Selecting the best Membership Site Software

So, in this post we'll walk you through the different alternatives. Pros and cons for each. How to determine which one is right for you. Let's start with the hosting solutions for membership software.

Hosted Membership Software

Hosted solutions include options like Kajabi, Zippy Courses, Podia and Thinkific. There are also online marketplaces such as Udemy, Skillshare and Lynda. The advantagesof these types of websites and programs are:

• Everything technology is done by us. Therefore, you don't need to mess with website hosting, video hosting, design and so on. It's already done.
• Particularly with the marketplace websites, they have their own communities and also conduct their own marketing , which could bring you some residual members.
• Affiliate and referral programs are usually included and managed by you

Some of the disadvantagesinclude:

• You have very little or have any influence over the look and feel of your website. Particularly on websites like Udemy and Skillshare which are free, you're not in control over layouts, styling etc. Kajabi as well as the other sites give some additional choices, but they're limited.
• Cookie-cutter memberships. It's likely that you've heard of the Kajabi website when you come across one. All of them appear identical, and if you would like your brand and site to be noticed, it's difficult to do it on such sites.
• Strict guidelines. In particular, when it comes to websites that sell products, they usually control what you are allowed to charge, the kind of courses you allowed to make, what format that your content is required to be as well as every other aspect of the site.
• Often expensive. Kajabi For instance, costs $149 a month.

This option can be a great fit for some users. Hosted solutions could be the best fit to you if you:

• It's not a good idea to mess around with the technology at all.
• You're willing to surrender all control of the way your site's membership operates.
• You don't mind that your site may look a lot like many others which are available.
• It's not a problem if you don't mind paying the costs.

Next up will be...

Standalone Services and Scripts

Standalone scripts can include AMember, Digital Access Pass, Memberful and MemberGate, among other things. They are either scripts or services which you can install on or incorporate into your existing site.

Now, a lot of these services claim "tight integration" to WordPress as they understand that it's a well-known CMS for managing content. But, of course, they're not actually WordPress plugins in their fundamentals.

Which is something to be aware of when you are considering these. However, when you look at the positives:

• They are standalone. So, if you decide to change publishing software, in the future it is likely that they will move with you and you can continue to manage your membership as it is.
• The site owner has complete control. You are not subject to any restrictions or guidelines set by a third-party for your site of membership.
• It is possible to design your website however you'd like.
• They're generally pretty feature-rich with lots of options.

Some negativesinclude:

• They are typically more complex than the membership website software out there. Most of the time, you need to set up the software to your site, and there's several steps to follow to accomplish that. In addition, if the hosting is unique somehow, there can be integration issues.
• The sites do not typically come with any sort or publishing software which means you're forced to make the pages your own or "bolt on" the application to an existing platform , such as WordPress.
• It's an entirely different technique to understand, usually an intricate and complex method.

However, it could be the best choice for you in the following situations:

• You're a tech-savvy person and enjoy exploring the nuances of the software.
• You want an extreme level of control.
• It is possible to pay for the expense.

Then, finally we've got...

WordPress Members Site plugins

They include programs like Restrict Content Pro, S2Member and, of course, our Member plugin. We're biased for sure, but we think they're the top combination of both. Also, the benefitsinclude:

• It's the WordPress plugin, so it's an environment and technology which you're used to and comfortable with.
• Actually, it does integrate tightly into WordPress since it's designed exclusively for WordPress which means you don't need to switch between your WordPress site and the application. Everything is there and works like any different WordPress plugin or functionality.
• It's the publishing platform which you're accustomed to. It's not necessary to learn new systems or figure out how you can build pages from scratch.
• You can have complete control in the design and feel of your website with WordPress themes, or plugins for page building such as Elementor or Visual Composer.
• Protection of content is easy. You can check off a few boxes while your create your post or page and you're done.
• The cost is usually less expensive and typically doesn't contain the cost of a monthly fee or, if it does it's one of the different payment options.

It's truly the greatest of both worlds... A highly functional piece of software with complete control of your website without becoming too complicated and technically demanding and costing three arms and a leg.

There are negatives:

• It is dependent on WordPress. If you don't want to use WordPress then you shouldn't be using this program.
• Somewhat less intense control. The site is in the WordPress environment that is quite flexible, so you get more control over how your site looks, feels and performs than the vast majority of users could ever want; however, there is a theoretical limitation.
• A little more complex. There isn't everything that's done in your favor like with a hosted solution. It is still your responsibility to decide on the theme, create your pages and so on. This is a little longer as opposed to a hosted option. Although, it's all inside WordPress which means that nothing is too complicated or difficult to get accomplished.

A WordPress plugin is a good choice if you:

• You want a reasonable balance between power and control... and also technical level of complexity.
• Your site should be different and stand out from the crowd.
• You're already using WordPress and you don't wish to learn a new system.
• You're new to publishing and membership site-building. WordPress is the easiest software to use to get published on your own website, so you'll want to get familiar with it. And then, it's an easy transition to build your membership site after that.

It is also possible to like...

Recent Posts

"We've tried a couple of other membership tools that came as part of the packages we'd made a commitment to. But there's nothing that can beat the Member. I know that there's plenty of amazing things that users have built over time. But when it comes to personalization, if your are using WordPress there's no way to alter this. Naturally, I'm biased, however we've earned thousands of dollars through this product."

Tristan Truscott                              Satori Method                                                                                                                                                                                              I have moved [ Member] to the top of my choices for those. The new Member packs a punch! And the price for Member offers a wonderful deal.

Chris Lema                              LiquidWeb                                                                                                                                                                                              Members integrates with all the tools that I am using right now. And they're so eager to connect with the new tools that are coming out. It's astounding how they manage it actually. If I had to buy an membership-related plugin now... I would go with Member. I would go with the Member.

Adam Preiser                              WPCrafter