As a small web design and development company, we typically work for small to medium size businesses that spend their time being good at their own area of expertise. We have always found that our clients are the greatest source of aggravation and inspiration. Because the development of web sites and internet-based services requires a certain degree of technical proficiency, the aggravation typically comes from demands for things that appear to be impossible or impractical. Inspiration comes from finding ways to implement these flights of fancy.
A while ago we were asked to create a site with the following characteristics:
- Promote and sell a product delivered in digital format
- Deliver the product over time on an incremental basis
- Reduce theft and sharing of audio/video components
- Encourage a sense of community and return customers
None of this actually sounded impossible or impractical but the client's familiar models for conducting e-commerce and distributing digital materials were impractical for this set of requirements and would have been impossible to do within the "small-business" budget we were given. After considering all of the options, the first big task was to convince the client that what could best do the job was a Membership Site!
Now, fast forward to the present. We have built several membership sites for this client and the overall success has been so positive, even in the current economic climate, that there has been no looking back.
So, what might be the implications of this for you? Do you have a particular niche of information and expertise?
The key words are in that last sentance; information, expertise and niche! If you can bring information and expertise to bear on any specific topic you may have what it takes to create a successful niche with your own membership site.
Membership sites are built by providing access to specific
information that consumers are in need of. Successful sites provide
convenient, sought-after information in an accessible manner. Content
is king, and finding and distributing much-needed content on your site
will make it both successful and profitable.
To bring potential subscribers into your membership site, focus on
their needs. Information consumers have a need for useful content on
their topic of choice, a need to know the newest information, and a
need for a sense of belonging. By meeting each of these needs, and
demonstrating how you plan to do so in your sales letter, you are on
your way to increasing your membership.
First, you’ll need to consider which topics are profitable. What
content is highly in demand at the moment? What do people need
information about? What do people want to know how to do? If you are
answering a frequently asked question, you just may have the right
topic for your membership site. Spend some time on forums, and notice
what questions pop up repeatedly. Find answers to those questions. Find
products that teach skills people want to know. Market to this need for
useful content, and you’ve got a great start!
Next, consider that some potential subscribers may already know the
information you found in your above search. Each market will have
subscribers with basic, intermediate, and advanced knowledge – you want
to sell your memberships to all three types. Research the newest,
hottest information on your topic of choice. Did a new method of
organizing widgets just hit the media? Be sure you have updates on this
information for your widgets membership site. Provide your members with
hot new products and information, to ensure they keep coming back for
more.
Last, cater to your members need to belong to a group. Potential
subscribers, like most people, want be part of successful groups of
like-minded people. Market your site as just the group they want to
join. Check in with your members often through forums and email
newsletters, and be sure that new members know they can ask you for
help if needed. Provide a sense of community, and pride in that
community. This will help ensure that your new subscribers become
steady subscribers.
When building your membership site, focus on profitable topics. Be
sure to include new, up to date information for subscribers with an
intermediate to advanced knowledge of your topic. Work hard to build a
community of like-minded individuals. This will ensure your continued
success in your site-building efforts.
For more information on how you can set up your own membership site, visit Membership Academy. At Membership Academy there are comparisons, reviews, forums and videos on membership software and payment systems. You can also discover how to start-up and run your own profitable membership site.
