Welcome to the internet age of membership websites. Rather than relying exclusively on one time sales, businesses, educators, creators, and communities are building memberbases to increase recurring revenue through the distribution of exclusive content. By creating WordPress membership websites, website owners can build deeper connections with members and consistently offer value through exciting new content. Elementor and WordPress simplify membership website creation by giving developers the tools they need to design gorgeous sites that work.
Types of Membership Websites
Before you build your membership website, you’ll want to decide what kind of membership website you’re looking to create. Here are some common goals that subscription sites aim to fulfill.
- Teaching or how-to websites
- Premium websites
- Membership communities
- Coaching memberships
- Resource sites
Setting up Your WordPress Membership Website Foundation
When preparing to build a membership website using WordPress, you’ll want to ensure that you have a sturdy foundation that will support your site well into the future. Elementor offers total design flexibility so you can craft whichever style of site you desire. Consider utilizing a lightweight theme so that your site loads quickly on all devices. Make sure you host your site with a quality provider that can accommodate your site activity as your memberbase grows.
Membership Plugins for WordPress
Most WordPress membership websites use plugins to manage member registrations and subscriptions. These plugins handle who can access what content and manage subscription signups. Whether you’re going for a simple membership site or an advanced platform with multiple member roles and subscriptions, there’s a WordPress plugin out there that can help you.
Popular WordPress membership plugins work great with Elementor and allow website owners to manage members, restrict content, accept payments, and customize member account settings.
Member Registration Pages
Registration pages are where new members will begin their journey on your membership website. It’s important to clearly articulate the benefits of signing up and give prospects a reason to become members. Keep registration forms simple and user-friendly.
Elementor enables you to build beautiful registration pages that will help you convert more site visitors into happy members.
Member Login Pages
Member login pages are where your members will access their accounts. Make sure it’s easy for members to access this section of your site. Log in pages should be intuitive and simple to use.
If members have trouble logging into their accounts, they won’t be eager to return to your site. Create a welcoming login experience for your members.
Member Accessible Content
A big draw for many membership websites is the exclusive content that members can access. Take time to properly organize all of the content that members can access on your site. Whether it’s training materials, downloadables, articles or another medium. Well organized content is easy for members to find and adds a level of professionalism to your site.
- Articles
- Blog posts
- How-to guides
- Books
- Files
Member Dashboard Pages
Member dashboard pages are where members will spend much of their time. It’s a good idea to make sure this page is well organized so members can easily find valuable content and resources. Your member dashboard page will act as the home for your members once they log into your site.
Use Elementor to design beautiful member dashboards that are easy to navigate and match your site theme.
Dynamic Content
Dynamic content allows you to show different content to different members. You may choose to display content based on user roles, subscription tier, or if an account is activated. Showing members content that is relevant to their interests will allow you to create a more personalized experience for them.
Below is a detailed breakdown of key components for setting up a successful WordPress membership website.
| Component | Description | Examples | Purpose |
| Membership Plugins | Manages registrations & content access | MemberPress, Paid Memberships Pro, Restrict Content Pro | Control access and manage subscriptions |
| Registration Pages | User-friendly signup interfaces | Custom designs via Elementor | Encourage conversions |
| Dynamic Content | Shows relevant content to members | Role-based, tier-based, conditional display | Personalize user experience |
| Payment Gateways | Facilitates subscription payments | PayPal, Stripe, WooCommerce Payments | Enable seamless transactions |
These foundational elements ensure your WordPress membership website is set up for long-term success and engagement.
Elementor makes it easy to create dynamic content that changes based on conditions you set.
Subscription Plans
Many WordPress membership sites offer more than one subscription level. Your members will want to know what plans are available and what they include. Make sure your subscription plans are laid out clearly and succinctly.
Plans Can Include:
- Basic
- Premium
- Community
- Education
- Company
Payment Gateways
Payment gateways allow your members to pay for their subscriptions. Make sure the payment process is clear and straightforward. You don’t want members getting frustrated while trying to pay you.
Elementor and WordPress have you covered when it comes to accepting payments. You can accept payments right through your WordPress dashboard.
Keep Members Engaged
In order for your members to get the most out of your membership site, they will need to frequently interact with your content. The more they interact with your content, the more likely they are to renew their subscriptions. Offer as many resources as possible to engage your members.
You can create engagement by constantly updating your site with fresh content.
Member Forums
Community is huge. Many members love being able to connect with other like-minded individuals. Offering members the ability to converse will allow your members to get more out of their experience. Something as simple as a member forum can bring your members together and have them spending more time on your site.
- Forums
- Private groups
- Community discussions
- Networking
- Resource Sharing
Performance & Security
Memberships sites often contain members signing into their accounts frequently. You’ll want to make sure that you have solid security practices in place. You should also take measures to ensure that your site loads quickly.
Broken plugins and themes not optimized for speed are bad for security and website performance. Make sure to regularly maintain your site.
Analytics & Member Activity
Monitoring activity on your site will allow you to learn what content your members care about most. You can use analytic data to improve your site and provide more of what your members care about.
Segment your members based on behavior to target content and offers.
Growing Your Memberbase
While membership websites often offer content in exchange for a subscription fee. They can grow to be so much more than that. Provide your members with as many resources as you can think of to help your business grow your memberbase.
Use Elementor and WordPress to build a powerful membership website that will allow you to generate recurring revenue from your audience.