Creating a membership website free is definitely achievable, and one way to do it is by using Mobirise and WordPress. Mobirise is a free website builder that allows you to create a website without any coding skills.
You can build a membership website using Mobirise's drag-and-drop editor, which is user-friendly and doesn't require any technical expertise. Mobirise offers a range of free website templates that you can use to create a professional-looking membership website.
WordPress is another free option that you can use to create a membership website. It's a popular content management system that offers a wide range of free plugins and themes to help you create a membership website. With WordPress, you can easily manage your website's content and membership features.
By using Mobirise and WordPress together, you can create a membership website without spending a dime.
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Getting Started
You can create a membership site in less than a day. The idea of building a whole new site can be daunting, but it's doable with the right steps and tools.
First, you need to identify your goals for the membership site. Do you want to build a hub for member-only content or bring in some extra revenue? Knowing your goals will help you focus on what features to include.
You can put together a membership site quickly by using existing tools and platforms. For example, you can use a website builder like WordPress or Wix to create a site in a short amount of time.
Introduction
Creating a membership website can be a game-changer for your organization, allowing you to build a hub for member-only content and bring in some extra revenue.
There are two excellent reasons to create a membership website, and they're pretty compelling: you can build a community and generate income.
You might be thinking, "But I don't have the time or energy to figure out how to construct a whole new site." Don't worry, you're not alone!
You can put together a membership site in less than a day, and that's a pretty impressive feat.
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Why Do I Need It?
Having a membership site can be a game-changer for your organization and its members. It offers a range of benefits that can help increase engagement, retention, and revenue.
More engaged members are likely when they can access benefits and resources online from anywhere and on their own time. This is especially true for people with busy schedules or those living far from your organization's physical location.
Better member retention rates are also a result of having a membership site. Members can easily see the value it offers them, making them more likely to renew their membership when the time comes.
Recurring revenue is a key advantage of having a membership site. With more engaged members and better retention rates, your organization can count on a steady stream of income.
Members get exclusive access to high-quality resources in exchange for a membership fee. These resources can help them grow personally or professionally, gain new skills, and learn more about something they're interested in.
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Accessing a membership site is much easier than attending events or signing up for in-person workshops. Members love the convenience of having all their learning materials and resources organized on a single platform, which they can access from wherever and whenever they want.
A membership site can also provide a supportive community for members to network, engage with each other, and build lasting relationships.
Making a Website with Mobirise
Making a website with Mobirise is a straightforward process. Mobirise is a free website builder that allows you to create a website without coding. It's a great option for beginners.
To get started, you'll need to download and install the Mobirise application. This is a simple process that can be completed in just a few clicks. You can then launch the application and start creating your website.
Mobirise offers a range of pre-made website templates to choose from. These templates are fully customizable, so you can tailor your website to your specific needs.
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Choosing a Web Host
To create a membership website free, you'll need to choose a web host that supplies your site with the necessary server resources to stay online and perform efficiently.
A reputable web host should also act as a domain registrar, allowing you to secure your site's web address simultaneously.
Opting for a managed hosting plan is advisable if you're new to WordPress or not technically inclined, as it takes care of daily maintenance tasks such as updating plugins, managing security features, creating backups, and more.
What to Look for
When choosing a web host, it's essential to consider the features that will support your membership site. A great web host should offer easy membership database management, allowing you to add and manage contacts, members, and event registrants with ease.
Look for a web host with integrated email marketing capabilities, enabling you to segment your members and send transactional emails, thank-you emails, or marketing emails from the same platform.
Other communications tools, such as text messages and a dedicated app, can also be a huge plus. Consider a web host with handy automation tools, like automatic updates to member profiles and automated emails like reminders and confirmations.
For events, a web host with online registration capabilities can be a lifesaver. You should also be able to build a website without coding, using an easy-to-use website builder that's mobile-friendly.
Members-only content is a must, so ensure your web host makes it easy to gate your membership content. Additionally, look for a web host with online payment processing features to simplify receiving and tracking payments.
Here are some key features to consider:
- Membership database management
- Email marketing capabilities
- Other communications tools (text messages, dedicated app)
- Handy automation tools (automatic updates, automated emails)
- Events with online registration
- Easy-to-use website builder
- Members-only content
- Online payment processing
A great web host should also offer cost-effective options, including low-cost or free packages, and provide excellent support through live chat, training resources, or coaching.
Select a Web Host
Choosing a web host is a crucial step in setting up your WordPress site. You'll need to select a provider that supplies your site with the necessary server resources to stay online and perform efficiently.
A web host that also acts as a domain registrar can be a convenient option, allowing you to secure your site's web address simultaneously. Many reputable hosts offer additional features like privacy protection, security services, and more.
Opting for a managed hosting plan is advisable, especially if you're new to WordPress or not technically inclined. Managed hosting providers take care of daily maintenance tasks such as updating plugins, managing security features, creating backups, and more.
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Setting Up Membership
A donation-based membership is a great option for nonprofit organizations and advocacy groups that rely on members for support, not profit.
This type of membership allows members to join without paying a fee, but encourages them to donate to the organization's cause.
Configure User Settings
As you set up your membership site, it's essential to configure user settings that balance security and user experience. Enabling automatic login after subscription can be convenient for users, but disabling it may be necessary for security reasons.
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Deciding whether to allow multiple logins from different devices depends on your site's security goals. If you're concerned about unauthorized access, you may want to disable this option.
Setting up user settings can be a bit tricky, but considering your site's goals will help you make informed decisions. For example, if you're building a community forum, users may need to access their accounts from multiple devices.
Import Your Database
Importing your membership database is a crucial step in setting up your new membership site. It ensures all current members are registered and can access their accounts on the new platform.
You'll want to import your membership data in a format that's easily readable, such as CSV, XLSX, or TXT. This will save you time and effort in the long run.
Protecting sensitive information is also essential. Consider incorporating privacy features to safeguard membership statuses and payment histories.
Collecting uniform information from members is vital for a consistent database. This includes personal details like names, emails, and preferred communication channels.
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Payment and Pricing
To create a membership website free, you'll first need to set up your payment and pricing options. This is where you'll choose the payment gateways you want to use, such as Stripe, PayPal, and offline payments.
You'll also need to connect your accounts by following the plugin's instructions, which usually involve a few simple steps. This will allow you to manage your site's subscription options.
Research similar membership sites and their prices to get an idea of what works and what doesn't. You should also tally up your expenses to determine how much you need to charge to cover them. A good pricing structure should strike a balance between what your members are willing to pay and what you need to cover your expenses.
Here are some key factors to consider when setting your prices:
- Research similar membership sites (and their prices)
- Tally up your expenses
- Deliver value with your offerings
- Consider your target members’ budgets
- Consider offering promotions
- Weigh whether you should offer a free trial
Finally, choose the currency for your subscriptions and configure the renewal process. Opting for automatic renewals can enhance user convenience, but ensure this policy is clearly communicated during the signup process.
Set Currency and Renewal Options
Choosing the right currency for your subscriptions can be a crucial step in setting up your payment system. Opting for automatic renewals can enhance user convenience, but be sure to clearly communicate this policy during the signup process to avoid misunderstandings.
Automatic renewals can be a convenient option for users, but it's essential to ensure they know what to expect.
Clear communication is key to avoiding misunderstandings about automatic renewals.
Select Payment Gateways
When selecting payment gateways, it's essential to choose the ones that best suit your needs.
You'll typically find that the plugin's base options include Stripe, PayPal, and offline payments.
To connect your accounts, follow the plugin's instructions, which usually involve a few simple steps.
The premium version of the plugin offers additional payment gateways that accept recurring payments.
Review your settings and confirm your selections to ensure everything is in place.
Pricing Structure
Creating a pricing structure is a crucial step in setting up your membership site. It's essential to balance what your members are willing to pay with what you need to cover your expenses.
Research similar membership sites and their prices to get an idea of what's out there. This will help you determine a fair and competitive price point for your own site.
Your expenses, such as acquiring new members and maintaining your offerings, should be factored into your pricing structure. You want to make sure you're covering these costs and generating a return on your investment.
Deliver value with your offerings, as this will make your members more willing to pay for them. Think about what benefits you're providing and how they align with your target members' needs.
Consider your target members' budgets when setting your prices. For example, if you're targeting young professionals, you don't want to price yourself out of their reach.
To give your site a boost, consider offering promotions or discounts. This can help attract new members and retain existing ones.
Weigh whether you should offer a free trial to let potential members experience your site before committing to a paid membership. This can be a great way to build trust and showcase your value.
Here are the crucial steps to build out your pricing structure:
- Research similar membership sites (and their prices)
- Tally up your expenses
- Deliver value with your offerings
- Consider your target members' budgets
- Consider offering promotions
- Weigh whether you should offer a free trial
Bottom Line
Creating a subscription website with WordPress can be a profitable and sustainable online business when you provide high-quality content that engages your target audience.
To create a successful subscription website, you need to define and configure your subscription offerings to provide value to your members. This means creating one or more subscription plans that cater to your target audience's needs.
The six key steps to get your own subscription website up and running include choosing a web host and domain, installing WordPress, selecting a WordPress theme, and installing a subscription plugin. These steps set the foundation for a successful subscription website.
Here are the six key steps summarized in a list:
- Choose a Web Host + Domain
- Install WordPress
- Select a WordPress Theme
- Install and a Subscription Plugin
- Create One or More Subscription Plans
- Restrict Content to Members
By following these steps, you can create a subscription website that attracts and retains members.
Testing and Launch
Testing your registration page is crucial to ensure a smooth signup process for your visitors. This includes verifying that the form collects all necessary personal details from users, such as name, email, and password.
Users should be able to choose their preferred payment method and ensure that all configured payment gateways are functioning correctly.
Complete the registration form as a test user to check for any issues during the signup process. With subscription plans, a registration form, payment options, and restricted access in place, you're ready to launch your membership website.
Test the Page
Testing the page is a crucial step in ensuring a smooth signup process for your visitors. This involves checking the registration form to ensure it collects all necessary personal details from users, such as name, email, and password.
Users should be able to choose their preferred payment method, and all configured payment gateways should be functioning correctly. This is essential for a seamless experience for new subscribers.
To test the registration page, complete the form as a test user to check for any issues during the signup process. This will help identify any potential problems that may arise when users attempt to register.
Here are the key things to check during this process:
- Personal details: Ensure the form collects name, email, and password.
- Payment method: Verify that all configured payment gateways are functioning correctly.
By thoroughly testing the registration page, you can ensure a seamless experience for new subscribers, which is crucial for building a loyal membership base.
Launch the Wizard
The plugin's setup wizard will launch automatically upon activation.
You'll be guided through the initial configuration steps, which is a great time to think about how you want to set up your membership pages.
The wizard will ask if you want to set up basic membership pages, such as registration, login, account, and reset password pages.
Allowing the wizard to create these pages can save you a ton of time and effort.
Here's what you can expect the wizard to guide you through:
- Setting up basic membership pages
By following these steps, you'll have a fully functional subscription system integrated into your WordPress site, ready to offer your members exclusive content and subscription services.
Membership Features
Creating a membership website free in less than a day is a great goal, and having the right features is essential. A comprehensive website with an events calendar, member resources, news, blog posts, and social media integrations is a must.
You should also look for a platform that allows for easy membership database management, including adding and managing contacts, members, and event registrants. This will save you time and effort in the long run.
Other key features to consider are email marketing capabilities, such as integrated email tools for segmenting your members and sending transactional emails. You may also want to look for other communications tools, like text messages and a dedicated app for your site.
Here are some additional features to look for in a membership site builder:
- Password locked member-only area
- Join us page and membership form
- Events calendar and registration pages
- Newsletter or blog
- Member forum
- Member directory
- Online store
Membership
A membership site is a great way to create a community around your organization, and there are many features to consider when choosing the right platform. You should look for a platform that allows you to easily create a comprehensive website with features like an events calendar, member resources, news, blog posts, and social media integrations.
To manage your membership site effectively, you'll want to consider a platform with a membership database management system, which allows you to easily add and manage your contacts, members, and event registrants. This feature is crucial for keeping track of your members and sending them important updates.
Email marketing capabilities are also a must-have, as they enable you to segment your members and send transactional emails, thank-you emails, or marketing emails from the same platform. This feature can help you stay in touch with your members and keep them engaged.
Other communications tools, such as text messages and a dedicated app, can also be useful for getting in touch with your members. However, these features may not be essential for every membership site.
Some platforms offer handy automation tools, like automatic updates to member profiles and automated emails like reminders for members, confirmations, and transactional emails. These features can save you time and effort in managing your membership site.
If your membership site will include online events, look for a platform that allows attendees to register online. This feature can make it easy for people to sign up for your events and help you keep track of who's attending.
A membership site should also have an easy-to-use website builder that allows you to create a site without needing to know how to code. This feature is essential for creating a professional-looking site that's also mobile-friendly.
Members-only content is another important feature to consider, as it allows you to gate your membership content and keep it exclusive to your members. This feature can help you create a sense of community and encourage members to engage with your site.
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For a donation-based membership, you'll want to consider a platform that offers online payment processing features, which can help you receive and track donations. This feature can make it easy to manage your donations and keep track of your revenue.
Here are some key features to look for in a membership site builder:
- Password locked member-only area
- Join us page and membership form
- Events calendar and registration pages
- Newsletter or blog
- Member forum
- Member directory
- Online store
When choosing a membership site builder, consider a platform that offers a donation-based membership structure, which can help fund your organization's initiatives and enhance community awareness. This type of membership is well-suited for nonprofit organizations and advocacy groups that rely on members for support.
Gaming Lounges
Gaming lounges can use membership websites to drive physical traffic, encouraging current members to make online reservations for gaming stations and attracting new players.
Membership websites can also help gaming lounges create unique member profiles containing billing information, gaming preferences, and progress on loyalty programs.
This can help gaming lounges to better understand their members' needs and preferences, allowing them to tailor their services and promotions accordingly.
Gaming lounges can use membership websites to create a sense of community among their members, fostering a loyal and engaged customer base.
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Performance and Monitoring
Creating a membership website without a plan for performance and monitoring is like building a house without a blueprint - it's likely to fall apart. To avoid this, you need to keep an eye on your membership site's performance over time.
You can use tools like Google Analytics to track site traffic, user behavior, and conversion rates. Analytics can help you understand how people are finding your website and how they're interacting with it.
To understand your membership site's performance, keep an eye on the following key performance indicators (KPIs): membership sign-ups, member engagement, and user feedback. You can also use Google Search Console to analyze how people are finding your website.
Here are some metrics you should be tracking:
Monitor Your Performance
Monitoring your membership site's performance is crucial to its success. You need to keep an eye on how your site is doing over time to make informed decisions.
Analytics tools like Google Analytics help track site traffic, user behavior, and conversion rates. This information can reveal areas for improvement.
Key performance indicators (KPIs) are essential to track. This includes metrics like membership sign-ups and member engagement. Establishing and tracking relevant KPIs can help you understand your site's performance.
User feedback is also vital. Surveys and forums can help you gather feedback on your website experience and identify areas for improvement.
Here are some metrics you should be tracking:
- New members sign ups
- Conversion rates from each of your promotional channels
- New member acquisition rate (how much it costs to get a new member)
- Member retention rate
- Churn rate (the rate at which you lose members)
- Your return on investment and net profits
- Areas of your website that members are interacting with the most and the least
- How much time members are spending in each area of your website
Database Cleanup
Cleaning up your database is a crucial step in optimizing your performance and monitoring. It can save you a significant amount of time in the long run.
Taking the time to clean up your current contact database can save you twice the time afterwards. Organizations that don't do this end up spending hours removing duplicate entries and double-checking dates and payments after their website and database are connected.
You should remove duplicate entries, as they can cause confusion and make it harder to track data. Standardizing City and State names is also important, so use a consistent format like "Washington" for all entries.
Standardizing dates for join date, renewal date, and other important dates will make it easier to track and analyze your data. Use a consistent format like "YYYY-MM-DD" for all dates.
Standardizing names for all membership levels will make it easier to track and analyze your data. This will also help you identify any inconsistencies or errors in your data.
Here are some specific things to look for when cleaning up your contact database:
- Remove duplicate entries
- Standardize City and State names
- Standardize dates
- Standardize names for all membership levels
Membership Builders
To create a membership website, you'll need to choose a suitable platform. Consider options like WordPress, Wix, or dedicated membership platforms that align with your technical expertise and budget. Each platform offers different functionalities, so think about aspects like ease of use, scalability, and integration options.
You can also use membership management software (MMS) like Mobirise, which is an intuitive web design application tailored for creating membership websites with ease. It features a drag-and-drop interface and built-in tools for seamless integration of payment gateways and user authentication systems.
Here are some popular membership site builders to consider:
- Mobirise
- WordPress
- Wix
- Dedicated membership platforms
These options can help you create a membership website that meets your needs and resonates with your target audience.
8 Builders to Consider
If you're looking to build a membership website, you'll want to consider the right tools for the job. Mobirise is an intuitive web design application that's specifically tailored for creating membership websites with ease.
Identifying your target audience is crucial for creating a successful membership website. This involves pinpointing the demographic characteristics, interests, and needs of potential members. Conducting surveys or analyzing competitors can help gain insights into what engages similar audiences.
Choosing the right platform is pivotal for your membership website. Evaluate options like WordPress, Wix, or dedicated membership platforms that align with your technical expertise and budget. Each platform offers different functionalities, so consider aspects like ease of use, scalability, and integration options.
High-quality content is the cornerstone of any membership website. Develop resources that address your audience's pain points or enhance their skills. This may include articles, videos, webinars, or downloadable resources. Consistently update your offerings to maintain interest and engagement.
A user-friendly interface significantly enhances the member experience on your website. Prioritize simplicity and accessibility in your design, ensuring that users navigate seamlessly through content and features. Employ easy-to-read fonts, adequate spacing, and a coherent color palette that reflects your brand identity.
Here are 8 membership site builders to consider:
- Mobirise
- WordPress
- Wix
- Dedicated membership platforms
- Membership management software (MMS)
- Other options (as discussed in our article)
Effective marketing is key to attracting members to your website. Leverage social media, content marketing, and email campaigns to reach your audience. Share engaging content that highlights the benefits of joining your community.
Coworking Spaces
Coworking spaces have become incredibly popular, and with that, comes the need for effective member management. Membership websites for coworking spaces enable members to easily make online reservations for workstations.
These websites also provide community forums where members can network with each other. Membership websites can inform prospective members of current workstation pricing to drive interest in coworking spaces.
Tiered
Creating a tiered membership structure can be a great way to offer your members more flexibility and a personalized experience. This approach involves offering multiple subscription levels, each with different benefits and degrees of membership access.
A basic membership tier, like a one-time fee, may only allow access to a community forum. In contrast, a premium membership tier, like an annual subscription, may allow access to exclusive online resources.
To create these subscription plans, you can use a plugin like Paid Member Subscriptions. This plugin allows you to create subscription plans with ease. You can go to Paid Member Subscriptions > Subscription Plans in your WordPress dashboard and click on Add New to launch the subscription plan editor.
Here are the basic steps to create a subscription plan:
- Enter a name and a brief description for your subscription plan.
- This information will help users understand what the plan offers.
With a tiered membership structure, you can offer your members more choices and a more personalized experience. This can lead to higher member satisfaction and retention.
Nonprofit and Revenue
Creating a membership website can be a game-changer for nonprofit organizations. A membership website can be highly beneficial to nonprofit organizations to increase involvement and raise awareness around a specific cause, such as animal welfare groups or children's nonprofits.
Nonprofit organizations can use their membership website to provide members with information on how they can volunteer and better advocate for the cause, fundraising efforts, and local events. Membership websites can also be used to collect recurring membership fees, making it a reliable gateway to generate revenue.
To drive optimal profitability, a nonprofit membership website must provide tangible value, such as high-quality resources, and attract and retain members. A few must-haves for a profitable membership website include a thorough business plan, a strong membership model, a robust understanding of the target audience, and effective marketing strategies.
A nonprofit membership website can generate multiple revenue streams via membership dues, donations, or exclusive events, products, and services. Some revenue diversification strategies include special events for members and non-members, selling physical and digital products on the site, and sponsorships.
Nonprofit Organizations
Nonprofit organizations can use membership websites to increase involvement and raise awareness around a specific cause.
Membership websites can provide members with information on how they can volunteer and better advocate for the cause. This can lead to a more engaged community that is invested in the nonprofit's mission.
From animal welfare groups to children's nonprofits, membership websites can be used to provide members with updates on fundraising efforts and local events. This helps to keep members informed and involved in the nonprofit's activities.
Membership websites can also be used to share success stories and testimonials from members who have been impacted by the nonprofit's work. This can be a powerful way to build trust and credibility with potential donors and supporters.
Non-Dues Revenue Strategy
Developing a non-dues revenue strategy is crucial for nonprofits to diversify their income streams and reduce dependence on membership dues. A well-planned strategy can bring in revenue from various sources.
Consider hosting special events for both members and non-members, as this can be a lucrative way to generate revenue. You can also sell physical and digital products on your website, which can be a great way to monetize your content.
Donations can also be a significant source of non-dues revenue. Setting up a donation system on your website can make it easy for supporters to contribute.
Sponsorships can be another effective way to generate non-dues revenue. You can partner with organizations or businesses that align with your mission and values.
Here are some ways to generate non-dues revenue:
- Special events for members and non-members
- Selling physical and digital products on your site
- Donations
- Sponsorships
Frequently Asked Questions
How to build a membership website for free?
Unfortunately, building a membership website for free isn't possible without compromising on features or functionality, but you can start with a free WordPress account and explore free membership plugins like ProfileGrid.
How do I create a website that requires a subscription?
To create a subscription-based website, start by choosing the right platform and setting up essential features like membership content, subscription plans, and marketing tools. Follow these steps to build a successful subscription website and start growing your online community.
How much does it cost to create a membership website?
The cost of creating a membership website varies from free to $11,200 per year, depending on your needs and organization size. Building a membership website yourself can help keep costs down, but a well-priced software can also be a cost-effective solution.
Do membership sites make money?
Yes, membership sites can generate recurring income as users pay directly for valuable content. By offering exclusive knowledge and expertise, you can earn a steady stream of revenue from loyal members.
What is the best platform for a membership site?
For a membership site, consider using Teachable for online courses or Memberful for a WordPress plugin, depending on your specific needs.
Sources
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