Membership Web Sites: How to Attract and Keep Members

There are many ways to attract prospects, and retain subscribing members. With a devotion to implementing just a few of these ideas you will begin to see a greater measure of success.

Subscription Rates
Determine your membership subscription fee by reviewing the prices of your competitors. If it is too high you may drive away many potential members. If it is too low potential members may believe that you have nothing of value to offer. It may take a few attempts before you find the right price.

Free Trials
Free trials, or limited time trials for $1, are excellent ways to attract prospects to your Web site. After the trial period ends, members who have been impressed with what they have seen may choose to continue their membership. If you have already collected their credit card information, this transition will be easy.

Marketing
Their are 162 million Web sites out there, and growing everyday. You can't put up your membership site and hope somebody will find it. You have to market it. Commit to do something 2-3 times a week that will let people know that you have something valuable to offer.

Here are a few marketing ideas:
1) Build In-Bound Links
2) Use Pay-Per-Click Advertising
3) Optimize Your Web Site for Search Engines

Customer Service
Build relationships with each of your members by meeting their needs. Provide on target ideas that are specific to their web site, and provide them in a timely way. Give quick responses to their concerns. Most membership website retain members for about three months. Challenge yourself to beat the odds.

Blogging
The addition of a blog to your website will allow you to have close interaction with your members, as well at let prospects know that you are available. Post once a week, and respond to every comment. You might even consider a poll every once in a while. Survey.com allows you to set up a five question poll, and imbed the code in your blog for free.

Testimonials
Create a testimonials page. Members will appreciate the opportunity to share their success stories, and prospects will appreciate the opportunity to see that you are helping someone.

It will take many hours, and a passion for success, to implement these ideas. There is, however a reward at the end.

Recommended Resources
7 Winning Membership Website Models
Business Continuity Program - First 12 Steps to Starting a Membership Website
10 Secrets to Building Profitable Membership Websites