20 Best Membership Website Examples in 2024

Trista
Dec 21, 2023
98807
5 min read

Curious about the diverse strategies employed by various membership organizations when it comes to the structure and design of their websites?

Delve into this curated list featuring 20 exceptional membership websites examples spanning a wide array of organizations.

These examples have been thoughtfully categorized to provide you with a comprehensive overview. To further assist you, detailed instructions on creating your own personalized membership website are provided at the conclusion of the list. We this example collection can inspire you somehow and helps to create a better design using our design and prototyping tool

What is a Membership Website?

At its core, a membership website is a restricted online platform featuring exclusive content accessible only to registered members. Nonprofits, clubs, associations, and businesses commonly employ these websites to selectively limit access to content, thereby offering enhanced value exclusively to their members.

Membership structures may vary, accommodating free, paid, or tiered memberships that provide diverse levels of access based on different value offerings.

20 Best Membership Website Examples to Inspire You

1.The Fantasy Footballers - Sport Industry

The Fantasy Footballers

The Fantasy Footballers, an acclaimed podcast, remains a year-round hub for fantasy football enthusiasts. Hosted by Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright, the podcast delivers accurate, entertaining, and high-quality fantasy football strategies and statistics on a daily basis.

Recently, the show received prestigious accolades, including "Best Sports & Recreation Podcast" from PodcastAwards.com and "Best Sports Podcast" from iHeartRadio Podcast Awards.

MemberPress plays a crucial role in the podcast's engagement strategy through The Fantasy Footballers #FootClan club. This exclusive community provides members with a close-knit experience, offering access to premium content, specialized projections, discounted merchandise from the store, early access to shows, and more, enhancing the overall engagement and value for the dedicated fantasy football community.

2.Best Portugal Hotels - Travel Industry

Best Portugal Hotels

Best Portugal Hotels stands out by providing its members with exclusive deals on a carefully curated collection of boutique, charming, and luxury hotels throughout Portugal.

Catering to discerning travelers seeking value, the program not only offers bargains but also promotes stylish accommodations across the entire country.

MemberPress is integral to the management of Best Portugal Hotels' membership program. Travelers can opt for a membership period of 3 months at €12 ($13.20) or an annual membership at €44 ($48.50), demonstrating the flexibility and affordability offered by the platform.

3.Health My Lifestyle - Food and Nutrition Industry

Health My Lifestyle

Health My Lifestyle strives to foster healthy eating habits by equipping individuals with the necessary tools for improvement. You can discover all the essentials for embracing a wholesome, plant-based lifestyle, featuring recipes and meal plans that are entirely plant-based, vegan, and oil-free, conveniently available on this platform. The goal is to make adopting a plant-based diet not only practical but also approachable.

The site effectively utilizes MemberPress to oversee its Meal Planner subscription service. Offering three distinct membership plans, each includes access to a vast collection of 400+ recipes, prior meal plans, and automated shopping lists, enhancing the user experience and making healthy living more accessible.

4.The Society of Composers and Lyricists - Entertainment Industry

The Society for Composers and Lyricists

The Society for Composers and Lyricists (SCL) serves as the premier organization for professional composers and lyricists in the realms of film, television, video games, and musical theater, contributing their musical talents to visual media.

Within the SCL community, members experience a sense of camaraderie with fellow composers and lyricists at various stages of their careers. The organization extends a warm welcome to students and patron sponsors who actively support the professional endeavors of its members.

To streamline and organize its membership structure, the SCL relies on MemberPress. This platform facilitates the effective management of both patron and member subscriptions, offering a range of three distinct membership tiers.

5.Mark Manson - Life Coaching Industry

Mark Manson

Mark Manson, a two-time #1 New York Times bestselling author, has achieved remarkable success with his life-advice books, selling over 14 million copies. Notably, his book "The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck" claimed the top spot on Amazon as the most-read nonfiction book in 2017.

Presently, Mark commands a membership audience exceeding 15 million individuals. Members benefit from exclusive access to Mark's articles, ebooks, videos, courses, and other premium content.

MemberPress played a pivotal role in Mark's innovative approach to engage his audience. He was among the first life coaching brands to adopt a paid subscription model using MemberPress. Starting his blog in 2019, Mark rapidly amassed a readership of over one million people per month, showcasing the effectiveness of this model in building a thriving online community.

6.Rite Dentist - Healthcare Industry

Rite Dentist

Rite Dentist, located in Valley Village, CA, is a dental practice specializing in holistic dentistry. Their approach considers the comprehensive effects of oral hygiene on mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

Providing a comprehensive array of services, Rite Dentist covers everything from routine cleanings and emergency dental care to cosmetic and restorative treatments.

MemberPress is seamlessly integrated into the Rite Dentist website to introduce three annual membership plans under the RitePlan scheme. Tailored for patients without insurance, these plans offer cost savings on standard dental procedures, maintenance, and emergency care, ensuring accessibility to quality dental services.

7.The British History Podcast - Podcast Industry

The British History Podcast

The British History Podcast takes a deep dive into British history, emphasizing the creation of a "three-dimensional image" that captures the essence of the people, places, and events of the region.

Recognized for its excellence, the podcast achieved finalist status for Best Educational Podcast at The Podcast Awards and has garnered attention from prestigious outlets like Forbes.

MemberPress plays a pivotal role in the podcast's operations by managing subscriptions. Through this system, members gain access to an ad-free experience, enhancing their engagement and enjoyment of the rich historical content provided by The British History Podcast.

8.Natalie Eckdahl - Woman Business Industry

Natalie Eckdahl

Natalie Eckdahl, a seasoned business strategist and high-performance coach, is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurial women in building, growing, and scaling their businesses. Through her membership program, individuals gain exclusive access to a range of valuable resources, including weekly and bi-weekly group coaching, pre-recorded content, and connections to a vibrant community of women entrepreneurs.

Natalie's program is thoughtfully structured to cater to entrepreneurs at various stages of their journey. It features three distinct packages tailored to address the specific needs of different groups — from women initiating their business endeavors to accomplished seven-figure CEOs. This inclusive approach ensures that entrepreneurs at all levels find relevant and impactful support within Natalie's empowering community.

9.Base Body Babes - Fitness Industry

Base Body Babes

Meet Felicia Oreb and Diana Johnson, collectively known as the Base Body Babes (BBB). Renowned for their expertise in female strength training, they conduct sessions both online and at their boutique strength-training facility situated in Sydney, Australia.

Their virtual training platform encompasses a variety of offerings, such as home and gym weight training courses, tutorials, and access to the extensive BBB recipe library.

To control access to their premium content and exclusive features, Base Body Babes effectively utilize MemberPress on their website.

10.King George Bar & Club - Bar and Restaurant

King George Bar & Club

King Georg, situated in Cologne, Germany, stands as a vibrant jazz bar. In response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, King Georg took a proactive approach by introducing live streaming for their events, enhancing accessibility for their audience.

The practice of live streaming, initiated during the pandemic, has become a consistent feature for King Georg. The establishment continues to showcase both live-streamed and recorded jazz sessions through their website.

To streamline their membership management, King Georg has implemented MemberPress, organizing their patrons into three distinct tiers. Daily and monthly subscribers enjoy access to live-streamed events spanning the past 30 days, whereas annual subscribers gain entry to the complete streaming archive.

This strategic use of MemberPress not only generates steady revenue to sustain their live streaming service and ensure its profitability but also ensures that King Georg remains at the forefront of their customers' thoughts when planning their next night out.

11.Book Riot - Culture Industry

Book Riot

Book Riot stands as the largest independent editorial book site in North America, offering a diverse range of media, including podcasts, newsletters, books, and original content.

Catering to an incredibly varied audience spanning almost every conceivable genre, Book Riot's mission is to foster discussion within the realm of books and publishing.

To enhance engagement and provide exclusive content, Book Riot utilizes MemberPress. Through this platform, they offer subscriptions to their VIP book club, Book Riot Insiders, featuring three access levels available on a monthly or yearly basis.

12.Kresser Institute - Online Course Industry

Kresser Institute

Chris Kresser, M.S., L.Ac., a highly regarded expert, clinician, and educator specializing in Functional Medicine and ancestral health, established the Kresser Institute (KI) in 2015.

The core mission of the institute is to "provide the next generation of functional health practitioners and coaches with the skills, tools, and training they need to turn the tide of chronic disease – and change the future of medicine."

In optimizing its online presence and organizational structure, the Kresser Institute relies on MemberPress. This robust platform serves as the backbone for two pivotal programs offered by the institute: The ADAPT Practitioner Training Program and The ADAPT Health Coach Training Program.

Both of these programs are designed to furnish students with extensive training in Functional Medicine, ancestral nutrition and lifestyle, and efficient practice management. Through MemberPress, the Kresser Institute ensures a seamless and effective platform for delivering these essential educational initiatives.

13.Jot Down - Media Industry

Jot Down

Originating from Spain, Jot Down is a European cultural magazine established by Mar de Marchis, Angel Fernández, and Ricardo J. Gonzalez in May 2011. Boasting over one million unique visitors, the site has garnered widespread recognition.

Committed to a blend of rigor and entertainment, Jot Down presents significant content in a pop-art style, fostering a dedicated and enduring following.

In managing access to its content, Jot Down leverages MemberPress, providing subscription options at six distinct access levels.

14.Bill of Rights Institute - Political , Social and Organizations

Bill of Rights Institute

The Bill of Rights Institute (BRI) stands as a civic education organization, boasting a network of over 50,000 history and civics educators.

Distinguished by a team with over 100 years of collective classroom experience, the Institute diligently creates educational resources on American history and government.

In optimizing its online presence, the BRI employs MemberPress to efficiently administer its widely embraced membership program. This program grants members exclusive access to premium resources and participation in a thriving online community.

15.Norman Rockwell Museum - Art Industry

Norman Rockwell Museum

Nestled in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, the Norman Rockwell Museum proudly hosts the world's most extensive collection of artworks by the renowned American artist. This remarkable assembly encompasses 998 original paintings and drawings, along with the invaluable Norman Rockwell Archives.

In its entirety, the collection surpasses 100,000 items, incorporating a diverse array of materials such as working photographs, letters, personal calendars, fan mail, and business documents.

To effectively oversee and engage its expanding membership, the Norman Rockwell Museum leverages MemberPress. This platform aids in the seamless management and educational interaction with its diverse and growing community of art enthusiasts.

16.University of Buffalo - Education Industry

University of Buffalo

The University of Buffalo is home to the Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute, where dedicated scientists tirelessly strive to uncover the fundamental causes of diseases such as cancer.

At present, their endeavors involve identifying novel classes of anti-tumor agents tailored for hormone-dependent breast cancers and investigating strategies to combat opportunistic infections in individuals with AIDS.

The institute extends its research initiatives to areas like battling arthritis and cardiovascular inflammation, as well as preventing bronchial infections in patients with cystic fibrosis.

To facilitate donor access and engagement, MemberPress serves as the engine behind the institute's efforts. This includes managing the Hauptman Society, an exclusive VIP membership community reserved for top-level donors who play a crucial role in supporting the institute's impactful medical research.

17.Inspired Minds - Parenting and Education Industry

Inspired Minds

Inspired Minds is a Canadian-based professional development service dedicated to early childhood educators, offering a comprehensive range of professional growth opportunities. The service seamlessly integrates both on-site and online program components to cater to the diverse needs of educators.

The program features in-person team and community workshops, online team and community webinars, coaching services, keynote speaker events, and various other special events, both in-person and online.

To ensure secure and organized access to their online resources, Inspired Minds leverages the capabilities of MemberPress. MemberPress serves as the platform that safeguards and manages client access, providing a reliable and user-friendly system for educators to explore and benefit from the wealth of resources offered by Inspired Minds.

18.World of Walt - Movie Industry

World of Walt

World of Walt stands out as the premier hobby site exclusively dedicated to all facets of the Walt Disney Company. Offering reliable and current information about the latest developments at the "House of Mouse," the site features special coverage on the various theme parks in Florida and California.

Recognized as a valuable resource, World of Walt is a go-to destination for fans worldwide seeking to plan their trips to these iconic Disney destinations.

In its commitment to engaging its audience, World of Walt employs MemberPress to manage its Pin of the Month Club. Through this plugin, the site ensures exclusive Disney pins are delivered to fans across the globe, fostering a unique and sought-after experience for Disney enthusiasts.

19.Be More with Less - Lifestyle

Be More with Less

Be More With Less stands as an innovative online community and resource hub centered around the transformative concept of minimalism.

Dedicated to aiding individuals in their journey toward simplification and happiness, the site provides an array of resources including courses, articles, an online community, books, and podcasts—all geared towards decluttering, both mentally and physically.

MemberPress plays a crucial role in the site's structure by managing its highly exclusive VIP membership. The popularity of this membership is evident from its waitlisted status, highlighting the success of Be More With Less in creating a sought-after and impactful online community.

20.Copyblogger - Blog Content Industry

Copyblogger

Over the past 15 years, Copyblogger has been a trusted partner for businesses, specializing in creating compelling content that establishes connections and inspires targeted audiences to take action.

Founded by Brian Clark, Copyblogger boasts a skilled team of writers who excel at attracting prospects and transforming them into dedicated customers. With a wealth of expertise, the Copyblogger team has contributed to the publication of over 3,000 articles, aiding businesses in improving their online rankings, optimizing SEO content, and boosting daily views.

To extend their services and cater to those seeking content marketing material, Copyblogger utilizes the MemberPress platform. Through MemberPress, the platform provides accessible writing service plans, ensuring businesses can easily access the content they need to enhance their marketing strategies.

How to create your own membership website?

Before embarking on the creation of a membership website, it's crucial to consider a few key questions to guide your planning:

Define Your Audience

If your website is an extension of an existing club or business, you have a foundation. However, if it's a new concept, understand your target audience, which might require more research and planning.

Determine Your Content Strategy

Identify the type of content you intend to provide. Whether it's online courses or a members-only community, clarity on your content will influence the structure and features of your membership site. 

Membership Offerings

Decide on the nature of memberships. Will they be free, paid, or a combination of both? Establish the duration of memberships to align with your strategy and user expectations. And Club flyer templates can help you promote your offerings, ensuring your message reaches the right audience and effectively showcases what your membership includes.

Choose a Platform:

Selecting the right platform is crucial. If simplicity is a priority, membership website builders with integrated features like members-only pages and forums can streamline the process.

Anyway, creating the website itself might be the straightforward part of the project, especially with membership website builders that offer built-in capabilities for exclusive content and community engagement.

FAQs:

  1. How much does a membership website cost?

The initial investment required to establish a membership website can fluctuate based on the service provider you opt for. We've conducted a comprehensive analysis of setup costs, considering a range of popular website builders.

This assessment takes into account all the essential features that membership organizations typically require. Additionally, you may delve into the realm of WordPress, highlighting the ten best membership plugins available.

This expanded comparison aims to offer a thorough understanding of the financial considerations associated with different platforms, ensuring you can make an informed decision when embarking on the creation of your membership website.

  1. What is an example of a subscription membership?

An example of a subscription membership is Amazon Prime. Amazon Prime is a subscription service offered by the e-commerce giant Amazon.

Members pay a monthly or annual fee and, in return, gain access to a variety of benefits, including free and fast shipping on eligible items, access to a vast library of streaming content through Amazon Prime Video, exclusive deals and discounts, and more.

The subscription model in this case provides customers with a range of valuable services and perks, creating a loyal and engaged membership base.

  1. What should be included in a membership website?

The process of creating a membership site varies, but there are certain elements that every successful membership site should incorporate. Here are some key components:

  • Welcome and Roadmap

Provide a clear and engaging welcome screen or roadmap for members, outlining what they can expect.

  • Training Videos and Audio Content

Include content in the form of training videos, audio recordings, or a combination of both. Some sites offer exclusive podcasts or short video tutorials.

  • Downloadable Content

Many successful membership sites feature downloadable content such as print-ready templates or other resources. Clearly communicate any restrictions upfront to set clear expectations for members.

  • Live Streaming Group Sessions

Incorporate live sessions and recordings, particularly for group coaching sites. Live streaming adds an interactive element and expands the audience globally. Schedule sessions at different times to accommodate members in various time zones.

  • Community Directory or Forum

Foster a sense of community with a directory or forum where members can connect with others on similar journeys. This could be a private Facebook group or an online dashboard for progress tracking and feedback.

  • Goal Tracking and Feedback Mechanism

Implement tools for members to track their progress and receive feedback from peers on their goals. Encourage the community to celebrate achievements, fostering motivation. Progress tracking features, like those demonstrated in the Digital Marketing Kitchen dashboard, can be highly effective.

  1. What are the types of membership websites?

Membership websites can take various forms to cater to different goals and audiences. Here are some common types of membership websites:

  • Content-Based Membership Sites

These sites offer exclusive access to premium content such as articles, videos, webinars, and other media. Members pay a fee for access to this valuable and often niche-specific content.

  • Community or Forum Memberships

Membership is centered around creating a community where like-minded individuals can connect, share experiences, and engage in discussions. Platforms may include forums, discussion boards, or social media groups.

  • E-Learning or Online Course Memberships

Membership grants access to online courses, educational materials, and training resources. Users often pay a subscription fee to acquire knowledge or skills in a structured learning environment.

  • Product or Service Discounts Memberships

Memberships offer exclusive discounts or early access to products or services. This model is common among e-commerce sites, software platforms, and various subscription box services.

  • Professional Network Memberships

Geared towards professionals, these sites provide networking opportunities, career development resources, and industry-specific insights. Memberships may include access to job boards, mentorship programs, and exclusive events.

  • Subscription-Box Memberships

Typically associated with e-commerce, subscription-box memberships deliver curated products to members on a regular basis. Members pay a recurring fee to receive these personalized packages.

  • Association or Club Memberships

Tailored for specific interest groups, these memberships often include access to events, publications, and resources related to the shared interest, whether it's a hobby, profession, or cause.

  • Coaching or Mastermind Group Memberships

Memberships in coaching or mastermind groups provide participants with guidance, support, and mentorship from experts or experienced individuals in a particular field.

  • Hybrid Memberships

Some membership sites combine multiple features, offering a blend of content, community, and other benefits. This hybrid approach caters to diverse member preferences and needs.

  • Freemium Memberships

Freemium models provide basic access for free, with premium features available through a paid membership. This allows users to experience the site's offerings before committing to a paid subscription.

  1. What is the difference between a subscription and membership website?

Though membership and subscription sites may seem interchangeable at first glance, it's crucial to acknowledge a fundamental difference: the presence of a community.

  • Membership sites: Specifically designed to cultivate or host a community, akin to joining a club with exclusive perks. Upon logging in, the site tailors the experience based on your preferences, offering exclusive access to membership content such as pre-recorded courses, online events, event calendars, quizzes, and even physical products. This model is particularly suitable for coaches, creators, authors, and founders aiming to provide heightened levels of engagement for their customers through online classes, videos, and a sense of community.

  • Subscription sites: operate more like receiving a regular delivery of your favorite things, comparable to receiving magazines at your doorstep. Subscriptions excel at maintaining interest by consistently delivering new and diverse content.

When contemplating your business model, it's crucial to consider whether you want to establish a members-only space enriched with additional content and community features or a subscription service that entices individuals to keep returning for a continuous flow of exclusive content.

Conclusion

Above are the 20 successful membership websites examples for you. At the heart of membership websites is the essence of bringing together individuals who share common interests, objectives, and motivations. As a result, these platforms often serve as vital resources for members, particularly for those who may lack the means to connect with like-minded individuals through other avenues.

Now armed with a comprehensive understanding of these communities, ranging from their structural components to tangible examples of existing membership sites, the opportunity awaits for you to initiate one centered around a topic that ignites your passion. 

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