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How to Create a Membership Website for Free

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A membership website is any website with content that is 'gated' and hidden from the view of most users. They can be very useful and even profitable if built with a few best practices in mind. 

Membership sites are used by clubs, teams, professional associations, influencers/niche-based guru's, non-profit organizations, and even businesses (big or small). The possibilities are endless, but the purpose is the same: To foster community value, lead members on a journey, and create more revenue.

WIth a membership website, members-only content is what gets you there. You’re selling exclusivity, a pass into the private club. What if you're on a budget, not a programmer, or don't have tons of marketing/sales experience? No worries. You can still create a successful membership site for free. 

 

What do Membership Websites Do? 

First, it would be to define a membership website properly. It’s different from a subscription model. Both charge a fee for access to exclusive content like online learning courses, private newsletters, exclusive deals, or entertainment content, but membership sites offer all that plus features to participate in the community.

The content or access offered in the membership is often just a perk – a tool to help convince people to become more than users. Because once customers become members, it strengthens your organization. Whether through revenue from subscriptions, products sold, virtual events, or community engagement.

 

5 Steps to Launch a Free Membership Site

No two missions are the same, but if you’re looking to create a membership site free, there are some basic standard practices you can follow. Each method leaves room for interpretation and personality but will prove essential to success. 

 

1. Know Your End-Goal

Before you do anything, you first need to know what you’re offering and who you’re offering it to. If you’re running a small business, for instance, think long and hard about what sets it apart and why people will want it. Then consider which people love that specific brand of individuality. What could you offer as an exclusive experience? It must be something you can’t get elsewhere, and it must solve a problem. See who else is operating in your space, and try to stand out.

Action Steps

  • Create a customer journey outline.
  • Define what you do differently and why your target customer needs it.
  • Research and get to know your target customer as people (Typical interests, styles, hobbies, what are they currently consuming?).

 

2. Build a Value Proposition

Next, it’s time to build the selling point for the membership. You need to figure out what people will get for joining. Make sure the special offer aligns with your goals. Make sure this is simply communicated to the customer.

Action Steps

  • Decide what the basic 'bargain' will be – what do people get for joining? 
  • Figure out what that’s worth based on the current market, and see where you can compete/compare.
  • Keep it simple when it comes to creativity and extra complexity, especially as you get started. 

 

3. Set Your Pricing Levels

Now that you know what you’re offering, you have to price it. Using what you learned in the last step, strike a balance between what it’s worth and if you'll have any costs as you continue building and maintaining your site. One way to generate revenue based on your customers' commitment level is by creating membership tiers with different value propositions. Consider offering a free tier, which might translate into a paid membership later. Researching similar competitors in your specific market will give you a clear picture of what is successful. Depending on your niche, you'll need to adjust as you go.

Action Steps

  • Find a balance between what your offer is worth and your costs to deliver it.
  • Decide on membership structure and align it with your value proposition.
  • Choose a tier in the middle to recommend to potential customers.

 

4. Brand It

A key step in how to create a free membership website is branding. This is where you’ll give your website/platform a face – metaphorically speaking. Actually, you’ll give it a name, create a logo, pick a color scheme, and maybe even write a snappy slogan. Whatever you do, make sure it is crystal clear and speaks directly to the purpose of your offer. In short, make it professional, and take your time because people respond strongly to good branding, although it's not important as your content or product. That gives a brand its true identity.

Actions Steps

  • Create an official name that you can own wherever needed (Web URL, social platforms, etc.).
  • Design a logo and color scheme.
  • Make it easy to understand and interpret.

 

5. Build It

Now we have arrived at the fun stage; you get to build your own membership site and what it will contain. This can be a complicated choice as the 'solutions' are numerous. But again, there are a few basic practices that you can follow as you create for success.

There are countless membership site tools that you can use to craft your plan in real time. Many offer free trials or free plans altogether. Once you choose which is best, you can implement the strategies covered in this article into your approach. 

A few core things to include in your site are:
1. Landing page (make the sale here)

2. Membership options (Pricing tiers)

3. Clear Call to Action (CTA)

4. Gated content/experiences for exclusive members

5. eCommerce store to process transactions

6. A secure domain

Based on your needs, you'll want a platform where you can host exclusive content. Just remember this is the main attraction, so give it special attention.

Action Steps

  • Choose a tool/method for building your site.
  • Create a members-only space to host forums, event details, classes, etc.
  • Remember to include value propositions and sales material to gain new members.

    

These are some basic elements to create a membership website for free, and now you’re ready to get started. You'll need to dive deeper into a few specifics, like what membership platform fits your needs and how you'll work to deliver your content. 

 

Get Started With Cause Machine

Starting with a community engagement strategy is the secret to building a successful platform in the long term. Cause Machine helps customers build the plan of engaging a community well and then begin mapping out the technology to help support that strategy. We’re certain that you’ll find some great resources and powerful tools in Cause Machine to better engage your community. Learn how it can work for you here. 

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