Creating Recurring Revenue with a Small Community & FREE WordPress Masterclass Invitation
In the latest episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I’m joined by Lorna Lyons, positive psychology expert and founder of themumboss.com and Bump and Beyond Wellness. Lorna left her teaching career to pursue a more values-aligned life and in doing so, built not one, but two thriving online businesses. If you’re a business owner looking to grow online without burnout, this conversation is for you. And don’t miss her FREE Recurring Revenue Toolkit… it’s a game-changer!
Meanwhile, if creating your own website has been holding you back, Christina Hills is here to make it simple. She’s hosting a FREE Live WordPress Masterclass that shows you how to build a highly-effective WordPress site quickly and confidently… even if you’re not techie!
1. Positive Psychology & Social Media: Boundaries, Values, and Mental Well-Being
Social media is a powerful tool, but it can take a toll on your mental health. Lorna shares how her background in positive psychology helped her:
- Establish strong boundaries between business and personal life
- Define core values to guide her social media strategy
- Avoid emotional burnout from post-performance obsession
“Positive psychology taught me to focus on what truly matters: my values. That made it easier to shut the laptop and put my phone away when I needed to.”
This mindset shift is critical for anyone building a brand online. When your business aligns with your core values, you’re less likely to fall into the trap of comparison or perfectionism.
2. Forget Vanity Metrics: Focus on Real Engagement
Going viral might feel great at the moment, but it’s not a business strategy. Lorna explains why she prioritizes real connection and conversion over follower counts:
- Targeted content leads to the right audience, not just any audience
- 1000 true fans are more valuable than 100K passive followers
- Focus on sales and impact, not likes and views
“I’ve worked with people with 100K followers and no income. Meanwhile, my 3K followers bring in consistent revenue.”
If you’re spending hours trying to “beat the algorithm,” it might be time to reframe your strategy. Build community, not clout.
3. Recurring Revenue: The Power of Membership Models
Lorna’s flagship business success lies in her membership community. She breaks down how she created a recurring income stream that doesn’t rely on daily hustle:
Key Elements of a Profitable Membership:
- Clear niche and shared values
- Streamlined onboarding journey
- Low-energy, high-value deliverables
“Your membership should serve both your clients and your lifestyle.”
Lorna’s tip? Design your membership with long-term sustainability in mind. Don’t promise weekly live sessions if it’s going to burn you out.
4. Why Storytelling Converts (And How to Use It Effectively)
One of the most powerful tools in your content strategy? Storytelling. Lorna uses stories to build emotional connection, demonstrate value, and prompt action.
She recommends:
- Starting with a strong hook
- Sharing a personal or relatable story
- Ending with a clear call-to-action
Stories not only humanize your brand, they stick. They’re memorable, and they inspire your audience to take action.
5. Your Email List is Your Secret Weapon
Instagram is great, but you don’t own it. Lorna emphasizes that while social platforms are excellent for discovery, your email list is where the real magic happens.
- Emails reach more of your audience than posts
- You control the message and the timing
- Email builds deeper trust over time
“Instagram is where they meet me. My email list is where they get to know me.”
Her current focus? Helping others grow beyond social platforms, through speaking gigs, email marketing, and collaborations.
Final Takeaway: Build a Business That Works for You
Lorna’s journey is a testament to the fact that you don’t need to go viral to build a wildly successful business. By aligning your strategy with your values, focusing on recurring revenue, and leaning into storytelling and email marketing, you can create a business that feels good and pays well.
FREE GIFT: Grab Lorna Lyon’s Recurring Revenue Toolkit!
If you’re ready to ditch the hustle-for-vanity game and start building a business rooted in purpose, this episode is your sign.
🎧 Listen or watch the full episode at The Social Media Takeaway Podcast (links in the comment)