Reviewed by the creators and entrepreneurs who took it
The Membership Experience (TME), formerly known as TRIBE, is Stu McLaren's six-module live training program for launching, growing, and scaling a membership site around your knowledge, skills and expertise. It gives members the clarity, the confidence, and the tools to build recurring revenue, including people starting from scratch.
It is built on six core strategies drawn from best practices across more than 60,000 membership sites and online communities, rather than from a single success story or untested theory. Stu is the co-founder of Membership.io, author of Predictable Profits, and runs multiple membership businesses of his own. The course has run every year for over a decade.
Every review below was shared by a member of the program. Wording is unchanged.
I remember thinking, should I spend this $3,000? Is this worth it? Am I going to be able to do this? And then all of a sudden, when I did my first launch only a month ago, realizing that yes, this is possible... Just don't have that scarcity mindset. You've got to invest in yourself. You've got to invest in the right people, the coaches who have done what you want to do, who are where you want to be, and who have been where you are right now.
— Amanda
Being passionate about my craft is very different than understanding how to run the business behind it. In 2020, I jumped in with both feet and I created a membership. From that moment, it was the hardest work of my life, because while a membership sounded really good, I also did not know what I was doing. Lots of bad advice, lots of wasted money. Later I struggled. And then I found Stu. Stu walked me through exactly how a membership should look, exactly what I should be doing. Since it's been actually less than six months at this point, I have gained over 140 new members.
Registered dietitian and weight loss coach, owner of Perfect Fit Nutrition.
— Constance S.
When I first got started in this business, I was making standalone courses and I hated going through the constant cycle of launching. I hated working so hard for so long, just for a week of open cart and hoping that that would change my life. But for me, that just didn't happen and it got really frustrating. And then someone tipped me off to the idea of having a membership site. That's when I learned about TME, and I joined the TME program five years ago. It's amazing knowing that every month I've got that recurring revenue and I don't have to go chasing for new clients.
Runs MasterYourMix.com, helping musicians create professional recordings from home studios. TME member five years.
— Mike I.
One moment from the TME experience that I remember that really stuck with me was when you got teary-eyed and really emotional about a friend who'd passed away, and that he might not have known how much he mattered to you. And you showed us that what we do matters, and sometimes it's hard to know that when you're teaching online and you might not get all of the live feedback you'd like. I know that what I do affects people in a positive way... Now, of course, I'd always love to have more members and I'm continually working on that.
— Christine E.
My one moment was when I had my very first call to enroll me in the membership experience. And it'll stick with me because I finally felt seen and really validated for the dream I've had for years. And being in the membership has given me a peace of mind and a freedom to be me. And I just feel like I finally found my people, my village.
— Phyllis H.
I started my membership in 2021 and had a lot of success with bringing people in (mostly via Tik Tok Live at that, but that stopped working as well this year due to algorithm changes however it's still my biggest and best platform) but I had horrible retention with my members and I've tried everything I know to get people to stay longer than a few months. (I will say I have some awesome members that have stayed the whole time and I adore them so much for sticking with it!!! BUT...most were leaving) ... I've always told my husband that if someone would just pull back the curtain and show me what to do, I could do it and I feel like The Membership Experience has done just that!! I have a clear path and a plan of action now. I feel so much more confident. I've had so many aha moments and some made me want to cry because after almost 3 years of running a membership, there were so many mistakes I was making ... I've been super depressed this year about not making as much money or impact as I have always dreamed of making after getting off to such a great start in 2021 and then seeing my numbers (members and bank account) dwindle but I'm so PUMPED now!
— Melodye R.
Another perspective from an alumnus. Everything that TME Team lets out into the world is of superb quality. As a matter of fact, it is Stu and his team who have set the bar for me in regards to everything that I do. And they have set it high. The free resources that they offer are truly valuable, timely and relevant, actionable, and always deliver on the promise. Their paid content is this times 100. And then some. In the course of the past 5 years I've invested in many high ticket programs and although many of them were great, it is Stu and his team that have wowed me the most. If you are serious about creating a profitable membership, this is hands down the best place to be and the best people to learn from in the world. Plus, as I've mentioned, it teaches you so much more than "just" starting or growing a membership based business. It teaches you how to show up, deliver, serve, surprise, and wow your people. That's exactly what I have experienced and I am thrilled for every single person that jumps in.
— Kasia R.
I already joined during the early bird signup period and am excited to get started when the main program is opened up. I joined this workshop and opted for the VIP also. I'm looking at this as an investment in my future. Could I have started a membership without this workshop or the main program? Probably. But it would've cost me much more in trial and error both in money and my time. The total investment will be small compared to the return. The free workshop will help a lot of people but anyone that faults him for offering a much more in-depth program for a larger investment probably will never do good with an online business. He's giving you his knowledge, what works, what doesn't work. His main program is for those that are serious about a business and want to skip a lot of the mistakes that can be made.
— Scott T.
Technology was the biggest hurdle—for both me and my customers. I wasn't just learning new systems myself, I was guiding an audience who often felt intimidated by technology to step into an online space with confidence. Instead of trying to have everything perfectly figured out from the start, I gave myself—and my students—permission to learn together. During the first round, students had three months to decide if they wanted to stay, and those three months became a shared learning experience. We worked through the technology step-by-step, asked questions, made adjustments, and supported one another along the way. The best part, those who stayed from round one were now built in teachers for round two and are currently helping the next group when they get stuck.
— Sookie O.
Folks, I took part in this workshop 3 yrs ago, did the FML to 250 facebook followers. I had nothing. 12 people paid to be FM. Today I run two communities for electronic music producers, one in my home country Poland, and one worldwide. There is nearly 80 ppl in the communities. I'm not the best music producer in the world. I'm just few steps ahead and have passion for teaching. Today it's a business that I work on and I'm currently speaking with an investor to invest in this project and sell to him eventually. I had never see it going that way but it was the best decision of my life so far. If I could do it you can!
— Michał G.
We just had a great MAPS-Part 2 call! Shout out to Shawna Thompson for giving many of us clarity and guidance in the main room. I often get blinded by the secondary issues, and not focusing on my primary issue. In my case, I need to keep putting myself in front of more audience. That's my primary focus. I came in with a different question, but she reminded me that it was the secondary issue.
— Naomi G.
I was a 2016 triber. I still had access to the 2016 course and upgraded to this years 2024. The content is similar and based on the same principals but the delivery and speed is very different. I'm so so so glad I upgraded. I've got my money back in the founding member launch. And the delivery and energy is off the charts.
— Jacquie L.
I did it! I launched my Founding Member Launch at 11:55am Eastern today and I already have my first 6 paying members. I'm capping my FML at 30 members so I can really work with these initial members to build a great community. My new membership is called History Explorers Club, it's a community for adults who love early American history and want to take their interest to the next level through live historian-led events, courses, and discussions. I have a good feeling about this. I'm excited! Thank you for all of the inspiration and support!
— Liz C.
My membership is Colour Pencil School, where I help coloured pencil artists of all levels develop the confidence and skills to draw realistic subjects independently. Three-day free workshop series... Around 700 subscribers in total... Approximately 280 came organically from my mailing list... Average live attendance of around 100 people each day... Around 90% stayed until the end of the workshops on average each day... 6 sign-ups during the fast action period, 3 additional sign-ups after the fast action period. Total: 9 new members.
— Laleh K.
I have fully embraced ChatGPT for my marketing, copy, and content (with a little nudge here and there) and am seeing traction - daily getting new email subscribers. By doing the TME+ challenge of the month, my landing sales page is much more expressive of all I have to offer. My ads for my 10 Essentials PDF starts today, which leads to my 3-Day JumpStart Your Ministry workshop. I have a 33% click rate and a 90% sign up rate for the event just from my email list. I have 50 registered for the event and my ads haven't even started
— Elaine B.
I disengaged for a few weeks- got sidetracked on another project and just rewatched the listbulder workshop. Holy Mackeral- that listbuilder tool gave me success in 15 minutes that I have been spiraling about for weeks! I got refocused and I'm back on track. I was caught up in building a lead magnet, how to link to kit, and the tech issues. This tool bypassed all of that- and my link was live at the same time. Oh and quality output too. Only had to tweek a little wording- took about 10 minutes. Wow!
— Maria H.
We closed on 74 new members in Launch Swipes! Woohoo! Taking our total to 171. This is the first promo we've done since I did our FML, too busy raising investment and running everyone else's launches as Stu knows. This was pretty unexpected because this business has become my evening and weekend job as my launch software business is my main focus. Hardly sent many emails, and they were pretty average too, but I think the offer was really good so made a lot of sense for our audience.
— Laura
Shipping out month 53 of my subscription box...all 3000 of my amazing subscribers will get a little turquoise package in the mail this week. Plus doing my FML for my newest membership... Both of these things still give me All The Feels! No matter how much we do this, that nervous feeling never goes away. I also believe those are the same feelings that keep the passion for our businesses alive.
— Sarah
We just wrapped up our 2nd launch and welcomed 266 members. Projected earnings means that we now have a 6 figure art business! I'm still in disbelief at how quickly this happened. It's not even a year yet as we did our FML in June last year. Thank you Stu and all the TME Team. Finding you in April last year was an answer to prayers.
— Ruth A.
I took Stu's course in 2021 when I launched my membership - 2,600 members and about to turn over 1M - if you are in any doubt about joining let me tell you - jump in with both feet - it works!!!
— Bonny S.
LAUNCH DEBRIEF #LaunchDebrief Just wrapped up my best launch so far. I teach how to draw kawaii in my membership (Kawaii Drawing Club®), and I just welcomed 71 new members to my world. Aweee!...I had 2 big affiliates sending traffic to the LIVE sign up page (thank you Mim) which brought in 50% of the LIVE registrations!...I am really happy with the results. And VERY excited for the next launch!!!! Thank you TME community and TME Team for support on this journey.
— Tatyana D.
DO IT! A membership model is easy to manage, plus you feel a lot closer to your beneficiaries. It is so easy to interact with your community and watch them grow as they learn... We also took part in the TME+ course which helped guide us in creating our membership. We would not have been able to launch without their guidance and tools!
— Hannah K.
I did too much myself. Got very overwhelmed. Didn't know what to do. The team was, and is, truly amazing. I had a great call with Shawna. She urged me to stop doing the tech on my own (she knows I'm bad in asking for help). Then at about the same time my husband offered to help, that lifted massive loads of my shoulder!
— YvonJane L.
...My last 3 reels published this month are in the comments. A shoutout to Tracy Harris is due — reel creation has become sooo much more easy, and fun, since I've been introduced to her thanks to TME!
— Nakita V.
I wanted to share and celebrate that I've opened cart on my first 'A' launch of my Elevate style membership since June 2022 ... I haven't done one since June 22, because we cancelled our March launch after my mum passed away unexpectedly. It feels like i've started all over again! It is new messaging, a brand new webinar, on a new platform with a new sales page, and at higher price. It was my 4th webinar ever, and the first with no major tech issues, so I feel like i'm winning ... I'm delighted that 9 new annual members already signed up during the masterclass, and my doors are open now till Oct 1st. I'm back on the horse, and it feels good to finally be in launch again.
— Lizzie E.
The more time I spend here, the more I realize how rare this space really is — not because it's perfect, but because it's rooted in intention. In a world where so many people are pushing to sell more, it's refreshing to be part of a community that leads with service, transparency, and actual care. I've spent the last few months quietly rebuilding my life's work into something that can serve others long after I'm gone — and truth be told, much of that clarity came from watching how this community shows up. So thank you — sincerely — for modeling the kind of impact I want to leave behind.
— Robert B.
I have created a community well-being change guide as my lead magnet based on stu's model and have set it up to run as an evergreen lead opt-In using Facebook ads... it is working really well and my subscriber list has grown by 600 so I have nearly 1000 people now on my list the cost per lead is about $.60c but has gone up slightly to 70c recently. I've only currently been using one style of creative given that it has been working well.
— Renee K.
After some technical glitches and all the life things getting in the way, we finally did our founding member launch on Thursday to 128 people who I had reached out to in advance. Here's our results from Day 1: 128 emails sent, 68% open rate, 15% clicked the Join CTA, 14 new members. Looking forward to seeing how things play out over the next 7 days. My cart stays open until August 15th and I have reminders planned
— Kristiana C.
My founder member launch is tomorrow. Webinar is scheduled for 12.30 GMT, hub is set up with enough content to get people started, My 5 step challenge emails are all written (linked to the starter content) to get everyone going. My FML emails are all written and I've scheduled enough to get through the next couple of days. This has been in my head for years. Now its getting into the world. Very excited.
— Sara M.
I am ALL IN and loving being a part of this awesome membership.io community! Little Soul Shack is the go-to online community for stressed, sleepless women. Helping them find calm, improve sleep, and live clearer lives, teaching them body-first tools and nervous system regulation. I LAUNCHED! A soft launch to my existing clients! Whoop Whoop! It is HAPPENING! Exciting!
— Nat C.
I joined TME 2025 and launched my new membership We Are Jasmine Stitchers this June. I welcomed 33 amazing founding members and chose a closed model. And wow, am I glad I did! It felt so good to step away from constantly selling the membership and just serve the people on the inside. AND - since closing the doors, over 60 people have signed up for the waitlist!!
— Makalani S.
Proof of what's possible; I did TME, launched my first membership, landed a dream job as a result, and now getting back into my own business again and relaunching a new and upgraded version of a membership to serve creatives at this new level. Stu and TME is the real deal, and I am very much looking forward to the 2023 version, connecting with everyone.
— Sofie M.
First session of WTF complete!! Yabba doo so I've only gone and done it - did my first session with my one member!! It was friggin awesome and I've even sent an email to those that were interested but never signed up showing them what they're missing out on. This is an actual programme rather than a pipe dream in my head - sorted!!
— Rach
I was in TRIBE in 2020 I believe. I had created my success path without even knowing it was a thing. Your program affirmed me and was one of my first big investments in business. Today I am running 7 figure business and we have become the fastest growing mystery shopping organization in the world!
— Mercedes E.
FML CART CLOSED! sent invitation to a small but warm list of 50 course graduates. I now have 14 founding members to take care of (plus one client who opted for a higher priced private program). could not be happier with results and definitely could not have done it without TME Team and this group
— Caroline
Yesterday I got super charged and that amazing fluttering feeling in my heart to JUST FU*KING GO FOR IT. So far I have 7 women interested in learning more (IG story went out Friday at 4:15) and I am sending them details next week. Very excited for this change to my business.
— Krystal
I did my founder member launch last week and got 15 members. It's a vegan cooking club for foodies who want to up their game and create restaurant quality dishes (I'm a chef). I hoped for more founders but those who have joined are super excited.
— Natalie L.
I have an art membership for kids and want to start one for adults. I just did my FML only to the parents of those kids and just got 58 founding members! Next I'll pitch it to my full email list and social media. Most laid back launch ever!
— Daniel
I am super stoked to get started with my membership The Yoga in Therapy Collective! I had my first welcome meeting and it went so well. Excited to learn more marketing strategies to help it grow. Woohoo!
— Chris M.
The discount on Searchie and free TME next year alone make it worth it... along with learning and support all year long.
— Michelle S.
Founding Member launched last Monday, 2 signed up before and I've had 9 more and today it closes! Thank you to Stu for his encouragement and his wisdom about FOLLOWUP. I sent an emaill M/W/F/M/W seems like a lot but I also targeted different emails depending if they opened the email or clicked on the links. I also did a few text followups of people I knew would want to get in on it. I am SO excited for the 11 and the day isn't over yet! I had a goal for 10! Initially I had thought I wanted to have everything ready to go before I even launched, so I am grateful for Stu's workshops! I am launching my product on Searchie in June and cannot wait for that launch!
— Melody W.
I have taken TME (formally Tribe) more than once, it's worth every penny. Even if you don't do "all the things" it's worthwhile. Stu has such a big heart and he is truly talented. What's amazing is I have this poster from a live I did at a business boutique event.. It's been with me for thousands of miles I've moved and it's a little beat up... but it's on my wall for me to remember and it's one of my favorite pieces in my house
— River L.
One day at a time. I cut back on 2 of my gigs. However, I have had a big fear of Instagram and speaking on video for my content. I quickly got over speaking to the video, but still have a block with Instagram. I still need more one-on-one help. I will keep searching out for it. Stu's team has been very motivating, fun, and encouraging. I appreciate that!
— Karen M.
I'm thrilled about the direction this journey is taking me. I'm eager to expand my knowledge and skills so I can better serve my membership — Underneath the Armor, and I'm equally excited about the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to my colleagues here. This feels like an incredible adventure ahead!
— Rodney L.
I'm a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) specializing in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and am preparing to launch a membership site for students (mostly other RDNs) who have taken my digital course about IBD nutrition. My plan is to follow Stu's steps for a founding member launch this week.
— Colleen W.
I locked in the rate for founder members for ever, as long as they stay a member in good standing. They know what value they get so most stay. The ones I lose I'm ok with... Investment has gone up 10x since my FML and no . . . FML is not free!
— MaryCollin
Just had to share this. Two of my members posted commented this on my "Wednesday Wins" prompt. This is why I have a membership. To see changed lives. I'm recovering from surgery and these messages MADE MY DAY!
— Jen H.
Just closed my membership doors at 9 pm EST. I was hoping for 10 founding members and got 7! Now just have to wow them in the next 30 days and keep them around for a long time :) #launched
— Leighanna H.
I'd like to hear what y'all think of my email stats from my launch. It was very successful. I got 41 founding members with an email list of 567 and 303 unique landing page visits.
— Skylar B.
I started my group and watching Stu and doing TME made me hone it into something that was more effective for my members
— Pastor E.
I went from 1.5k on IG to over 25K followers in the last week... have 1000+ emails from my landing page.
— Spencer
Stu took me from 0 to over 1500 members in my monthly art membership. He's the real deal.
— Stu D.
TME Team Thank you! This workshop has given me so much motivation to get this membership up and running. So grateful to be a part of it!
— Stacy
Thank you, Stu McLaren, for creating Predictable Profits — a space where collaboration leads to unstoppable growth!
— Brenda
I did a Founding Member Launch based on Stu's advice and it was so easy and effective!
— Zora
The Recurring Revenue Workshop is Stu McLaren's free 3-day live workshop, and it is where most of the people on this page started. It runs live starting November 2. Registration closes when it goes live.
Save My Free SeatFree to attend.