What Membership Sites Offer

Content membership sites offer a variety of exclusive resources tailored to their niche and audience. These resources can include:

• Subscriptions
• Videos
• Podcasts
• Physical Products
• Ebooks
• Audio Content
• Digital Products
• White Papers
• Communities
• Forums
• Clubs
• Blog Posts
• Online Courses
• Virtual Conferences
• Images
• Coaching Sessions

To enhance the value of your membership site, consider offering these features to attract and retain members.

Advantages of Membership Sites

Creating membership websites has become popular among businesses of all sizes. Here are some key benefits of establishing a membership site:

• Building a Community: Foster a community that regularly engages with your site, creating a loyal member base.
• Niche Thought Leadership: Position yourself as a thought leader by sharing exclusive content with your niche audience.
• Increasing Brand Loyalty: Convert community members into loyal customers, generating new marketing opportunities and leads for new products.
• Recurring Revenue: Generate a steady income stream by offering paid content and membership tiers.

Many companies create special offers and unique content to encourage registration for their membership sites. This might include discounts for referrals or exclusive access to premium content.

The Difference Between Membership vs. Subscription Sites

While membership and subscription sites both provide exclusive access for a fee, they serve different purposes:

Membership Sites Are Community-Based

Membership sites focus on building a community where members can interact, while subscription sites are primarily transactional. For example, a subscription service like Netflix provides content without direct community engagement.

Membership Sites Can Take Advantage of UGC

Unlike subscription sites, membership sites can benefit from User-Generated Content (UGC). While subscription sites need to constantly provide new content, membership sites can leverage UGC while maintaining quality through careful curation.

Important Factors of a Successful Membership Site

To build a successful membership site, consider the following key characteristics commonly seen in high-performing membership sites:

Focused on a Specific Niche

Almost all successful membership sites are centered around a specific niche in which they excel. This specialization is crucial for building trust and credibility within that niche. Without deep expertise in your chosen area, gaining the trust of your target audience becomes challenging.

Instead of trying to cater to a broad audience, focus on a specific group such as women, kids, bloggers, small businesses, or travel enthusiasts. This targeted approach will help you create more relevant and engaging content, ultimately increasing the success of your membership site.

Various Membership Models

Successful membership sites often utilize a range of membership models to cater to different user needs. Offering various models can help you attract a broader audience and provide options that fit different preferences. Here are some common membership models:

• Freemium: Provides free access to basic content with optional premium upgrades.
• Content Update: Regularly updated content available to members.
• Content Library: Access to a library of pre-published content.
• Group Coaching: Includes group coaching sessions as part of the membership.
• Professional Service: Offers pre-purchased content or services based on a recurring plan.
• Product Bundle: Combines digital products for purchase.
• Community: Facilitates learning and interaction among users.
• Hybrid: A combination of two or more of the above models.

Consider offering a mix of these models to maximize appeal and meet the needs of various users.

Educational Downloadable Content

Offering high-quality downloadable content is central to retaining members on a successful membership site. Quality content that can’t be easily found elsewhere is key to keeping your audience engaged and subscribed.

Ensure that your content provides detailed, valuable information and clearly communicates what is included and what is not. This transparency helps set expectations and enhances member satisfaction.

Originality

Providing original and unique content is essential for building trust and maintaining member interest. Avoid duplicating content from other sites and focus on delivering fresh, innovative ideas. Originality helps differentiate your membership site and keeps your audience engaged.

Visualization

Today’s audiences, especially Gen Z, prefer visual content over long text. Videos and audio content are crucial for engaging users and delivering training effectively. With the rise of multimedia platforms like Instagram and TikTok, incorporating visual elements into your membership site will enhance its appeal and effectiveness.

Utilize videos, infographics, and interactive content to make your site more attractive and engaging for users. This approach not only captures attention but also improves the overall user experience.

High Engagement Rates

To ensure the success of your membership site, focusing on high engagement rates is crucial. Aim to make your users feel involved and valued. Responding promptly to comments and interacting with your audience can significantly boost engagement.

Consider implementing features that foster engagement, such as personalized notifications and interactive content, to encourage members to stay active and involved in your community.

Live Streaming Group Sessions

Live streaming can energize your membership site by allowing members to interact in real-time. Scheduling live sessions can help you reach a global audience and foster a sense of community.

Offer live streaming group sessions with recorded versions available for those who miss the live event. This ensures that all members have access to valuable content, enhancing their overall experience.

Forums and Community Chat Platforms

Forums and community chat platforms are effective tools for increasing interaction within your membership site. They provide spaces for members to discuss topics, share ideas, and engage with each other and with you.

Here are some popular plugins for creating forums:

• bbPress: A classic forum plugin that integrates seamlessly with WordPress.
• BuddyPress: Allows you to build a social network within your membership site.
• ForumEngine: A WordPress theme that provides a robust discussion forum.

Cross-Promotion on Social Media Platforms and Blogs

While your membership site content is exclusive to registered members, consider cross-promoting it on social media and niche blogs. This strategy helps attract new members by showcasing the value of your content to a broader audience.

By sharing parts of your content or highlighting unique features, you can drive traffic to your site and increase memberships.

Factors that Every Regular Site Should Have

In addition to the features specific to membership sites, ensuring your site has essential elements for overall performance is crucial. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Security: Prioritize security to protect online payments and members’ personal information.
• Speed: Ensure your site loads quickly by using a reliable host and optimized design.
• User Interface: Design a user-friendly interface to keep members engaged and satisfied.
• Customer Service: Offer responsive customer support to address any issues promptly.
• Search Engine Optimization: Implement effective SEO practices to improve visibility and attract more members.

With these elements in place, your membership site will be better positioned for success and growth.

Membership Site Examples in Arts and Culture

Explore some of the most successful membership sites in the arts and culture sector. These examples illustrate how niche focus and innovative approaches can lead to a thriving membership community.

The Script Lab

The Script Lab is a renowned membership site tailored for screenwriters. It offers a wealth of resources including blog posts, screenwriting competitions, free screenplay contests, and an extensive script library.

Popular competitions like ScreenCraft Short Film, Outstanding Screenplays, and Los Angeles International are ideal for aspiring writers. They accept a range of formats including TV pilots, features, and short screenplays across various genres.

Membership Options

To access The Script Lab’s comprehensive script library, you need to register and select a membership plan. Here are their current membership options:

• The First 20: $39 for a 3-day turnaround
• The First Draft: $79 for a 3-day turnaround
• The Final Draft: $119 for a 3-day turnaround

Bulletproof Musician

Bulletproof Musician focuses on helping musicians enhance their performance skills and manage performance anxiety. This membership site provides valuable resources on performance psychology and offers both self-paced and live courses.

Bulletproof Musician’s performance coaching programs are particularly beneficial for those looking to advance their musical careers. The site also offers a community for sharing experiences and learning from others in the field.

Membership Options

While Bulletproof Musician offers numerous free resources, access to private and group coaching, as well as detailed courses, requires a paid membership. Here are some of their premium options:

• Performance Psychology Essentials for Educators: $199
• Performance Psych Essentials: $199

Membership Site Examples in Health, Sports, and Traveling

If you are interested in membership sites focused on health, sports, or traveling, consider exploring these examples. They provide specialized content and services tailored to enthusiasts and professionals in these fields.

Nomadic Matt

Nomadic Matt is a premier travel blog ideal for budget-conscious travelers. This site offers extensive resources including travel tips, guides, and event information. It covers topics such as saving for trips, travel planning, accommodation, and solo female traveling.

Membership Options

In addition to its wealth of free content, Nomadic Matt offers a premium membership program featuring specialized courses, guides, discounts, and giveaways. Explore their membership options:

• Superstar Business Masterclass: $99.00
• Superstar Writing Masterclass: From $79.00 per month
• 50% Off for Black Friday Sale!

The Fantasy Footballers

The Fantasy Footballers is a leading website for football enthusiasts. Known for its award-winning podcasts, the site provides detailed football rankings and insights. The Rankings section offers various detailed rankings including quarterly and weekly updates.

Membership Options

Beyond their free content, The Fantasy Footballers offer exclusive benefits through their FootClan membership. Join the FootClan to access:

• Premium Tools: Enhanced tools for football analysis
• Advanced Stats: In-depth football statistics
• Custom Scoring: Personalized scoring options
• Bonus Weekly Episode: Additional podcast content
• Game Day Alerts: Real-time updates and alerts

Membership Site Examples in Education, Online Courses, and Training

Membership sites are especially popular for online education and training. Here are some excellent examples of membership sites that offer educational content and online courses:

The Measured Mom

The Measured Mom provides a wealth of resources for child educators focusing on literacy and math. The site features a variety of helpful blog posts, printables, book lists, and podcasts. Key sections include:

• Reading: Structured literacy, printable books, phonics, fluency, etc.
• Writing: Grammar, handwriting, spelling, etc.
• Math: Counting, number recognition, shapes, patterns, etc.

Membership Options

While free math and literacy packs are available, additional resources and discounts require payment. Here are some of their premium offers:

• Ultimate Collection of Phonics Word Lists: $15
• Sound Wall Printables: $18
• Decodable Books & Lessons Set 1b: $15

Teach Beside Me

Teach Beside Me, founded by a former teacher, is a great resource for homeschoolers. The site offers innovative online teaching ideas and podcasts available on popular platforms like Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Explore ideas such as:

• Educational Things to Do When Bored
• Winter Math: Snowman Fractions
• Easter Pattern Block Mats

Membership Options

Paid membership provides access to an extensive content library covering topics such as Coloring Pages, History and Geography, Holidays, Homeschooling, Language Arts, Learning Games, Math, Parenting, Preschool, and Science. Here are some discounted products available:

• A Long Walk to Water Book Study: $4.50
• Blueprints and Architecture Templates: $5.50
• Chinese New Year Unit Study: $5.50

Membership Site Examples in Business, Marketing, and Finance

If you’re interested in joining business communities or learning about marketing and finance, explore the following membership site examples:

Fizzle

Fizzle is a premier membership site designed for small business owners looking to establish a strong online presence. It offers a variety of resources tailored to entrepreneurs and those looking to build their business.

Membership Options

Fizzle is a paid membership platform offering exclusive content, live coaching webinars, and an interactive community forum. While it provides some free content to attract potential members, full access requires a subscription. The Fizzle membership includes:

• 35+ In-Depth Video Courses: Comprehensive business training and tutorials.
• 23+ Founder Stories Interviews: Insights from successful entrepreneurs.
• The 9-Stage Fizzle Small Biz Roadmap: A step-by-step guide to business growth.

AppSumo Plus

AppSumo Plus is a leading membership site in the eCommerce space, offering access to discounted digital products and tools. While anyone can purchase products without membership, signing up for AppSumo Plus provides additional benefits and savings.

Membership Options

To unlock greater discounts and benefits, AppSumo Plus membership is available. Although the membership fee is higher, it includes significant savings on purchases. Here are some current offers for members:

• Depositphotos: $69
• Formaloo: $99
• Bramework: $79

Membership Site Examples in Blogging and Freelancing

For bloggers and freelancers seeking valuable resources, there are several notable membership sites. Here are two prominent examples:

Copyblogger

Copyblogger is a well-known WordPress blog and one of the earliest membership sites focused on content marketing and writing. It offers extensive resources for content creators and marketers.

Membership Options

Copyblogger’s membership program is designed for companies and individuals seeking advanced content marketing strategies. Membership options include:

• Fundamentals: $4,000-$7,000 per month
• Scalable Growth: $7,000-$12,000 per month
• Virtual Content Marketing Department: $12,000+ per month

Copyhackers

Copyhackers is an excellent membership site for online copywriters, known for its valuable blog posts, instructional videos, and resources tailored for creative copywriting professionals.

Membership Options

Copyhackers offers a premium membership through Copy School, providing members with comprehensive training in advertising, email marketing, and sales funnel creation. Membership benefits include:

• 400+ Lessons on Email Marketing: Extensive educational content on effective email strategies.
• Badge of Completion: Recognize your achievements and skills acquired.
• One Copy Review per Month: Personalized feedback on your copywriting work.

Membership Site Examples in Tech, Tools, and Skill Development

For those interested in technology, coding, and skill development, consider the following membership sites:

SkillCrush

SkillCrush is a leading tech-based membership site offering online coding and design courses. It provides valuable free content and a range of paid courses designed to help individuals start careers in tech.

SkillCrush also offers a free coding camp, allowing you to begin learning coding without any initial investment. Over 95% of their students have successfully found employment in tech roles.

Membership Options

To access advanced courses and career resources, SkillCrush offers various membership plans:

• One-Time Payment: $2,499 for full access to all courses and resources.
• Monthly Installments (Affirm): $139 per month for flexible payments.
• Monthly Installments (Leif): $146 per month for an alternative payment plan.
• Monthly Installments (Leif Premium): $229 per month for premium access.

Toolshero

Toolshero is a prominent membership site for those seeking to enhance their professional skills. The platform provides a range of valuable content including blog posts, original research, and video clips that support career development and skill acquisition. Toolshero offers free trials to professionals, teachers, and students, along with access to:

• Over 1,000 Practical Scientific Articles: In-depth resources for professional growth.
• Professional Worksheets and Templates: Useful tools for effective learning and application.
• Ad-Free Experience: Enjoy uninterrupted access to content.

Membership Options

To fully access Toolshero’s professional content, templates, and ad-free materials, consider their premium membership options:

• First Experience: 1-week Membership for $5 per week.
• Most Chosen, Professional: 1-month Membership for $10 per month.
• Best Deal: 1-year Membership for $100 per 12 months.

A Simple Guide for Creating A Membership Site

Having explored successful membership sites, it’s time to learn how to create your own. WordPress is a popular choice for building membership sites due to its user-friendly interface and extensive plugin options. Here’s a beginner’s guide to setting up a membership site using WordPress:

1. Select a WordPress Plan

WordPress offers several plans to suit different needs:

• Personal: Free entry-level plan for beginners with 6 GB of storage and basic personalization features.
• Premium: Advanced options for $8 per month, including 13 GB storage and premium themes.
• Business: Ideal for companies at $25 per month, offering premium themes and additional freelancer features.
• eCommerce: Best for creating an online store with full plugin and template control, priced at $45 per month.

Choosing the right plan depends on your site’s purpose. The eCommerce plan is particularly suitable if you intend to create an online store and monetize it.

2. Choose Your Domain Name

Selecting a memorable and unique domain name is crucial for your website’s success. To come up with a catchy domain name that is easy to recall, register your domain through a reputable registrar such as:

• NameCheap: An ICANN-accredited platform offering reliable domain name registration services.
• Domain.com: A well-known registrar that provides both domain registration and web hosting services.

3. Choose the Hosting Provider

Choosing the right hosting provider is essential for ensuring the reliability and performance of your website. Here are some top hosting options to consider:

• WP Engine: Known for its high-speed and reliable WordPress hosting, WP Engine supports over 1.5 million websites.
• Bluehost: A major hosting provider trusted by millions of websites for its security and performance. Compare top web hosting providers to find the best fit for your needs.

4. Choose Your Site’s Theme

A well-chosen theme enhances the visual appeal and usability of your website. Browse the WordPress Theme Library to explore themes that align with your brand. For guidance on selecting the best WordPress theme, consider consulting an expert or review our list of WordPress membership themes.

For websites targeting female audiences, consider themes with colors and designs that appeal specifically to this demographic. Here are some attractive themes:

• Astra: A free theme with a diverse collection of templates suitable for female-focused websites.
• Kleo: A theme featuring a design tailored for female users with excellent features.

5. Add the Paid Membership Plugin

Installing a paid membership plugin is a crucial step for managing subscriptions and content access on your website. Here are some top membership plugins to consider purchasing:

• MemberPress: Easy to install and manage, though it has limited payment options.
• LearnDash: Offers great content restriction features but has limited membership options.
• Restrict Content Pro: Provides various integrations and excellent support, but lacks an email service provider.

Check out the best WordPress membership plugins to find the right fit for your site.

6. Define Your Membership Models

To effectively monetize your membership site, define various membership levels that cater to different user needs. Use your membership plugin to set up these levels. Here’s how to define your membership models:

• Recognize Your Value: Conduct competitive research to determine the value of your offerings.
• Brainstorm Membership Ideas: Create a list of what you can provide, such as exclusive articles, educational resources, community access, job opportunities, events, and discounts.
• Plan Membership Structure: Successful models typically include multiple tiers, and sometimes free levels. Consider structuring your plans by frequency (weekly, monthly, annually) and user experience level (beginner, intermediate, advanced).
• Determine Discounted Prices: Offer discounts for individuals, bundles, families, corporate plans, or special events like Black Friday.

7. Put Restrictions on Your Content

Implementing content restrictions based on membership models is essential for delivering exclusive content. Your plugin’s content restriction settings will allow you to limit access according to membership plans. For more information on restricting content, refer to the relevant resources.

Final Thoughts

Building a membership site can significantly enhance your online presence by offering unique content and fostering community engagement. Ensure you provide value to your members to build loyalty and establish yourself as an industry leader. Remember, while a membership site can be a premium offering, it’s important to balance monetization with delivering genuine value.

Avoid over-monetizing your site and focus on creating a community that appreciates and benefits from your content.