From large-scale social networks, humans are slowly going back to smaller, more intimate circles of shared interests. To that end, membership sites have become the go-to way for people to engage in meaningful conversations, discuss interesting topics, find like-minded people, and share experiences and information with each other. How to find the best membership site ideas and tap into the power of online communities, though?
In this article, we take a look at some of the best ideas for membership sites, so read on if you want to get inspired.
Contents
Why Humans Thrive in Communities
Social groups are nothing new. We’ve been gathering in tribes since the dawn of time, and we continue to do so today. But why?
Humans are social creatures, plain and simple. We crave connection and belonging, two feelings that can be hard to find when you’re stuck at home in the digital age. We’re wired to seek communities because it has helped us stay safe, grow, and advance as a species — there’s really nothing like the collective power of a group.
The internet has made it easier to connect, despite the distance, time zone differences, and sometimes even despite speaking different languages. However, at some point, the World Wide Web became a bit too wide — and way too noisy. Faced with restrictions, algorithms, and overcrowded social networks, humans have gone back to smaller circles.
Membership sites are part of the revolution.
Why Own a Membership Site?
The reasons to own a membership site are myriad. Whether you already have an online business or are starting from scratch, there are plenty of ways to benefit from a membership site:
- Generate recurring revenue
- Create an engaged online community
- Increase customer loyalty
- Develop customer relationships and build trust
- Grow your influence and reach
- Provide exclusive content and offerings
The Best Membership Site Ideas
Membership sites come in all sizes, shapes, and colors — which is part of why they’re such an attractive proposition to anyone looking to generate revenue and achieve financial independence. There are as many membership site ideas as there are stars in the sky, so here are some of the best ones:
Content Libraries
Content libraries are a great idea, especially if you have a blog or vlog. You can create exclusive content that’s available only to members, use the platform to share teaching materials and guides, or curate video courses, training, and tutorials. You can also use paywalls to monetize your content.
Templates and Stock Images Membership Site
If you have a collection of templates, stock images, or other digital products that can be used again and again, consider starting a membership site focused on this. It can be very useful for marketers, graphic designers, content marketers, and more.
Recipe Membership Site
Love cooking? Why not share your recipes with like-minded people from around the world? A recipe membership site is a great way to get creative and build an engaged community around your favorite dishes.
Marketing Membership Site
Marketers are always avid to learn more — but keeping track of all the content out there can be daunting. A marketing content library can help them stay on top of the trends and find new strategies to use in their tactics.
Productivity Membership Site
Productivity is the name of the game for many professionals, and a productivity membership site can offer exclusive content that focuses on helping people increase their efficiency.
Sports and Gaming Membership Site
Sports and gaming are two of the most popular leisure activities, so a membership site that focuses on either one or both can be great for connecting people with passions in this area.
Dating & Networking Membership Site
Dating and networking are two component parts of the same coin, so why not combine them? A membership site for this purpose can be a great way to connect people looking for platonic and romantic relationships, while also helping them build their professional networks.
Kids Content Membership Site
Kids and parents love educational content, so why not create a membership site that focuses on this? You can offer exclusive content and activities to engage both parents and children (such as cartoons, activities, or digital books).
Personal Development
We all want to become better versions of ourselves. As it frequently happens, though, the noise of daily life (and of the huge amount of information online) can put a damper on personal growth. A membership site focused on personal development can be a great way to provide information, guidance, and resources in one place.
Music, Art, or Writing Membership Site
If you’re passionate about music, art, or writing, you can create a membership site that focuses exclusively on this. It could be a great way to connect with like-minded people and share your passion with the world.
DIY & Crafts Membership Site
DIY and crafts are becoming increasingly popular, so why not create a membership site that offers exclusive tips and tutorials? It can be great for connecting people with similar interests and helping them learn more about DIY and crafting.
Fitness & Nutrition Membership Site
Fitness and nutrition are two of the most popular topics people search for online. A membership site focused on this could be a great way to bring together people with similar goals and provide content that helps them achieve those objectives.
Health & Wellness Membership Site
Passionate about wellness and health (physical and/or mental)? Then you might love turning this passion into a membership site idea with the goal to bring together people interested in bettering their lives and health.
Specialty Book Clubs & Support Communities
If you’re an ace at devouring content about a specific topic, turn it into a membership site idea! You can create book clubs and support communities that focus on the topic of interest, helping others enjoy it as much as you do.
Travel & Adventure Membership Site
Who doesn’t love traveling and exploring the world? Turning this passion into a membership site idea is a great way to keep track of all your favorite destinations, adventures and activities. Plus, you can connect with like-minded people who share your passion and make some money in the process.
Services
Some membership site ideas revolve around providing services. And although this might be a less “passive” way to generate income, it can still be a very valid option. You can offer coaching, tutorials, or consultations in exchange for a membership fee.
Content Production Service Membership Site
Content production services are very popular, and having a membership site can be an excellent way to offer these services. For example, your membership content production site could revolve around monthly content production subscriptions.
Online Lifestyle Coaching Membership Site
A lot of people are looking for online coaches in different areas. You can create a membership site to offer your services and help them reach their goals. This type of membership site is great for entrepreneurs, professionals, students, and anyone else who might need online coaching.
Digital Art and Design Membership Site
If you have a passion for art and design, you can create a membership site to offer digital resources and tools that can help others in their journey. Plus, you can curate tutorials and activities to help keep members engaged and motivated.
Web Design Membership Site
For those of you who like to design websites, a membership site is a perfect way to offer your services. You can help people create beautiful custom websites and provide them with the necessary resources for their projects.
Business Coaching & Mentorship Membership Site
If you’re a business coach or mentor, a membership site might be the perfect way to offer your services and build relationships with your clients.
Consultancy Membership Site
Are you a consultant? Looking for ways to get more customers and retain your current ones? A membership site might be just the right idea for you, then. It can help you create a community of clients and provide them with the resources they need to succeed.
Web Development Membership Site
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced web developer, you can create a membership site to offer your services and help others improve their skills. You can create tutorials and activities to teach members the basics of web development, as well as provide them with resources that can help them become better developers.
Nutrition & Fitness Membership Site
Are you an expert in nutrition and fitness? You can create a membership site to offer resources that can help members reach their health and fitness goals. You can provide meal plans, workout routines, and even tips on healthy lifestyle choices.
Certifications & Training
Some people sign up for membership sites to learn how to take specific exams or get a certificate in a given area. This is a great way to monetize your knowledge and help people get the certifications they need. Need proof? The Learning Management System market is predicted to reach $40.95bn by 2029, showing there’s clear interest in online learning.
Business & Marketing Training Membership Site
Whether you’re a business coach or marketing expert, having a membership site is the perfect way to offer your services and help people reach their goals.
Resume, Interview, and Job Preparation Membership Site
Are you an experienced job coach? This type of membership site can help you offer your services and provide members with the resources they need to make the jump to a better job.
Coding and Web Development Membership Site
For those of you who have coding and web development skills, a membership site can be the perfect way to offer your services and help others learn how to code.
Networking and Modern Job Skills Membership Site
If you’ve nailed modern soft skills like networking and interviewing, creating a membership site is the perfect way to help others learn how to do it too.
Finance Training Membership Site
Are you a finance expert? You can create a membership site to provide members with the resources they need to understand and manage their finances.
Daily/ Weekly Workout Membership Site
If you’re an experienced personal trainer, creating a membership site is a great way to offer your services and help others stay fit. You can provide live workouts, as well as recordings, meal prep ideas, and other pieces of content that help people stay safe. This is a great membership site idea if you plan to include a corporate plan too, as it can be split between the members of a family, a group of friends, or a group of workmates.
Test Preparation & Study Group Membership Site
Are you an experienced test-taker in a given area? You can create a membership site to help others prepare for their exams and get the best scores. For instance, you could help people take their SATs or GREs, or help them apply to medical school.
Homeschooling & Online Learning Membership Site
Are you an experienced homeschooler or online educator? You can create a membership site to help others with their learning goals and provide them with the resources they need to succeed. This is a great way to monetize your knowledge and help others reach their educational goals.
Sales Negotiation Membership Site
Are you an expert in sales negotiation? You can create a membership site to help others learn the ins and outs of sales negotiations so they can strike the best deals.
Online Art School
If you’re in love with art, running an online art school might just be the perfect job for you. A membership site can help you make that idea come true by creating online classes for people to take and providing them with the resources they need to become better artists.
Communities & Groups
Are you passionate about a certain hobby or interest? You can create a membership site to help build communities around the topic and provide members with access to exclusive content and resources. This is a great way to make your passion into something more, while also helping others learn more about it.
Classifieds Membership Site
Building a membership site for buying and selling specific products might seem a bit complicated at first, but it can be done. You can create a membership site that allows people to post and search for classifieds in their local area or in a very specific niche — and you will definitely have success with it!
Fandom Membership Site
Huge fan of a movie or book? Or maybe you just want to support a celebrity or content creator you really love? You can build a paid fandom membership site to help people show their support and get access to exclusive content, behind-the-scenes info, and more.
Creative Community Membership Site
Do you have a passion for creative arts? You can create a membership site for artists, content creators, and other creatives to help foster collaboration, networking, and learning. This is a great way to help people hone their skills and get the recognition they deserve for their work.
Hobby Membership Site
Do you have a passion for a specific hobby? You can create a membership site to help others learn how to do it too. Whether you’re into knitting, coding, cooking — or anything else — you can provide members with tips and tricks to help them get better at the hobby they love.
Organic Food Co-Op Membership Site
Are you an advocate for organic food? You can create a membership site to help people get access to fresh, organic ingredients at a discounted rate. This is a great way to connect people with local farmers and ensure that everyone has access to healthier food options.
Local Community Support & Advice Group
Are you an advocate for your local community? You can create a membership site to help provide people with access to resources, advice, and support.
Alumni Association Membership Site
Are you a part of an alumni association? You can create a membership site to help keep members connected and provide them with exclusive content and resources. Nostalgic by nature or not, most people like to stay in touch with former classmates (if for nothing else, then for networking opportunities.) So an alumni membership site idea will be more than appreciated!
Comic-Con Membership Site
Are you a fan of comic books and all things nerdy? You can create a membership site for fans to gain access to exclusive content and resources related to conventions, workshops and events. Providing access to exclusive content will make your site stand out from the crowd!
Serial Content
Your membership site can also revolve around serial content — kind of like streaming TV shows, but in a very specific niche and from one specific content creator (you!)
News & Journalism Membership Site
Are you a fan of news and journalism? You can create a membership site to help provide people with access to exclusive content, resources, and advice. This is a great way to make sure that people stay informed of current events and have access to reliable information.
Serial Fiction Membership Site
Do you have a passion for writing stories? You can create a membership site to help provide people with access to your serial fiction. This is a great opportunity for authors who want to take a different approach to publishing their work and provide exclusive content to their fans.
Podcast Membership Site
Not so much into writing, but really into podcasting? You can create a membership site to help provide people with access to exclusive podcasts, interviews, and other content related to the niche you like.
Online Magazine or Newsletter Membership Site
Do you have a passion for magazines and newsletters? You can create a membership site to help provide people with access to exclusive content, resources, and interviews. This is a great way to keep people informed and up-to-date with current news, events, and trends.
Membership Sites: An Option for Anyone
It doesn’t matter where you come from, what you like, or what you do for a living. There’s membership site ideas to fit any passion and any niche. With a little creativity and hard work, you can create your own membership site to help others learn more about the topics that make you feel passionate.
And that, dear reader, is called living the dream.
Bring your membership site idea to life
Ultimate Membership Pro is an all-in-one membership solution with endless membership features to manage member subscriptions.
Everything you need from a membership solution:
- Restrict access to everything
- Easy to set up membership plugin
- Unlimited membership levels
- Run recurring payments with subscriptions
- Offer discount codes
- Members management
- Affiliate program
- Email notifications
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