The digital landscape has evolved, and so have opportunities to connect, engage, and monetize audiences. Among the most promising avenues for consistent revenue is the membership site model. However, crafting top-notch content or designing a sleek platform is only half the battle.
The real challenge? Getting your audience to recognize its value and commit. How can your membership site stand out and not just attract, but retain dedicated members? How can you articulate its uniqueness without resorting to pushy sales tactics?
In this post, I’ll explore strategic, actionable tips for marketing your membership site, tailored from insights gathered across the industry. No redundant strategies, no theoretical jargon—just practical, real-world techniques that you can apply right now.
Whether you’re about to launch your first membership site or looking to enhance the marketing of an existing one, this guide aims to equip you with the strategies and tools to build a thriving community around your content. Let’s get started!
16 Tips For Increasing Membership Site Sales
1. Optimize the Sign-Up Process
Your membership site may be the goldmine of valuable content, but what’s the use if folks can’t easily jump on board? Remember, the first impression is everything. If your sign-up process feels like a maze, you risk turning away eager members.
Start with the basics. Ensure there’s a bold, can’t-miss “Sign up now” button on every page. But don’t just stop there. Once they click, the journey should be smooth sailing. A complex, drawn-out sign-up is a quick way to lose potential members.
And when we talk about accessibility, it’s not just the design. Accept multiple currencies. Many times, people want to join, but the lack of their preferred payment method becomes a barrier.
Here are key areas you need to pay attention to:
- Visibility and placement of the “Sign up” button
- Page load time during sign-up
- Number of steps involved in the process
- Clarity and simplicity of instructions
- Mobile responsiveness and compatibility
- Error messages and guidance for corrections
- Options for preferred payment methods
- Transparency about recurring charges or auto-renewals
- Easy access to terms and conditions or privacy policies
- Feedback loop post-sign-up for improvements
But here’s a pro tip: Always be in the mindset of improvement. Even if you think your sign-up process is top-notch, there’s always room to enhance. Regularly gather feedback from new members or subscribers. Better yet, watch someone sign up in real time.
This firsthand view can reveal hiccups you might’ve missed. Get into your analytics, spot those drop-off points, and iron them out.
2. Use Tiered Pricing: Catering to Every Segment of Your Audience
Let’s start with a pro tip right off the bat: one size doesn’t fit all.
Think of your audience as a diverse group with varied needs and financial capacities. By offering tiered pricing, you can cater to everyone from the casual enthusiast to the die-hard superfan.
Understanding Your Market and Audience
Before jumping into pricing tiers, step into the shoes of your audience. Dive deep into market research. Peek into what your competitors are offering and at what price. Understand the needs, preferences, and financial capacities of potential members.
Foundation of Tiered Pricing
With insights in hand, start structuring your tiers. A good starting point? Think basic, standard, and premium. Each tier should clearly define what it offers. The basic might be for those who want a sneak peek, the standard for regular users, and the premium for those who want the full suite plus some exclusives.
Memberships are a playground for superfans. They are not looking for generic experiences; they crave premium offerings tailored to their interests. So, when designing your top-tier package, think beyond the regular. What exclusive experiences or content can you offer?
Highlight the Value
A crucial element here is transparency. When members see the different tiers, the benefits of each should be clear. Why would someone opt for a premium over a basic? The answer should be evident in the offerings.
And don’t forget to stay flexible. The beauty of tiered pricing is that it allows you to adapt. Survey your members, collect feedback, and be ready to tweak the offerings or pricing based on what you learn.
3. Offer a Free Trial for Potential Members
Thinking about sampling a new dessert before buying? It’s the same with memberships. Letting potential members taste the richness of your platform can make a big difference.
Offering a free trial, say for the first 14 or 30 days, is a strategic move to let users immerse in your ecosystem, making them realize the unmatched value you bring to the table.
When someone decides to hop on your trial, it’s like they’ve just entered your party. Would you leave them wandering around, feeling lost?
No. Guide them. Make their onboarding experience something to remember.
Help them navigate, show them around, and ensure they’re mingling and having fun. You see, the magic lies in those initial 30 days. Give them victories, make them feel accomplished, and let them see the transformative power of your platform.
And, while they’re engrossed in this enriching journey, you’ve got some background tasks to handle. For a seamless transition from trial to full membership, capture their payment details upfront. Simplify the process. Nobody wants to fill out a page-long form when they’re ready to dive deeper.
Remember transparency is key. Before their trial ends and their card gets charged, send them a heads-up. A friendly nudge, if you will, to remind them of the upcoming transition. It’s about building the trust.
Related: Free Trials: An Efficient, Profitable Way To Generate Sales
4. Use Psychological Triggers to Increase Membership Site Sign-Ups
We often feel that tug in our chest when everyone’s buzzing about a hot topic, and we’re not in the loop. That’s FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).
A study by Eventbrite revealed that nearly 69% of millennials experience FOMO. As a marketer or membership site operator, you can tap into FOMO and other psychological drivers to supercharge your sign-ups or recurring revenue.
We’ve just discussed the significance of free trials. They are pretty effective psychological triggers. Here is what else you can do:
- Share Free Content: Give potential members a taste of the value inside. Think of it as a movie trailer, showing just enough to get them intrigued. When they get a glimpse of your content and understand that they might miss out on future insights, their instinct to join gets triggered.
- Offer Limited-Time Bonuses: Everyone loves a good deal, especially if it’s slipping through their fingers. Offer a free eBook, an extra month of access, or an exclusive webinar, but make it time-sensitive. The ticking clock amplifies the urgency, pushing them to take action.
- Announce Upcoming Price Changes: If you’re considering a price hike, spill the beans a bit early. When members realize they can snag the current deal before the price goes up, they’re more likely to sign up pronto.
5. Maximize Membership Site Growth with Content Marketing
Content marketing serves as a potent tool in your arsenal to engage, educate, and entice your audience. For membership sites, it emerges as an essential strategy, and here’s the breakdown:
- Build Trust Through Consistent Value: Deliver high-quality content tailored to the needs and interests of your audience. By doing so regularly, you lay a foundation of trust that can turn casual visitors into loyal members.
- Showcase the Unique Benefits of Your Membership: Use your content to shine a light on the exclusive perks, insights, and community advantages exclusive to your members. Give potential members a glimpse into the world of added value they can access.
- Engage with Authentic Stories: People connect deeply with stories. Share success tales, member testimonials, and behind-the-scenes looks to paint a vivid picture of the membership experience.
- Strengthen Your Brand Voice: Through content marketing, mold and amplify your brand’s distinct voice. Make your brand stand out, whether your tone is inspirational, educational, or entertaining.
- Spark Community Discussions: Top-notch content initiates discussions. Whether in blog post comments, social media shares, or forum threads, these conversations further engage your community and enhance member connectivity.
- Repurpose to Reach Wider: A stellar piece of content can be transformed into various formats – infographics, podcasts, or brief video snippets. This caters to diverse audience preferences and ensures you maximize every content endeavor.
Related: How To Use MarketMuse To Post Better Content
6. Host Webinars and Live Q&A Sessions
Webinars and live Q&A sessions stand out as some of the most dynamic ways to engage with your potential members.
Why? They immerse attendees in real-time interaction. Instead of them passively consuming content, they’re actively involved, asking questions and getting into discussions.
Imagine this: You’re showcasing a snippet of what your membership offers during a webinar. It’s like offering a sample taste at an ice cream shop. That little taste? Often enough to get them craving the full scoop. By giving attendees this “sneak peek”, you’re igniting their curiosity and making them hungry for more.
But here’s another side to the coin. Live sessions aren’t just about showcasing your expertise. They’re a window into the minds of your potential members. As they ask questions or raise concerns, you’re handed a treasure trove of insights.
These nuggets of feedback can shape the way you mold your membership site, ensuring it’s perfectly tailored to what your audience wants.
Plus, there’s the community aspect. Every live session is a reminder that members aren’t just signing up for content. They’re entering a vibrant community, a space where they can connect, learn, and grow.
Want to up the ante? At the end of your webinar, sprinkle in a limited-time offer or exclusive bonus for attendees. Still, remember what we just talked about psychological triggers?
And don’t just stop when the live session ends. Turn that content into a resource, perhaps an on-demand video or a blog, so its value continues to ripple out.
7. Launch an Affiliate Marketing Program For Your Membership Site
Affiliate marketing can turbocharge your membership site’s growth. Just imagine having a passionate army of fans, all excited to spread the word about your site. The beauty of this method is its simplicity: you reward those who bring in new members.
So, how can you tap into this goldmine?
First, think about your members. They already love your content. Why not give them a chance to earn from their enthusiasm? By introducing an affiliate program, you give them a way to monetize their recommendations. Every time someone joins your site via their referral, they earn a commission.
Simple, right?
Now, you might be wondering about the commission structure. Here’s a hot tip: Consider offering a whopping 100% commission for the first month of any referral. Sounds crazy? Not when you have other products or upsells in your arsenal.
Once you’ve acquired a new member through a referral, you have plenty of opportunities to upsell with your premium offers or coaching sessions. This strategy can skyrocket your site’s growth while ensuring everyone gets their slice of the pie.
But how do you manage this without getting overwhelmed? There’s no need to reinvent the wheel. Let tools handle all the behind-the-scenes work. Let them track referrals, manage payouts, and even help you design custom landing pages for your affiliates.
Besides, you only pay for results. No successful referral, no commission. So, why not give your members the tools to succeed and watch as your membership numbers soar?
Related: 12 Affiliate Marketing Optimization Tips to Maximize Your Revenue
8. Recapture Lost Sales with Abandoned Cart Campaigns
Abandoned carts are one of the causes of concer for many membership site owners. You’ve made everything you could to get potential members onto your site, so they get there, they’ve shown interest, and yet, for some mysterious reason, they don’t complete the sign-up.
We understand how frustrating this can be.
Here’s the deal: Not all is lost. With an effective abandoned cart campaign, you can revert those potential members back in. All you have to do is remind them of the value you offer.
But how do you do it?
First, ensure you have an effective system in place to capture leads. This could be as simple as asking for an email address early in the sign-up process. Once you have that, if they abandon their cart, you’ve got the perfect way to contact them.
Next, craft an email sequence that drips out over a few days. Your first email could be a simple reminder: “Hey, you left something in your cart!” Keep it friendly, and remind them of the benefits they’ll gain by joining your membership site.
If they don’t sign up, send another email in a day or two. This time, take advantage of the scarcity principle offering a limited-time incentive, like a discount or an exclusive piece of content.
Remember, timing is everything. Research suggests that sending the first reminder email within the first 20 minutes of abandonment can increase conversion rates by 5.2%.
Make sure your emails reflect your brand and offer value.
Related: Tackle Revenue Loss With An Abandoned Cart Strategy
9. Come Up With An Enticing Upsell Offer
Creating an irresistible upsell can have a positive impact on your bottom line. Here’s why: when members decide to spend on a monthly subscription, they’re in the mindset to make a purchase. This is the perfect moment to present a compelling upsell, encouraging them towards a yearly subscription at a special rate.
Imagine a customer on the brink of selecting a monthly package. You slide in with a tempting offer: “How about a year-long subscription at a jaw-dropping discount?” This strategy taps into their already activated ‘purchase mode’. At this point, they’re more receptive to grabbing the best deal on the table.
But why is this approach so effective? Three reasons stand out:
- Customer Retention: A discounted yearly plan increases member lifetime value. They stick around longer, and with the appeal of a great deal, second-guessing their decision becomes less likely.
- Immediate Cash Boost: Instead of waiting for monthly drips of revenue, you get a more substantial amount upfront. This can be a boon for any business, giving you the funds to innovate, market, or simply stabilize your operations.
- Higher Engagement: With a full year at their disposal, members have ample time to weave your services into their daily routines.
So, if you’re eager to amplify your revenue, consider implementing an upsell strategy. Use smart tools to make the process seamless.
Related: Top Strategies For Upselling And Cross-Selling In Your Sales Funnel
10. Enable Live Chat on Your Membership Site Sales Page
Live chat: It’s the real-time lifeline your potential members didn’t know they needed.
Picture this: A visitor lands on your membership sales page, bubbling with questions. Instead of leaving them to dig through your FAQ or send an email they’ll have to wait hours for, what if they could get answers right then and there? That’s the power of enabling live chat.
You might wonder, “Is live chat really that effective?” Absolutely. Reports indicate that live chat can boost conversions by up to 45%. Why? Because it breaks down barriers. When visitors get immediate answers, they’re more likely to sign up.
But it’s not just about answering questions. Live chat gives you a unique chance to showcase your brand’s personality. Train your chat team to communicate in a way that reflects your brand voice. Whether you’re all about humor, professionalism, or compassion, let it shine through the chatbox.
Live chat is also an amazing way of gathering feedback. As you interact with potential members, you’ll discover common questions or concerns. This will allow you to refine your sales page or membership offerings.
Make your live chat easily visible but not intrusive. A small icon at the corner of the screen works wonders. And if you can’t offer 24/7 support, clearly state the hours when the chat is active.
Related: 10 Best Live Chat Software Of 2023
11. Focus on Member Retention
Member retention is a critical element of any successful membership site. Think about it. You’ve put in the hard work to attract someone to your site, convinced them of the value, and celebrated as they signed up. Why let that effort go to waste by not focusing on keeping them around?
Reports show that it’s up to five times more costly to win a new member than to retain an existing one. Now, that’s a number you can’t ignore. When you maintain strong relationships with your current members, they not only stick around longer but also become ambassadors for your brand.
So, how can you keep members happy or reduce the membership churn rate? Start by consistently delivering top-notch content. They joined for value, so ensuring they’re continually getting it. Monthly check-ins or feedback sessions can also make a world of difference. They show members you care about their experience and are always striving to improve.
But remember, it’s not just about content. Offer occasional perks or bonuses. Maybe an exclusive webinar or a downloadable resource. Small gestures can remind members of the unique value they’re getting.
Stay engaged. Regularly communicate, be it through newsletters, updates, or even quick emails. Show your members that behind the platform, there’s a team that genuinely values their presence.
Related: How to Create, Launch, and Grow a Membership Site and Community
12. Build Conversion-Driven Sales Landing Pages
Your landing page is the first impression for potential members. It acts as a key point that can steer a visitor towards becoming a member or departing. The difference often lies in the design and content choices you make.
Start with a headline that grabs attention. Rather than just listing out features, ensure it paints a vivid picture of the benefits. Instead of “100+ videos,” why not say, “Master skills at your pace with 100+ video tutorials”? Such an approach makes the visitor visualize the value they’ll receive.
Visual aids can make a world of difference. Consider using a high-resolution image or a concise explainer video. These can convey your value proposition in a fraction of the time it takes to read a paragraph.
Next up is the Call-to-Action (CTA). Select a color that pops and complement it with a compelling directive, like “Dive In Now” or “Unlock Learning.”
Show genuine testimonials throughout. These voices of current members can reassure prospects and provide them with tangible examples of the value they’ll receive.
When it comes to sign-up forms, simplicity is key. The fewer hurdles you put between a potential member and their registration, the better.
Most importantly, don’t forget mobile users. A significant chunk of your audience might access your landing page on a smartphone or tablet. Ensure they get a smooth experience without any design or functionality glitches.
Related: 6 Landing Page Optimization Strategies You Can’t Afford To Miss
13. Have a Paid Ad Strategy in Place
You want your membership site to grow fast, right? Well, strategic paid ad campaigns might be the boost you’re looking for. Let’s break down why and how.
When you run a paid ad, you’re essentially buying a spotlight for your membership platform. The key? Shine that spotlight where your potential members are most likely to see it.
Here’s a simple plan:
- Know Your Audience: Before you spend a dime, get clear on who your ideal member is. Are they a newbie looking to start a hobby or a pro seeking advanced skills? Your ads should speak directly to them.
- Choose the Right Platform: Facebook might be great for targeting a younger, more social audience, while LinkedIn could be ideal if you’re aiming for professionals. Pick where your potential members hang out.
- Set a Budget: Start small, measure results, then scale up. Remember, it’s not about spending the most; it’s about spending smart.
- Craft a Captivating Ad: It’s your elevator pitch. Make it catchy, make it resonate, and most importantly, make it speak to the benefits your membership site offers.
- Monitor and Tweak: Use analytics to understand how your ads perform. Low click-through rate? Maybe it’s time to rethink that headline. High bounce rate on your landing page? Consider a redesign.
- Retarget: Ever browsed a product online and then seen it everywhere you go? That’s retargeting. Some visitors might need a little nudge (or several) before they commit. Don’t let them forget what they’re missing out on.
The beauty of paid ads is they can be hyper-targeted. You’re not yelling into a void, hoping someone hears. You’re whispering directly into the ears of those most likely to join.
14. Amplify Authenticity: Let Your Customers Tell the Tale
You know your membership site offers value. But who better to vouch for it than the members themselves? Enter the power of user-generated content (UGC).
People trust people. When someone’s deciding to join your membership site, they want social proof that it’s worth their time and money. That’s where your members’ stories come in handy. Here are actionable steps to get started:
- Encourage Reviews: Make it easy for members to leave reviews. Send out periodic reminders or offer small incentives. But always aim for genuine feedback.
- Spotlight Testimonials: Did a member share a transformative experience they had on your platform? Showcase it. A dedicated testimonial page or highlighted reviews on the homepage can make a difference.
- Hold a Story Contest: Engage your audience by hosting a contest where they share their success stories. It not only provides content but also boosts community involvement.
- Create a Hashtag: If you’re active on social media, create a unique hashtag for your platform. Encourage members to use it when they share their progress or achievements.
- Feature User Content: With permission, share member posts, photos, or videos that relate to your content. It brings the community together and provides fresh perspectives.
- Celebrate Milestones: Did a member achieve something big using your platform? Celebrate it. Share their journey and highlight the role your membership site played.
By letting your customers share their stories, you’re building trust.
15. Level Up Engagement with Gamification
Think about the last time you were completely lost in an app or a website. Was there a point system? Badges? Leaderboards? That’s gamification at work, and it’s not just for games. For membership sites, it’s a secret sauce to boost member engagement.
Start by rewarding members with points for actions like logging in daily, completing a lesson, or engaging in discussions. This simple step makes them more active on your site.
As they hit milestones, celebrate their progress with badges. Whether they complete a course or attend five webinars, these badges give a sense of accomplishment. And to make things a bit competitive, why not showcase top members on leaderboards?
Also, consider allowing members to use their points to unlock special content, such as exclusive videos or e-books. Regular challenges can also keep the engagement alive.
Imagine the excitement of a 30-day challenge related to your content! Always ensure they know how they’re doing; whenever members earn points or badges, provide instant feedback.
Related: Top 6 MemberMouse Integrations For 2023: The ‘Whys’ and ‘Hows’
16. Branch Out with Diverse Marketing Avenues
When you put all your eggs in one basket, you risk missing a vast audience. Diversifying your marketing channels means you’re casting a wider net. Let’s explore this.
Start with social media. Different platforms cater to varied demographics as I mentioned earlier. By sharing bite-sized insights, teaser content, or member testimonials on these platforms, you can pull in a diverse group.
Email marketing is of great importance. While some say it’s old-fashioned, its effectiveness is undeniable. Regular newsletters keep existing members engaged and help you attract potential ones. Want to share updates, success stories, or upcoming events? A well-crafted email does the trick.
Podcasts are also booming. Think about creating one around your membership’s theme. It’s a fantastic way to both share expertise and promote your platform. With a loyal listener base, you can direct traffic to your membership site effortlessly.
Also, consider partnering with influencers or other platforms complementary to yours. This partnership can lead to webinars, joint courses, or even shared content that benefits both parties.
While it’s crucial to reach out through various channels, consistency is key. Tailor your message for each channel, but ensure your core brand message remains unwavering.
Wrapping Up
Mapping out your membership marketing strategy can seem daunting, but it’s all about understanding your audience and offering genuine value.
You’ve got a variety of strategies at your fingertips. Whether you choose to adopt just one method or mix and match, each approach can potentially lead to a surge in your member count. However, it’s essential not to rush. Instead of diving headfirst into every technique, take a step back. Understand your target audience.
Figure out what they value, where they spend their time online, and how they like to engage. Then, pick the strategies that align best with these insights.