Membership Web Sites: Marketing Funnel Secrets

Would you like to build a profitable membership website that attracts target market prospects, and converts them into long-term clients? This article describes what a membership site is, and how to properly market it though the use of a well-conceived marketing funnel.

What is a Membership Web Site?
A membership Web site is an online resource for members who are able to access password protected areas, in exchange for payment. Many membership Web sites are coaching websites, although the form they take, and the service/product they offer, is only limited by your creativity.

What is a Marketing Funnel?
Some people define a marketing funnel as a stream that prospects follow, that eventually leads to conversion. While this is part of the process, it does not present the whole picture. A successful marketing funnel maintains as its goal, the conversion of prospects into clients, as well the maintenance of long term clients, through the introduction of new and relevant resources.

While the design is simple, it is not so easily accomplished. The following ideas identify characteristics of highly effective funnels.

First Stage Advertisements
The very first step in "catching" new prospects is with effective advertisements. They can take the shape of a squeeze page (a single page Web site designed to sell your service/product and capture emails), pay-per-click ads, or well-written articles on article marketing Web sites. Your goal is to capture as many email addresses a possible.

Auto-Responder Newsletters
The smart way to get target market leads moving through your marketing funnel is with an auto-responder newsletter. This is your chance to begin giving an indication as to the quality of your services/products, as well as building trust. Remember, you are not only working to sell products. You are also building relationships.

Value Clients Over Prospects
Due to the amount of marketing messages that we see everyday, the savvy marketer understands that a mass marketing approach, that exposes your product to as many people as possible is not necessarily the best approach. It is often much better to spend your time and advertising budget on prospects that have already expressed an interest in your product. Once you have an interested prospect, move them through the funnel, offering a variety of products at every stage. The more they invest in your services/products, the higher their value to your company. As their value to your company increases, so should their special services and privileges.

Anticipating Client Needs
It is important to know at what point you should present particular services/products. While everyone is different, and won't always follow the design of your funnel, a well-conceived funnel should be a priority. Perhaps, you have given your new clients a free workbook as an introductory offer. Your well written resource will naturally warm them up to the idea of a trial membership of your website. The Web site may be structured in levels, offering intermediate and advanced coaching tools, as well as phone support. Anticipating the needs of your clients, will increase their commitment to you, as well as increase the sales of your services/products.

Value at Every Stage
The final factor in building an effective marketing funnel is to insure that your service/product lines provide something for every prospect and client in your marketing funnel, no matter what stage. While you can't please everyone, you can strive to provide a variety of solutions that will serve different needs within your target market. Keeping people interested in what you have to offer should be a primary goal at every stage.

If you are you ready to take the next step toward building a profitable membership Web site, the following links will help guide your way.

More Resources
7 Winning Membership Web Site Models
How to Start Your Own Business Online With A Membership Web Site in 5 Steps