . Uncover All 27 Strategies to Start Building Your Legacy Today!

Let's build an environment where everyone feels like a crucial piece of the puzzle, helping to make your business successful and theirs.

        Do It! Done!        

        Your Coach, Friend, and Friend,        

        Funk Roberts        

        the Tribe's Membership Coach        

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