Step-By-Step Guide: Build A Membership Website

Building a membership website has become increasingly popular, allowing you to monetize your content and offer exclusive access to your users. It can be a powerful tool for developing your business or personal brand. With the right membership website builder and strategy, you can create a prosperous and profitable membership site that extends value to your members and helps you achieve your goals.

However building a membership website may seem like a daunting task, but with the help of a membership website builder, it can be a smooth and straightforward process. Strikingly is one of the most popular website builders used to build a membership website. It offers a range of features that allow you to easily build a membership website from scratch.

Here, we'll take you through the steps to build a membership website using Strikingly. We will cover everything from choosing the right template to setting up payment gateways and creating a user-friendly interface. Whether you're looking to build a membership website for your business or personal brand, this article will provide the necessary tools to get started with how to create a membership website. But before that, let us first understand why you must build a membership website.

Image taken from Strikingly

Benefits Of Creating A Membership Site

Here are some of the major benefits of creating a membership site:

• Generate recurring revenue

You can generate recurring revenue by offering exclusive content, products, or services to your members. It can be a great way to supplement your income or create a new revenue stream for your business.

• Build a community

With a membership website, you can create a community of like-minded individuals who are interested in what you have to offer. Membership sites allow you to build a community of like-minded individuals who are interested in what you have to offer. This community can provide valuable feedback and support and become loyal customers and advocates for your brand.

• Control over content

With a membership site, you have complete control over the content you provide to your members. It allows you to create high-quality, exclusive content that is not available anywhere else and can help to differentiate your brand from competitors.

• Better user engagement

Membership sites provide a better user experience than traditional websites because they offer personalized content and experiences to members. Creating a customized experience for your members can increase engagement and improve retention rates.

• Data and insights

A membership website may provide valuable data and insights into your audience, including demographics, interests, and engagement metrics. The data can be used to optimize your content and marketing strategies and better understand your audience's needs and preferences.

Image taken from Strikingly

Planning Your Membership Website

Before you start building your membership website, it's important to take some time to plan and strategize. Here are some key steps to help you plan your membership website:

1. Define Your Goals And Target Audience

The first step in creating a successful membership website is to define your goals and target audience. Understanding your goals and target audience will help you create a membership site tailored to your audience's needs and interests. Defining your goals and target audience is critical in creating a successful membership website. Here are some key points to help you define your goals and target audience:

• Organize market research

Market research can help you understand your target audience's needs, wants, and preferences. It can include analyzing data on potential members' demographics, interests, and behaviors.

• Identify your niche

Identify the niche or industry your membership website will cater to. It will help you create a more focused and tailored experience for your members.

• Determine your unique selling proposition

Determine what sets your membership website apart from others in your niche or industry. It could be unique content, features, or experiences your members cannot find elsewhere.

• Set specific and measurable targets

Set specific and measurable goals for your membership website, such as the number of members you want to acquire or the revenue you want to generate. It will help you stay focused and track your progress over time.

• Consider your target audience's pain points

Consider your target audience's challenges and how your membership website can help solve those problems. It will help you create content and features that are valuable and relevant to your audience.

Defining your goals and target audience can help build a membership websitethat is more effective and successful. It will help you attract and retain members, generate revenue, and achieve your business objectives. A membership website builder, such as Strikingly, can help you bring your vision to life and build a membership website that meets the needs of your target audience.

2. Determine The Type Of Membership Website You Want To Create

Determining the type of membership website you want to create is a crucial step in building a successful membership site. Here are some points to consider when making this decision:

• Decide on a free or paid membership model

Determine whether you want to offer a free or paid membership model. A free membership model may help you attract more members, but a paid membership model may generate more revenue.

• Consider the type of content you will offer

Consider the type of content you will offer to your members and whether it will be exclusive or available elsewhere. It can help you determine the value proposition for your membership site.

• Evaluate your competitors

Evaluate your competitors and see what type of membership model they use. It can help you identify what works and is outside your niche or industry.

• Assess your resources

Assess your available resources to build a membership website and manage it. It can include time, money, and expertise.

• Determine the pricing model

If you decide on a paid membership model, determine the pricing model that will work best for your audience. It can include one-time payments, monthly subscriptions, or annual memberships.

Considering these factors can help you determine the type of membership website that will be most effective for your business and your target audience. With the help of a membership website builder, such as Strikingly, you can create a membership site that meets the needs of your audience and helps you achieve your business objectives.

3. Research Your Competitors And Identify Areas Of Differentiation

Researching your competitors and identifying areas of differentiation is a crucial step in creating a successful membership website. Here are some key points to consider when conducting competitor research:

• Identify your top competitors

Identify the top competitors in your niche or industry that offer membership websites. It can include competitors that offer similar content, features, and experiences.

• Analyze their membership models

Analyze their membership models, including pricing, content, and features. It can help you identify what works and is not in your niche or industry.

• Evaluate their strengths and weaknesses

Evaluate your competitors' strengths and weaknesses. It can include analyzing their website design, user experience, and customer support.

• Identify areas of differentiation

Identify areas where you can differentiate yourself from your competitors. It can include offering unique content, features, or experiences your competitors do not offer.

• Develop a unique value proposition

Build a unique value proposition that sets your membership website apart from your competitors. It can help you attract and retain members and generate revenue.

Conducting thorough competitor research can help you to identify areas where you can distinguish yourself from your competitors and create a more successful membership website. A membership website builder, such as Strikingly, can help you bring your vision to life and create a membership website that stands out in your niche or industry.

4. Outline The Structure And Content Of Your Website

Outlining the structure and content of your website is a crucial step in building a successful membership website. Here are some key points to consider when outlining your website structure and content:

• Define the main sections of your website

Define the main sections, including the homepage, about page, membership options page, and content pages. It can help you organize your website and make it easy for members to navigate.

• Determine the type of content you will offer

Determine the content you will offer your members, such as articles, videos, webinars, or forums. It will help you create a content plan that meets the needs of your audience.

• Develop a content calendar

Develop a content calendar that outlines your content's topics and publishing schedule. It can help you stay organized and consistent with your content creation.

• Determine the features and functionality of your website

Determine the features and functionality you will need to create a seamless user experience for your members. It can include features such as member profiles, forums, chat rooms, or online courses.

• Write copy for your website

Write compelling copy for your website that communicates the benefits of your membership site and encourages visitors to join.

You can create a membership website that meets the demands of your audience and achieves your business objectives by outlining the structure and content of your website. A membership website builder, such as Strikingly, can help you bring your vision to life and build a membership website that is both functional and visually appealing.

Image taken from Strikingly

Setting Up Your Strikingly Account

Once you have planned the structure and content of your membership website, it's time to start setting up your Strikingly account. Strikingly is a powerful membership website builder that can help you create a professional and functional membership website. Here are some key steps to follow when setting up your Strikingly account:

1. Sign up for a Strikingly account. Visit the Strikingly website and sign up for an account. Choose a plan that suits your needs and budget, such as the Limited, Pro, or VIP plan.

2. Choose a domain name. Select a domain name that reflects your brand and the purpose of your membership website. You can either purchase a new domain name through Strikingly or connect an existing domain name to your account.

3. Connect your domain name to your Strikingly account. Once you have chosen a domain name, connect it to your Strikingly account. It will allow you to use your domain name instead of a Strikingly subdomain.

4. Select a template. Select from the number of options available and start customizing it based on your needs and brand.

5. Set up necessary pages and sections. Set up the necessary pages and sections for your membership website, including the homepage, about page, membership options page, and content pages. Customize each page with your own content, images, and branding elements.

6. Set up payment and membership options. Set up payment and membership options for your website. It can include setting up a payment gateway, defining membership levels and pricing, and configuring access to members-only content.

You can set up your Strikingly account and build a membership website that meets the needs of your audience and achieves your business objectives by following these steps. It can help you bring your vision to life and build a membership website that is both functional and visually appealing.

Customizing Your Membership Website

Once you have set up the necessary pages and created your membership system, it's time to customize your membership website to align with your brand and engage your audience. Here are some key steps to follow when customizing your membership website:

• Choose a website theme that goes with your brand.

Strikingly offers a range of customizable website templates and themes that you can choose from. Select a theme that resonates with your brand and appeals to your target audience.

• Customize the website design and layout using Strikingly's tools and features.

Use Strikingly's intuitive drag-and-drop tools and features to customize the design and layout of your website. It can include adding custom colors, fonts, and logos to create a consistent brand identity. You can also add sections and widgets to highlight key features and content.

• Add multimedia content, like images and videos, to enhance user experience.

Adding multimedia content, such as images, videos, and infographics, can help enhance user experience and engage your audience. Use high-quality visuals that align with your brand and complement your content.

Image taken from Strikingly

You can create a professional and engaging website that reflects your brand and provides value to your members by customizing your membership website using Strikingly's tools and features.

Launching And Managing Your Membership Website

Launching and managing your membership website can be daunting, but with the correct tools and strategies, it can be a smooth process. Here are some steps you can take:

• Test your membership system and website functionality.

Before launching your website, thoroughly test your membership system and website functionality. Ensure everything works as intended, from the sign-up process to the payment gateway.

• Launch your membership website and promote it to your target audience.

Once you've tested everything, it's time to launch your website. Promote it through email marketing, social media channels, and other relevant platforms to reach your target audience.

• Monitor your website's performance and member engagement.

After launching, monitoring your website's performance and member engagement is essential. Use tools such as Google Analytics to track your website's traffic, user behavior, and engagement metrics.

• Use analytics tools to track membership growth and revenue.

As your membership website grows, tracking membership growth and revenue becomes essential. It will help you identify which strategies are working and where you need to improve to ensure long-term success.

You can effectively launch and manage your membership website by following these steps, ultimately leading to a thriving community of members who benefit from your content and services. With Strikingly, the process can be even more straightforward, allowing you to focus on creating engaging content and growing your community.

Conclusion

Building a membership website using Strikingly is a straightforward process that can benefit businesses and content creators. Defining your goals, researching competitors, and outlining your website's structure and content can help you create a membership system that resonates with your target audience. The next steps are setting up your Strikingly account, creating your membership system, customizing your website, and launching and managing your membership site. Following these, you can create a successful membership website that generates revenue and builds a loyal community. Since it's easy to create, why wait any longer to build a membership website? Start today with Strikingly and create a membership website that sells.