Moms Online Business Coach

I have been nose deep in building membership areas for the last few months and getting to examine the ins, outs, pros and cons of various membership platforms.

Membership sites are built by providing access to specific information that consumers are in need of.   The function of membership sites offers a wide variety, I still remember the good ole “CD of the month” membership club that I was part of in High School and now I’m part of an online community focused purely on the creation and running of membership sites as well as other monthly fee based forums.

When I first started online I focused purely on “free membership areas and forums” but soon realized after joining my first “Elite” paid forum that the quality of members- that’s regular, helpful and “masterminding” members in a paid membership area, was well worth the small monthly fee because it provided so much more value. Many free forums and membership areas lack the commitment of participation and you never know who to trust or or who is just trying to scam the system.

I’ve also learned the value of providing a membership area to customers and clients, this is truly how so many people earn “passive” income  online. Just think of the math- if you can provide ongoing value to your customers or clients and charge a small (or large depending on what you are offering them) month after month that number will continue to grow.

Successful sites provide convenient, sought-after information in an accessible manner. Content is king, and finding and distributing much-needed content on your site will make it both successful and profitable.

To bring potential subscribers into your membership site, focus on their needs. Information consumers have a need for useful content on their topic of choice, a need to know the newest information, and a need for a sense of belonging. By meeting each of these needs, and demonstrating how you plan to do so in your sales letter, you are on your way to increasing your membership.

First, you’ll need to consider which topics are profitable. What content is highly in demand at the moment? What do people need information about? What do people want to know how to do? If you are answering a frequently asked question, you just may have the right topic for your membership site. Spend some time on forums, and notice what questions pop up repeatedly. Find answers to those questions. Find products that teach skills people want to know. Market to this need for useful content, and you’ve got a great start!

Next, consider that some potential subscribers may already know the information you found in your above search. Each market will have subscribers with basic, intermediate, and advanced knowledge – you want to sell your memberships to all three types. Research the newest, hottest information on your topic of choice. Did a new method of organizing widgets just hit the media? Be sure you have updates on this information for your widgets membership site. Provide your members with hot new products and information, to ensure they keep coming back for more.

Last, cater to your members need to belong to a group. Potential subscribers, like most people, want be part of successful groups of like-minded people. Market your site as just the group they want to join. Check in with your members often through forums and email newsletters, and be sure that new members know they can ask you for help if needed. Provide a sense of community, and pride in that community. This will help ensure that your new subscribers become steady subscribers.

When building your membership site, focus on profitable topics. Be sure to include new, up to date information for subscribers with an intermediate to advanced knowledge of your topic. Work hard to build a community of like-minded individuals. This will ensure your continued success in your site-building efforts.

For more information on how you can set up your own membership site, here is where I learn about creating, building, and running membership sites  Membership Academy.  It’s an amazing group of people that have experience across many membership platforms and are beyond helpful. At Membership Academy there are comparisons, reviews, forums and videos on membership software and payment systems. You can also discover how to start-up and run your own profitable membership site and there is an amazing number of video tutorials to help you along.