Create a profitable membership site

A membership site is a fantastic way to expand your reach, provide immense value to your audience, and build a profitable business. It can become a thriving community of users and serve as a creative outlet. Best of all, you can add a membership site to your existing digital business.

Let’s explore what you need to know about building a membership site and share some actionable tips to help you attract more members.

What is a Membership Site?

A membership site is a business where customers pay to access exclusive benefits like community resources, premium content, and more. Membership content can include:

• Blog-style articles
• Listicles
• Videos
• Webinars
• Podcasts
• White papers
• Screencasts
• And more

Each time you update your membership site with new content, your subscribers are notified. Members receive a unique username and password, granting them access to the premium section of your site as long as their subscription remains active. A membership site allows you to monetize your content directly, rather than relying on advertising revenue. People are willing to pay for premium content because they value your expertise and want to learn from you.

Should You Build a Membership Site?

You should consider creating a membership site if you want to build an online community around your content. A membership site helps establish your authority, build loyalty among your audience, and stay connected with those who are eager to learn from you. While a regular blog or website can also help build a following, a membership site allows you to get paid for your efforts.

Additionally, a membership site can complement your other digital products, such as:

• Online courses
• Books and e-books
• Free videos
• Social media content
• Public blog posts

A membership site is ideal for creators who can consistently deliver valuable content. To keep members happy and engaged, you’ll need to update and add new content regularly.

Benefits of Adding a Membership Site to Your Business

There are several advantages to creating a membership site:

1. Diversify Your Revenue

A membership site provides another income stream for your business, helping you create more financial security. As an entrepreneur, relying on a single revenue stream is risky, so diversifying with a membership site can add stability.

2. Build Trust and Loyalty

When people pay for membership, they demonstrate loyalty to your content. By delivering consistent value, you can nurture that loyalty and encourage long-term relationships with your audience.

3. No Physical Product Needed

Managing a physical inventory can be challenging. A membership site is entirely virtual, which eliminates the need for storage or shipping logistics. Your content is always available, and members can access it as long as their subscription is active.

4. Drive Free Traffic to Your Business

A membership site provides access to your customers’ contact information, allowing you to run email campaigns that drive traffic to other areas of your business. Email marketing can help you nurture leads, announce new products, and keep members engaged.

5. Build Authority and Credibility

A membership site positions you as an authority in your niche. People are more likely to follow those who demonstrate expertise and credibility, and charging for access to premium content signals to your audience that your knowledge has value.

6. Develop Relationships

Membership sites offer an opportunity to build relationships with your audience. Creating an exclusive community allows members to feel more connected to you and each other. This can foster a sense of belonging, which leads to deeper engagement and loyalty.

7. Enhance the Value of Your Content

When people pay for your content, you can afford to invest more time and effort into producing high-quality material. This, in turn, enhances the value of your membership site and keeps members coming back.

What Should a Membership Site Include?

Your membership site should offer a variety of content to meet the needs of your members. Some key elements include:

• Blog posts, videos, or other written content
• Online courses
• Live webinars or events
• Exclusive perks, such as digital downloads or physical merchandise
• A community forum for member interaction
• Access to an archive of past content
• Downloadable resources like templates, worksheets, or guides

How to Retain Members

Once you’ve successfully attracted paying members, your focus should shift to retention. Retaining members is often easier and less expensive than acquiring new ones. Here are some tips to keep your members engaged:

• Interact regularly: Engage with members through comments, polls, and surveys.
• Listen to feedback: Pay attention to what your members are saying and incorporate their suggestions.
• Deliver quality content: Continue to provide valuable content on a regular schedule.
• Offer new features: Add new content and features to keep your membership site fresh and exciting.

How to Attract New Members

Growing your membership base will help increase revenue and engagement on your site. Here are some strategies to attract new members:

1. Content Marketing

Create valuable content and use it to promote your membership site. Mention your membership program in blog posts, social media updates, and videos, and include a link to the signup page.

2. Paid Advertising

Consider running paid ads to promote your membership site. Facebook Ads, Google AdWords, and display advertising can be highly effective in attracting new members.

3. Social Media Engagement

Stay active on social media and engage with your audience. Build a following by sharing valuable content, interacting with followers, and promoting your membership site.

4. Partnerships

Collaborate with other entrepreneurs in your industry to reach new audiences. Cross-promote each other’s membership sites and share valuable content that appeals to both of your communities.

How Much Should You Charge for a Membership Site?

Determining the right price for your membership site can be tricky. Consider how much revenue you want to generate and how many members you’ll need to reach that goal. Here are some pricing strategies:

• Charge $100 per month and you’ll need 10 members to make $1,000 a month.
• Charge $10 per month and you’ll need 100 members to hit the same goal.

You can also conduct market research by analyzing your competitors or running surveys to see what potential members would be willing to pay. Experiment with pricing to find the best balance for your audience.

Ready to Create Your Membership Site?

Now that you understand the fundamentals of building and growing a membership site, it’s time to start building your own. With Kajabi, you have everything you need to launch and manage your membership site, from creating professional digital products to building beautiful websites and managing customer relationships.