Losing Course & Membership Clients to AI? (Probably) | Ep. 57

Are you losing course and membership clients to AI?

What if I told you that the very thing you’re selling online… your course, your membership, your meticulously crafted step-by-step program… will soon become obsolete?

Not the knowledge itself or your hard-earned expertise, but the delivery mechanism you’re currently using to share that knowledge.

Now, I’m not a fear-monger trying to create panic. If you’ve followed my work, you know I focus on innovative ideas and outside-the-box solutions rather than doom-and-gloom predictions.

In this video, I dive into how AI is changing online education and why your course or membership delivery needs to evolve. We’ll explore AI tools for course creators, the future of online learning, and how to add human value to your offers. I share my experience with MindPal, custom GPTs, and practical shortcuts for transforming your programs to stay relevant and irresistible.

I want to discuss what’s coming and, more importantly, how you can adapt and thrive in this shift…

My personal opinion is that course creators and membership site owners are in for a rude awakening when it comes to AI.

VIDEO: Losing Course & Membership Clients to AI? (Probably) | Ep. 57

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The AI Revolution

Not so long ago, if you wanted to master a skill—say, baking sourdough bread—you’d buy a cookbook or maybe even a whole series of books. Fast forward to today, and you can enroll in a specialized online course, complete with video lessons, downloadable resources, and direct access to the expert.

But now, with tools like ChatGPT and many others, learners can simply ask an AI for help and get instant, tailored advice. AI draws from the vast pool of online knowledge, offering solutions in seconds. This shift means that the traditional course format—hours of video lessons and static workbooks—may no longer be the shortcut it once was.

Here’s the reality we need to face: AI tools like ChatGPT are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Students can now get instant answers to their questions without watching hours of video content. This shift is forcing us to rethink how we deliver value to our students.

Related: What Works on YouTube NOW (2025) | Ep. 35

Why Information Alone Isn’t Enough Anymore

People don’t buy courses for the sake of information. They buy them for results—a transformation, a shortcut to their goals. The internet is overflowing with free information, but what sets your program apart is how quickly and enjoyably you help your clients achieve their desired outcomes.

Years ago, people bought online courses and memberships because they wanted a shortcut—an easier way to go from Point A to Point B. They were paying to avoid the guesswork and to learn directly from someone who had already figured it out.

But now? AI is the ultimate shortcut. Instead of sifting through hours of content, learners can use AI-powered tools to get personalized answers and actionable steps. If your course or membership is just a collection of videos or PDFs, it’s at risk of being replaced by smarter, faster AI alternatives.

AI can often provide those same shortcuts in seconds. You can type a question into ChatGPT and get instant answers. Want to troubleshoot your sourdough starter? AI can probably guide you better than a 20-hour course ever could.

The lesson here is this: the value of your course isn’t in the information. It’s in the experience—the transformation you facilitate, the tools you provide, and the you that no AI can replicate.

Creating Future-Proof Courses

The best way to stay relevant? Leverage AI as part of your offer! Let me share what I’ve been implementing in Video Brand Academy to future-proof my business and provide even better results for my members:

Create Custom AI Tools for Your Members

I’ve built a suite of AI-powered tools inside my membership Video Brand Academy, each designed to help members get results faster and with less friction. For example:

  • “Pick Meredith’s Brain” Chatbot: Trained on all my course content, available 24/7 for member questions.
  • Keyword Research Tool: Saves members money on third-party tools like TubeBuddy or VidIQ.
  • Brainstorm Breakthrough Tool: Helps members overcome creative blocks instantly.
  • 3×4 Method Idea Generator: My idea generator
  • YouTube Video Creation Workflow: Guides users from idea to script in minutes.
  • Opening Hook Helper: Optimizes video intros for better retention.
  • Video Brand GPS (Growth Planning System): It helps members navigate their journey with personalized recommendations in under 60 seconds. It is a quiz-like tool that maps a learner’s journey in under 60.

The key difference? These aren’t generic AI tools. They’re trained on my specific expertise and methodology, so the output sounds like advice I would personally give.

The Human Element That AI Can’t Replace

Here’s something AI can’t replicate: you. Your personal touch.

Your voice, your humor, your facial expressions, your real-time feedback. These are the things that breathe life into your programs. That’s why I’m so grateful I built a membership instead of just static courses. Every month, I show up on live Zoom calls, interact with my students, answer their questions, and connect.

AI may be the shortcut, but you’re still the destination. People crave human connection, especially in a world that’s becoming increasingly digital.

Practical Steps to AI-Proof Your Course Business

1. Start with a Simple Custom GPT

The easiest way to begin is by creating a custom GPT trained on your course material. Yes, students could potentially share it, but it’s a great starting point to test the waters.

2. Create Workflow-Based Tools

Think about the repetitive tasks your students struggle with and create AI tools that automate those processes. For example:

  • Content idea generators
  • Writing assistants for specific formats
  • Assessment tools that provide instant feedback
  • Personalized action plan creators

3. Add More Human Touchpoints

As AI handles the information delivery, you need to increase your human presence. Consider:

  • Regular Live meetups and Q&A sessions
  • Group coaching calls
  • Peer interaction opportunities
  • Personalized feedback sessions

4. Use Platforms That Protect Your Content

I use MindPal embedded directly into my Kajabi platform. This means my AI tools are only accessible to paying members, and I maintain control over how they’re used.

I’ve developed a powerful suite of AI tools within Video Brand Academy, all designed to help you grow your YouTube channel and streamline your content creation. By integrating MindPal directly into my Kajabi platform, members gain exclusive access to these resources, which are trained on my proven strategies and frameworks. While these tools are reserved for active members, you can still experience their benefits for free by downloading the Video Brand Academy app. Inside the app, you’ll find a unique AI-powered YouTube Channel Analyzer—just upload a couple of screenshots of your channel from your phone, and the tool instantly rates your channel from cringeworthy to binge-worthy. It’s the perfect way to get actionable feedback and start improving your channel today.

Ready to see the difference? Download the Video Brand Academy app now.

Conclusion

As AI continues to transform education and online learning, many of us wonder if we’re losing course sales, memberships, or clients to these new technologies. While AI might be impacting things to some degree, it also presents an incredible opportunity: to become the creator of the very AI tools that help your clients and students achieve their goals faster. As a subject matter expert in your niche, you already know how to guide your audience to success, and now you can enhance that journey by developing AI-powered resources tailored to their needs.

From my experience as a course creator, membership owner, and student of other programs, I’ve seen firsthand that AI is not just a trend—it’s becoming an expectation. I’d love to hear from you if you’ve integrated AI tools into your offerings. What’s working? Which tools are your favorites? How are your clients responding?

In Video Brand Academy, members rave about the AI tools I’ve developed, and honestly, I have a blast creating them. Embracing AI can elevate your educational content and set you apart in an increasingly competitive market.

Rather than seeing AI as a threat, I’ve embraced it as an opportunity to enhance my offerings. By combining AI tools with personal expertise and human connection, we can create more valuable, efficient, and engaging learning experiences for our students.

The key isn’t to fight against AI but to use it as a powerful ally in delivering transformations to our students. The future of online education isn’t just about information – it’s about creating an ecosystem where technology and human expertise work together seamlessly.

Related: Consistent Sales of Your Online Course with YouTube

If you have an online business with a course, program, or any other kind of offer, and you’re not currently generating consistent sales on autopilot, I’d like to introduce you to the hands off youtube funnel that has made me over $20k on a $147 course! That way, you too can make consistent sales of your offer, with the beauty and simplicity of organic, evergreen traffic from YouTube! Start here with my free “AIT Method” training.