Learning how to start a membership website can seem intimidating, but it’s surprisingly attainable for anyone with a specialized skill set, basic tech literacy, and a willingness to go the extra mile.
A membership website is a popular online business model, giving members exclusive access to content for a subscription fee. From branding advice to creative writing workshops, there’s no shortage of niche opportunities.
Today, we’re digging into how to start a membership website, no matter your expertise, and start earning a scalable monthly income to suit your financial goals.
Types of Membership-Only Websites
The type of membership website you choose will vary based on your desired time commitment and field of expertise. Here are a few of the most common membership-only models:
- Subscription memberships: Subscriptions give you unfiltered access to the subscription site, with exclusive content being released regularly. This model is great for building lasting value and loyal community members.
- Content memberships: Content memberships offer subscribers digital products, such as an online course, templates, downloads, and other exclusives. Think of this model more as an online store where members are paying for access to a library or a select number of digital products.
- Coaching memberships: Ideal for coaches and consultants, these memberships give users personalized feedback or mentorship. This can be either group or one-on-one counseling.
- Community memberships: Those looking to learn a new skill with others or explore topics in a niche community could find their answers in a community-based membership. These memberships will give you access to private forums, group calls, and events. This is great for both niche and professional communities.
These are basic models, though many will take on a hybrid approach to offer their members the best value possible. For example, a content-based membership with built-in community features like a private discussion forum or monthly coaching opportunities.
Benefits of a Membership-Only Website
Membership-only websites provide users with curated, high-quality content. But beyond user perks, business owners can also benefit in a big way!
Main benefits include:
- Strong community building and loyal engagement
- A predictable and recurring income source
- Scalable offerings without increasing your workload
- Long-term stability and passive income opportunities
- Direct insights into what your members really want
How to Start a Membership Website
Ready to leap into building your own membership site? Use the following steps to outline your new business model.
1. Define Your Membership Plan
Your first step is to define your membership site. Begin with a clear purpose, answering:
- Who is this service for?
- What will members receive?
- Why is your membership plan worth buying?
Focus on the value you can bring to your community members through this plan. A solid understanding of this value will not only help you attract potential members but also retain them.
2. Choose a Membership Model
Next, decide on your membership model, whether it will act as a:
- Gated content gallery
- Community access to private forums
- Service-based coaching
- Regularly-updated subscription model
- Hybrid approach
Also, decide which membership options best fit your model, with options including:
- Monthly or annual subscription
- One-time payment
- Membership tiers like basic and premium
- Free plan or free trials with premium upgrades
3. Pick the Right Platform
The right choice of platform can make all the difference. Your tech education and comfort levels should point you to a fitting membership website builder.
4. Create Starter Content
You don’t need a fully-packed website in order to launch your membership services.
Begin by creating core content on your specific topic. This includes a strong welcome message with onboarding information, sufficient course or blog content to demonstrate your expertise and model value, and a schedule for when members can expect to receive more.
These first pieces are essential in demonstrating the quality of your services. Additional resources can be created as your platform grows, increasing in total value as you go.
5. Set Up Payment
Set up a way for users to pay their membership fee. Most platforms will support payments through digital wallets or credit cards, though you can also use PayPal subscriptions or bank transfers.
Decide whether members will pay through tiered pricing, recurring subscriptions, or a one-time fee.
6. Build a Sales Page (and Beyond)
Build an entry page for your premium content that answers your value statement from step one.
With a quick glance, potential members should know what you’re offering, who your services are for, and what the pricing options are.
This is also a good place to display member testimonials or any relevant credentials.
Beyond this sales page, set up the remainder of your site with users in mind. Aim for easy navigation, searchable content, and clear answers to frequently asked questions.
7. Launch Your Membership Website
With the basics down, you’re ready to launch your membership website!
Begin with a soft launch, first inviting existing community members. It’s common to offer a discounted price at this point, allowing you to receive feedback and tweak your platform as you go.
This is a good chance to refine your processes and ensure your content is up to par before hard-launching your site.
8. Market Your Services
When you’re ready to expand and welcome new members, it’s time to start marketing your services on a larger scale.
Use email marketing and social media to reach new audiences, share details on upcoming events, and connect with other industry experts. Collaborations are a great way to build community and to get your membership model seen!
9. Maintain Your Community
When you run a successful membership site, retention should be your number one goal. Retention means happy, loyal members who refer new people to your community!
Keep your members engaged through regular content updates, offering bonus content when the mood strikes. Members will appreciate high-value extras.
Members-only emails are another great retention tool, with personalized content sent directly to their inbox.
Ask for feedback from your past and current members, placing a strong emphasis on customer support and mutual growth.
Finally, the best way to nurture your online community is to continue showing up and providing value. If you wouldn’t be happy paying for your existing content, it’s time to show up bigger and better than before.
10. Scale and Grow
What’s so exciting about setting these building blocks now is that they have the opportunity to grow into something huge.
As your community grows, scale your offerings to fit the demand. Consider adding new tiers or perks for members. Offer limited-time promotions to reach different people. Collaborate with industry professionals for mutual growth.
Membership websites are built to grow with their users, so take advantage!
How to Start a Membership Website: FAQs
Have more questions about how to start a membership website? Here are a few commonly asked questions. Don’t be afraid to ask for more specifics in the comments below.
Do I need a large following to start a membership website?
No! You don’t need an existing following or impressive Google Analytics on your blog to start your own membership website. In fact, it’s best to start small with a new project like this.
An intimate community of just a few members can help you build and refine your website. As you build resources, explore marketing opportunities, and gain referrals from happy members, growth will come naturally.
In short – go for it!
How much should I charge for a membership website?
Your membership pricing should directly reflect the value of your content.
Beginners often start with a low monthly fee of $5 to $19 for access to exclusive content, such as newsletters and blog posts.
Mid-range memberships range from $20 to $69 per month and offer a more robust set of resources, regularly scheduled content, and strong community engagement. This is a good range for trusted content creators and educators.
Finally, high-end memberships can range from $70 to $200 per month. This fee should cover high-value perks such as one-on-one coaching, personalized feedback, and opportunities for small peer-group collaborations. This model suits industry experts and consulting services.
What platform is most beginner-friendly?
Patreon is incredibly easy to get started on, with built-in membership tiers, payment options, and subscription management. There’s zero website building required. Simply focus on content and let Patreon handle the rest!
For beginner options that offer more customization, Podia, Squarespace, and Wix are all incredibly user-friendly.
What kind of content is best for a membership website?
The best type of content is something that members will want repeated access to, with examples like:
- Resource galleries
- Step-by-step tutorials
- Specialized courses
- Niche community connection
- Seasonal content, challenges, and prompts
- Ongoing support like coaching, reviews, and feedback
Excellent membership sites create content that users would genuinely miss if it were to disappear or be discontinued.
How to Start a Membership Website: Final Thoughts
With user-friendly platforms and a world of online users, it’s never been easier to start your own membership website.
Use this guide to create high-value content within your niche and build a thriving community through your website.
