Do you want to use WordPress to create a members-only area on your site? With the right WordPress plugins, it’s easier than you might think. Let’s learn how!
Reading: How to create a members only website in wordpress
Do you want to use WordPress for a members-only area on your site? Fortunately, a WordPress membership site is not very difficult to create! This is because there are a few different solutions that you can use to make creating a membership site a lot easier.
In this post, we are going to show you step-by-step how to create a membership area in WordPress. Long story short, you need a plugin unless you’re a programmer.
Let’s start with the basics about members-only areas:
- What is a membership site?
- Why create a membership site?
- Do you need a membership plugin?
What is a membership site?
Let’s clarify some terms. A members-only area is an area on your site that only members can access. Usually these are paying members. And when a site has a members-only area, the entire site is usually referred to as a members site.
The idea is that the membership content you offer is the most compelling content on your site. Of course, that’s not always the case. However, for our purposes today, let’s assume that you want to create a meaningful members-only area on your site.
Members sites are made up of a few key components. These are:
- Restricted Content
- User/Member Registration
- Online Forms
- Payment Methods
Restricted Content
This is the most important part of a membership website. The idea is that you restrict access to content based on a user’s membership level. The higher quality the content, the more expensive it is to access.
The premise is simple. You create a paywall and put your content behind it. Sometimes a paywall is referred to as a “gate” and therefore the content is sometimes referred to as “gated content”. However you slice it, users pay some kind of fee to access the content.
You have no limits as to the type of content! You can create digital downloads (e.g. podcasts are a popular choice) or even content within a WordPress post or page. You could even create and sell online courses with a membership model.
Alternatively, you can choose an easier way and just need an email to download files.
User/member registration
User/Member Registration
h3>
See also: How to Develop an Android App from Scratch
To give people access to the content they want, you need a user registration system. WordPress has one of these built in, but it doesn’t have enough power to be useful for members-only content. Unfortunately, it’s a bit more complex than creating a registration form.
Many membership sites have different levels of access. Sometimes they offer free trials. Sometimes they offer free content in exchange for an email address. Whatever the agreement, you need a membership system to make it work.
Online Forms
Of course you need a way for members to register on your site. This is why forms are so important for a membership site. Some WordPress form builders have the ability to create a membership site themselves.
On the other hand, some membership plugins (like our favorite, MemberPress) have great forms built-in. And for those of you who want to create the ultimate membership experience for your users? Combine a great form builder with a great membership plugin!
Payment Methods
Forms are one thing, but depending on the scope of your membership area, you may need to consider payment methods. There are two aspects to think about:
- Payment gateways
- Payment structure
Payment gateways is the technology that enables you and your online forms to collect payments. Some common examples are PayPal, Stripe, and Authorize.net. Sometimes PayPal works well, but not everyone has a PayPal account like most people have a credit card.
Payment structurerefers to how you ask users to pay for the Access to Your Restricted Content. Sometimes they offer a free trial and then switch to a paid membership. Sometimes you can charge users a flat fee for all access.
Or maybe set up recurring payments? There are many options when it comes to payment structure.
Ultimately, you want to maximize your earnings. Plan to use a gateway your customers are comfortable with and a payment structure that offers value for money.
How do you create a membership website?
The easiest way to create a membership website is to use one of the best WordPress membership plugins. Of course, a quick search of the WordPress.org plugin directory will uncover many options. So which one is the best?
Well, it depends on your goals… but…
If we had to vote for a plugin, it would have to be MemberPress. In recent years, they have become the clear market leader for WordPress membership sites. Their plugin is easy to use and highly recommended by many.
Wait…do you really need a WordPress membership plugin?
See also: The 15 Most Useful Tips For Naming A Food Blog
Before we continue, let’s find out if you really do have one Membership require plugin. We actually wrote our own article just on this topic. Truth be told, you could create a pretty good members-only area with protected content using a form builder like ours, Formidable Forms.
So before you go in investing in a costly membership solution, take a look at this article! It might be that what you envision is easy to do without a membership plugin.
Learn more: How to know when you need a membership plugin
How To set up a members-only area on WordPress sites
With that in mind, here’s how to set up a members-only area on WordPress sites.
1. Start a WordPress site
This should be the obvious place to start! If you haven’t yet created a WordPress site or are new to hosting, consider the following tips:
- Make sure you choose a URL that has SEO potential and at Resonates with your potential members
- Find a WordPress-centric host. Many hosts will automatically install WordPress for you!
- Learn more about the best WordPress hosting.
2. Choose a Membership Plugin
As we alluded to, you’ll probably want a plugin to build your members-only area. Unless you have the ability to program a login form or registration pages! A top-notch membership plugin like MemberPress can help you set up your website with ease. Set things up on the plugin’s options page and you’re good to go.
And if you just want a basic members-only area, you could get away with using a solid WordPress forms plugin like Formidable Forms .
3. Create your restricted members-only content
Whether you’re creating posts, pages, courses, audio, or video… you need to start with the content. To be honest, this is going to be the hardest part of your membership site.
You may also want to add a member directory to your site. This creates value and helps retain members.
4. Build your audience
If you build it, they will come. This may have worked for Kevin Costner and the gang, but it sure won’t work online! Building your audience will also take some time and experimentation. Many membership sites offer free content to get people hooked as a form of promotion.
Others create blog articles with SEO potential to attract members. You could even try advertising. Don’t expect audiences to come to you overnight.
Conclusion
With all of these tips, you should think a little clearer about your online members-only space. With the right tools and the right approach, getting started isn’t too difficult. Anyway, thanks for stopping by the Formidable Blog! Check back often for more WordPress tips.
Read more of our membership articles
If you’re not already a Formidable Forms user, why don’t you use that? Take advantage of our 14-day money-back guarantee today and see for yourself, 100% risk-free? Start with the Form Maker plugin that does it all.
See also: How To Trace Email Sender Location
.
