No one likes a membership, the thought of paying out for years is overwhelming when all they want is a result in a set time, we look at this idea
Blog by Peter Hanley bizbitspro.com
You know that feeling when you sign up for a new membership? Maybe it’s a gym, a software subscription, or an online course. For a moment, you’re filled with hope and excitement. But soon, that feeling starts to fade. The initial motivation wanes, the weekly emails become clutter, and before you know it, you’re just another name on a list, paying a monthly fee for something you barely use. This isn’t a failure on your part—it’s a fundamental problem with the membership model itself.
In today’s fast-paced world, people don’t want another membership. What they truly crave are results, an outcome, and a deadline. They want a clear path from A to B, with a finish line they can see and a prize they can claim. This isn’t just a hunch; it’s a core principle that successful entrepreneurs like Alex Hormozi have built empires on. In his insightful book, 100M Offers, he argues that the most compelling offers are those that guarantee a specific, time-bound result. This powerful idea holds the key to why so many traditional membership models fall flat.
The Problem with Perpetual “Access”
A membership, by its very nature, is a subscription to a perpetual state. You get access to a library of content, a community, or a piece of software. The value is presented as an ongoing stream of information or tools. However, this model often places the burden of success squarely on the customer’s shoulders. You have to find the time, muster the motivation, and figure out how to use the “access” to get a result.
The problem is that human beings are wired for progress, not for perpetual access. We’re motivated by achievements, not by the promise of potential. Think about it: a weight loss challenge that promises to help you lose 10 pounds in 30 days is far more compelling than a gym membership that simply gives you access to weights. One has a clear outcome and a deadline; the other offers endless possibility without a defined goal. Without a defined endpoint, it’s all too easy to procrastinate and eventually lose interest, which is precisely why so many people stop using their memberships.
Why People Pay for Outcomes, Not Features
If you want to create an offer that truly resonates, you need to shift your focus from what you’re selling to what your customer will become as a result of using your product. Hormozi’s genius lies in understanding this fundamental truth. People don’t buy a gym membership; they buy the outcome of becoming healthier and more confident. They don’t buy an online course; they buy the skill of becoming a professional photographer or a successful coder.
This is where the magic happens. When you reframe your offering around a specific, tangible outcome, you transform it from a passive subscription into a powerful solution. Instead of offering “access to 500 workouts,” you can offer a “30-Day Shred Challenge to Lose 10 Pounds.” Instead of “access to 100 cooking recipes,” you can offer a “21-Day Gourmet Meal Plan to Master Italian Cuisine.” These offers are compelling because they speak directly to the customer’s desired future self, providing a clear map and a deadline for getting there.
The Affiliate Marketing Twist: From Memberships to Recurring Revenue
So, how does this apply to affiliate marketing and recurring revenue? This is where you can truly get creative and build a business that serves your audience and pays you consistently. Instead of simply promoting a single membership, you can leverage this “outcome-focused” mindset to build a powerful and profitable ecosystem.
Imagine you’re an affiliate for a great email marketing tool. Instead of just writing a review and telling people to sign up for a monthly plan, you can create a unique, outcome-based offer. For example, you could create a “7-Day Email List Challenge” where you teach people how to get their first 100 subscribers using that specific tool. Your challenge would be a free guide or video series that provides immense value and a clear deadline. The call-to-action wouldn’t be “sign up now”; it would be “sign up for a free trial of the tool and follow along with the challenge.”
By doing this, you’re not just selling a subscription; you’re selling a transformation. You’re giving your audience the motivation and the roadmap they desperately need. This approach builds a much stronger connection with your audience and drastically increases the likelihood of them converting and staying on as a long-term, paying customer. Because they got a tangible result with your guidance, they’re far more likely to continue using the tool and paying for the subscription, creating a steady stream of recurring revenue for you.
A Better Way Forward
The truth is, no one likes a membership because a membership represents a journey without a map, a promise without a deadline. The path to creating a thriving, sustainable business is to move beyond the old model of “access” and instead focus on providing clear, time-bound outcomes. By understanding this shift in mindset—and by leveraging it in your affiliate marketing efforts—you can create offers that are not only irresistible but also build lasting value for both your audience and your bottom line.