What's the real cost of your membership site? (S5E155)

What's the real cost of your membership site? (S5E155)

Author: Autumn Witt Boyd | Go-To Lawyer for Online Entrepreneurs September 7, 2020 Duration: 38:02
Legal Road Map®: copyright, trademark and business law info for online entrepreneurs
BusinessEntrepreneurship

Membership sites and online communities are some of the most popular business models in the online world. They allow your business (and consistent revenue) to grow quickly and reach more people without necessarily adding more work to your plate.

But to anyone who's ever seen a discussion around social issues turn ugly, or found your own resources pop up on someone else's site, you know that there are lots of things that can go wrong in the membership site/ online community business model if you don't set up the right legal protections.

In this episode, we'll cover:

  • How to avoid legal issues by making good business decisions when you're getting started
  • Best practices for where to include your Terms of Use (TOU) on your website
  • What term you should NOT include in your TOU -- to make sure you don't get taken advantage of when it comes to refunds
  • How your TOU can help you address social justice issues like BLM 
  • What to consider if you have volunteer mentors or moderators in your community or membership
  • Whether you should protect your content by registering your copyrights

BONUS:  If you're starting something new, or this episode has spotlighted areas of your business that have you worried, now is a great time to make sure your business is in good shape legally. Download our free How to Write Your Own Contracts checklist to make sure your business has solid contracts in place at www.awbfirm.com/podcast155!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Contract template store: www.awbfirm.com/contract-templates

Episodes about employees vs. independent contractors: www.awbfirm.com/podcast37, www.awbfirm.com/podcast144

Membership or Online Community template bundle: https://awbfirm.com/collections/all/products/membership-online-community-bundle

This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.


Navigating the legal landscape of an online business often feels like deciphering a foreign language. Legal Road Map®: copyright, trademark and business law info for online entrepreneurs translates that complex language into actionable advice you can use right away. Hosted by Autumn Witt Boyd, a practicing attorney who focuses specifically on creative and digital businesses, this podcast serves as a reliable guide through the common yet confusing legal questions entrepreneurs face daily. Each episode tackles practical topics, from the essential contracts you need to protect your work and client relationships to understanding the real purpose behind website policies like terms of service and privacy notices. You’ll hear clear explanations on how copyright and trademark law applies to your original content, branding, and products, helping you secure your intellectual property without unnecessary jargon. Think of it as a regular consultation with a trusted expert, designed to demystify the law so you can make informed decisions and focus on growing your venture with greater confidence and security. Tune in for straightforward conversations that replace legal anxiety with a practical plan, making this podcast an invaluable resource for any entrepreneur building a business in the digital space.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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Legal Road Map®: copyright, trademark and business law info for online entrepreneurs
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