Beginner's Guide

How to Create a Membership Website? (Beginner’s Guide 2025)

  • Updated on
How to Create a Membership Website?

Are you wondering how to create a membership website? Well, you’re in the right place.

Membership websites have become a driving force in the digital world, catering to various niches and interests. It lets you offer valuable content and unique perks to your members.

In return, you’ll earn recurring revenue! However, creating a membership website can be daunting, especially if you’re a beginner.

That’s why this guide explains how to create a membership website. Also, we provide you with insights, tools, and tips to make it successful. So, without any delay, let’s dive in!

What Type of Membership Website to Build? (Popular Ideas + Examples)

First, a membership website is a popular niche website offering members exclusive content. This exclusive content is accessible to your members only after they register or pay a fee. But you can also provide free content on the website that’s available to everyone.

What is a Membership Website?
What is a Membership Website?

Before building, you must decide what type of membership website to create. For that, consider famous ideas and examples. Don’t you know any? We’re here for the rescue!

Here are some popular types of membership websites, with examples you can consider:

TypesDescriptionIdeasExamples
Online Course Membership SitesOffer education and training if you own an educational institute, a business, or an expert for students and professionals. – Life skill training
– Coding course
– Marketing and business training
– Health and fitness course.
Olive Knits
Skillcrush
Smart Passive Income
Lasater Yoga 
Content Library Membership SitesOffer a valuable repository of diverse and exclusive content (blogs, videos, or audio). – Template and Stock
– Recipe and Cooking
ThemeForest
40 Aprons
Group and Community Membership SitesFoster member relationships through features for socializing, knowledge sharing, and chatting.– Fan and Fandom
– Entertainment and Video streaming
Patreon
Netflix
Serial Content Membership SitesConsistently produce a series of content of related genres to read news, view magazines, or watch podcasts.– News and Journalism
– Podcast
BizNews
Podcasters’ Paradise
eCommerce Membership SiteseCommerce sites can have membership functions.– Sell exclusive product items
– Discounts to regular members.
FabFitFun
Design Membership SitesOffer designs to your members or let users make their designs.– Sell designs
– Design and Publishing
QuotesCover
Canva
Music Membership SitesTeach music online or let your members listen to your or others’ music.– Music Lessons
– Music Platform
Scott’s Bass Lessons
Spotify

Learn all the other membership website ideas in this guide. Also, get inspiration from the best membership website examples here!


What Membership Model Can You Use?

After you decide your niche for the membership website, you must ask yourself 2 questions:

  • How will I deliver the content?
  • What access levels will I offer to members?

Hence, you must identify the different membership models for your website. Your selection depends on your goals and the content or services you offer.

For your guidance, we present key points about some renowned membership models. Look at them and recognize your membership website model. Get set, go!

Types of Membership Models
Types of Membership Models

1. Drip Feed Membership

  • Gradually release content to members daily, weekly, or monthly.
  • Members can consume content at a manageable pace and stick to a schedule.
  • Retains users’ interest and engagement.
  • Extends the membership duration.

For example, your online course website can use this model. You can release materials incrementally to keep members committed and perceive the content as more valuable.

2. All-in-One Membership

  • Immediate access to all content upon signing up without content release scheduling.
  • Members can explore the content at their own pace.
  • You can offer monthly bonus content to maintain engagement.
  • Simplifies the prediction of revenue growth as all members pay the same amount.

For example, your training website can use this model. On your website, let your members pay a single flat fee to access all content every month.

3. Fixed-Term Membership

  • Includes a predetermined and automated expiration date. 
  • The duration can vary, ranging from months to years, depending on the service.
  • Ideal for people who want to acquire a skill within a timeframe.
  • Full or installment payments are applicable, depending on your requirements.

For example, your health and wellness website can offer a 30-day body detox program. So, such a membership model is suitable for gyms, yoga centers, educational institutes, etc.

4. Freemium Model

  • Combination of free and premium options for memberships.
  • The free plan gives access to some features and upgrades it to a paid plan.
  • Members can start with a free trial before considering a premium subscription.
  • Premium plan users get complete access and additional benefits.

For example, your online graphic design tool lets people use its basic features. However, after payment, they can access advanced features for better design options.

5. Tiered Membership Model

  • Offers multiple membership levels.
  • Each level has a distinct price and corresponding benefits.
  • Higher-tier members enjoy greater access to exclusive content and privileges.
  • Members can upgrade their plans according to their demands.

For example, your digital marketing community website can use this model. A free tier allows entry-level users to access the community forum. The premium tiers can feature Q&A sessions, one-on-one sessions, job listings, etc.

6. Product Model

  • Suitable for selling and distributing products of any kind.
  • Let customers become members to grant special and exclusive offers and sales.
  • Sell a product requiring monthly or yearly recurring fees.
  • You can predict revenue and easily enhance customer retention.

For example, your music membership website can let members listen to your songs as long as they pay. Also, you can include a free tier with access to songs with ad support.

In a nutshell, you use any one or more of them for your site. Find all the other membership models in this complete guide here!

Hopefully, you’ve chosen your website’s niche and model. We’re taking the example of a Serial Content Membership Website that offers news, i.e., BizNews. Accordingly, let’s learn how to create such a news website but for a different genre, Gym News.


How to Create a Membership Website? (In 7 Steps)

Now, you can start creating your membership website. Initially, you can pick a website builder, but we recommend WordPress among the other site builders for membership sites.

WordPress.org Platform
WordPress.org

So, let’s dive into the process!

Step 1: Configure a Domain Name and Web Hosting

First, you must register a domain name for your membership website and purchase a hosting plan. Here’s the configuration process!

Step i: Register a Domain and Buy a Hosting Plan

A domain name is the address of your membership website that specifies your brand. For instance, ‘sitesaga.com’ is the domain for our blog website.

WordPress.Org Domain URL
Domain Name Example

First, pick a unique domain using the domain generators. Once you decide, check its availability and register it with a domain registrar using one of the best domain registrars.

Guess what? You can get domain registration services from your hosting provider. So, why get them separately?

A web hosting provider gives you a server to store your membership site files connected to the web. This makes your exclusive content accessible to members globally.

Setup Your Web Hosting
Setup Your Web Hosting

If you’re using a self-hosting platform like WordPress.org, then you must buy a hosting plan. So, learn how to pick a hosting provider and pick one of the best web hosting services.

We truly recommend Hostinger offering incredible hosting and domain registration. It’s plan starts at just $2.49 per month right now!

Hostinger Platform
Hostinger WordPress Hosting Service

Step ii: Configure Your Web Hosting Solution

First, visit the Hostinger website and navigate to ‘WordPress > Hosting for WordPress’ on the navigation. There, pick the ideal pricing option. Now, hit the ‘Choose plan’ button.

Choose a Hostinger Plan
Choose a Hostinger Plan

Now, you’ll be redirected to the cart page where you must select the period. Afterward, create a Hostinger account. Then, enter the payment information after choosing a payment method and hit the ‘Submit Payment’ button.

Submit Payment in Hostinger
Submit Payment in Hostinger

Following that, open your account and configure the hosting plan. There, add a new website for your membership business. When doing that, you should claim your domain. It can be the free domain by Hostinger or any existing domain.

Claim Domain by Hostinger
Claim Domain by Hostinger

Once you choose your domain, you can set up your hosting plan. Just click ‘Setup‘ and it lets you configure your WordPress dashboard details.

Setup Hostinger Hosting for WordPresss
Setup Hostinger Hosting for WordPress

Congratulations! This is how your web hosting environment and domain are ready to use. You can check out the Hostinger review guide for details.

Next, open the ‘Websites’ menu on your Hostinger panel. There, click the ‘WordPress Admin’ option on your membership site. Now, you can log into the WordPress dashboard to start making your website.


Step 2: Install a WordPress Membership Theme

Next, you must pick a membership theme. And then, insert that theme into the dashboard. 

A WordPress theme lets you have a beautiful website design. Here’s a list of the best WordPress membership themes. Read how to select a WordPress theme guide too!

Among these, we recommend using the powerful theme, Neve. Why? Find the reasons here:

  • It’s a freemium WordPress theme with both free and premium plans.
  • A lightweight, fast, clean, and modern theme with membership templates.
  • Supports all the major page builder plugins like Elementor, Brizy, Divi, etc.
Neve WordPress Theme
Neve Template

Learn everything about the Neve theme in this review article!

Step i: Install and Activate a WordPress Theme

First, open your WordPress admin area and navigate to ‘Appearance > Themes > Add New Theme’. There, search for the theme ‘Neve’ and click on its ‘Install’ button once you find it.

Install the Neve Theme
Install the Neve Theme

Afterward, hit the ‘Activate’ button to activate the installed free theme.

Activate the Neve Theme
Activate the Neve Theme

If you want to use a premium theme, then read our guide on how to install a theme.

Step ii: Insert a Membership Template

Once you find ‘Neve’ as one of the menu items on your dashboard, you can move forward. But it’s good if you use a template that makes your membership website stand out.

For that, enable the ‘Sites Library’ plugin by clicking ‘Try one of our ready to use Starter Sites’ as shown below.

Enable Starter Sites for Membership Website
Enable Starter Sites

Now, you can pick or provide your website niche. This redirects you to the ‘Neve > Starter Sites’ menu. There, you’ll get a list of options for the site design.

There, type the keyword ‘membership’ or anything closest to your needs. For instance, we’re creating a news site, so let’s type ‘News’. Among the given templates, hover over the one you like. And then, hit the ‘Select’ option.

Select a Membership Website Template
Select a Membership Website Template

Following that, you’ll get access to design options for the website. So, pick the color palette and typography. Then, hit the ‘Continue’ button.

Continue Membership Website Design
Continue Membership Website Design

Similarly, you can enter your business name and upload the logo. Next, hit the ‘Import Website’ button.

Import Membership Website Template
Import Membership Website Template

Lastly, submit information about you and your website and return to the dashboard. After a while, the template installation is complete. Congratulations! 

Find the complete process of using Neve on the Neve theme review!


Step 3: Install a Suitable Membership Plugin

Once you’re done, you can select a WordPress membership plugin for your website. The WordPress core doesn’t have the membership function, so using a plugin lets you get it.

In fact, you’ll find several WordPress membership plugins and free WordPress membership plugins, including MemberPress, Paid Memberships Pro, ARMember, etc.

To make the right decision, read our guide on how to choose a WordPress plugin. Want to know our choice? Then, we recommend MemberPress. Why?

  • An all-in-one membership plugin to build, manage, and track memberships.
  • Add unlimited pages, categories, posts, and feeds.
  • Lets you build customizable membership levels, coupons, content drips, etc.
  • Beginner-friendly drag-and-drop course builder with options for quizzes, lessons, etc.
MemberPress WordPress Membership Plugin

Do you want to learn about MemberPress in detail? Then, go through our MemberPress review article. Also, learn the best MemberPress alternatives to find other competitors.

Step i: Purchase a MemberPress Plan

MemberPress is a premium plugin, so you must buy it first. If you’re using a free plugin, then you can read this guide on installing a WordPress plugin and work accordingly.

To purchase a MemberPress plan, open its Pricing page on the site. There, you can see the 3 different pricing schemes. Among them, pick a plan and click on the ‘Get Started’ button.

MemberPress Get Started Button - LearnDash Comparison
MemberPress Get Started Button

Now, you’ll land on the checkout page, where you add your account information. Next, pick a payment method, either credit card options or PayPal. Accordingly, fill out the payment information and click the ‘Get Started with MemberPress’ button.

MemberPress Account
MemberPress Account

After the purchase, you’ll receive an email with the download link and license key. So, download the plugin’s ZIP file and keep your license key safe somewhere.

Step ii: Upload, Install, and Activate MemberPress

Then, log into your WordPress admin dashboard and open the ‘Plugins > Add New Plugin’ menu. On that page, hit the ‘Upload Plugin’ button at the top.

There, click the ‘Choose File’ button and upload the MemberPress’s ZIP file. Next, click the ‘Install Now’ button to start the installation process.

Install MemberPress for Membership Website Creation
Install MemberPress

Afterward, you must click the ‘Activate Plugin’ button to activate the installed plugin.

Activate MemberPress for Membership Website Creation
Activate MemberPress

This doesn’t end the process! You should activate the plugin with your license key as well. By doing that, you’ll get access to its add-ons and receive future updates.

Hence, open the ‘MemberPress > Activate’ menu. Next, add the license key and click the ‘Activate License Key’ button as shown below.

Activate the MemberPress License Key - LearnDash Comparison
Activate the MemberPress License Key

Congrats! Now, MemberPress is successfully installed and activated on your website.


Step 4: Setting Up the Membership Website Features 

Moving forward, you can now configure and use the membership plugin on your website. For that, there’s a series of steps that you must carefully follow.

Step i: Configure MemberPress

After the installation, you should configure the plugin settings based on your needs. For that, navigate to the ‘MemberPress > Options’ menu.

There, you’ll find multiple tabs as follows that you must configure:

  • Pages: Use the default pages/slugs or custom pages/slugs for membership.
  • Account: Setup permissions, registration, login, logout, and welcome page message.
  • Fields: Configure the default user fields or add custom user information fields.
  • Emails: Edit the sender’s email and name for notifications. Also, configure different member and admin email notifications.
  • Info: Add your business information like name, address, city, country, etc.
  • General: Contains settings for theme compatibility, SEO, language, currency, etc.
  • Taxes: Enable tax calculations and adjust the tax rates.
MemberPress Options Settings for Membership Website
MemberPress Options Settings

After configuring all these settings, click the ‘Update Options’ button.

Step ii: Setup the Payment Settings

Among the MemberPress Options, we skipped the ‘Payments’ tab. Here, you can configure the payment method for the membership.

Currently, this plugin supports 5 payment methods. They are:

  • Stripe
  • Authorize.net
  • PayPal Standard
  • PayPal Express Checkout
  • Offline Payment

Now, learn how to set up a payment method! Open MemberPress > Options > Payments. There, click the ‘+’ option.

Add a Payment Method for Membership Website
Add a Payment Method

On the setup box, name the payment method, describe it, and choose the gateway. Also, enable or disable options to showcase the payment information.

Depending on your chosen method, you’ll have more configuration settings. For example, you have to connect your site with that gateway. After you complete, hit ‘Update Options’. 

Update Membership Website Payment Options
Update Membership Website Payment Options

That’s all!

Step iii: Add Membership Levels

Start adding different membership levels to your website based on your membership model. To do that, navigate to the ‘MemberPress > Memberships’ menu. And then, click the ‘Add New’ button.

There, follow the steps below:

  • Add a title and description of the membership level.
  • Configure your registration page, including the button, thank-you message, etc.
  • Pick who can buy this membership-level content and edit the no permission message.
  • Adjust how your price box will look and contain.
  • Set up advanced settings like the membership access URL, pricing terms, etc.
  • Enable or disable comments, trackbacks, and pingbacks.
  • Insert a featured image if you want.
  • Fix your membership terms, including the price, billing type, and access duration.
Add a New Membership Level for the Website
Add a New Membership Level

Once you configure them, click the ‘Publish’ button to make the membership level live. Then, add the other membership levels. And the billing type can be one-time, recurring, etc.

Step iv: Create Groups

Similarly, you can use unique MemberPress features like Groups.

Groups let you quickly set up a feature comparison page for users showcasing your memberships. To create a group, open ‘MemberPress > Groups > Add New’.

There, insert the group title, description, and featured image similar to the membership levels. Following that, you can:

  • Configure the membership levels that get access to the group.
  • Choose the members who can see the group.
  • Select the access rules that belong to this group.
  • Adjust the pricing page, such as choosing the theme design, adding custom CSS, etc.
  • Pick which login form, unauthorized message, and excerpt to show.
Groups Membership Website Feature
Groups Membership Feature

Lastly, click the ‘Publish’ button to make the group live.

Step v: Offer Coupons for Members

Additionally, you can create coupon codes to offer special discounts on your membership plans. Now, users can use the code on the registration page when signing up for your site. Ultimately, this attracts new users and increases your revenue.

To do so, go to the ‘MemberPress > Coupons > Add New’ menu. There, you’ll already see the code generated automatically for that coupon.

Now, specify the discount percent or USD amount. Also, mention the number of times users can apply the code and the membership levels that get access to the code. 

Further, you can override the trial period for those using the coupon code. For that, you must insert a different trial duration and trial cost.

Coupon Generation
Coupon Generation

In addition, adjusting the coupon expiration date is also possible. Once you finish, click the ‘Publish’ button to make the discount code work.

Step vi: Adjust and Send Reminders

Another remarkable feature of MemberPress is Reminders. This lets you send automated emails to members or the admin if an event is going to occur or occurred.

So, open ‘MemberPress > Reminders > Add New’. There, specify the triggering factor. It can be one of the options, like ‘before Subscription Expires’, ‘after Members Signs Up’, etc. Also, point out the number of days to notify before or after the trigger.

Next, enable this reminder for members, the admin, or specific membership levels. Further, you can edit, test, and reset these settings.

Send Reminders from Your Membership Website
Send Reminders

Lastly, hit the ‘Publish’ button to start sending reminders.

Step vii: Other Additional Features

Other than these features, MemberPress includes many more options. Some functions are:

  • Members: Here, you can add members to your site and manage the existing ones.
  • Subscriptions: Insert and manage recurring and non-recurring members of your site.
  • Transactions: View and manage the transactions occurring on your website.
  • Reports: Get insights about your membership website within a certain duration.

Remember, some features can be useful after you add and publish your content. So, ensure you revisit them to make essential changes.


Step 5: Publish Your Membership Site Content

Once you complete the entire process, you can start writing and publishing your content. Then, set rules for the content based on your membership level or members.

Overall, you can customize the default pages by MemberPress and add new ones as needed. For now, you can open ‘Pages > All Pages’ and find the existing pages of your website.

There, edit the content and customize the design of the pages if you want. Best of all, your theme will showcase those pages well!

After that, let’s learn how to add a post for a membership level. Shall we?

i. Adding and Publishing Content

To do so, navigate to ‘Posts > Add New’. There, add your post content and customize it the way you like. Remember to give it a title.

Add New Post
Add New Post

Most importantly, find the ‘MemberPress Unauthorized Access’ section at the bottom. There, select the excerpt, login form, and unauthorized message to display.

Post Configuration
Post Configuration

Afterward, click the ‘Publish’ button to make the post live.

However, you can see that this post is accessible to everyone. To make it accessible to certain members or membership levels, you must use the MemberPress Rules feature. This way, you can protect your content from unauthorized people.

ii. Configuring Access Rules

To do so, open ‘MemberPress > Rules > Add New’. There, choose the content to protect. In our case, let’s select ‘A Single Post’ and specify the post to be the title you wrote.

Then, pick the rule type for the membership levels or members who’ll gain access. For adding more rules, click the ‘+’ option.

Create Membership Website Rules
Create Membership Website Rules

Once you’re done, click the ‘Save Rule’ button. That’s all!

Taking this as a reference, you can now publish content for your membership website. But this doesn’t end the process. Keep reading!


Step 6: Preview Your Membership Website

Here, let’s see how our membership website works in the front end!

Visit the website and navigate to the premium section, i.e. ‘News’ on the navigation. There, you’ll find your posts, so open anyone you have configured.

Open Restricted Post
Open Restricted Post

Now, when users without the specified membership level try to access this post, they need to sign in to your account. Just like the screenshot below:

Login to Access Restricted Post
Login to Access Restricted Post

Once the member registers a membership level, then he/she can access the content.

Preview Post
Preview Post

Step 7: Promote and Monitor Your Membership Site

Your membership website requires constant promotion and monitoring. That’s to ensure it’s getting new visitors or engaging members and working perfectly fine, respectively.

Therefore, you must develop an effective digital marketing strategy to promote your membership site. So, consider applying these strategies:

  • Provide valuable content that fulfills the needs and interests of your audience. Hence, ensure that your content uses the right information.
  • Insert relevant keywords, meta descriptions, and alt tags on the content. Ultimately, this improves your site’s SEO and rankings.
  • Add call-to-actions that help users perform the next steps on your website.
  • Use social media platforms to promote your site to new users and engage existing ones. Further, create a community that shares information.
  • Build an email list and send regular emails to your valuable members. It can be about updates, promotions, and exclusive content. Check out the email marketing guide.
  • Use paid advertising tools like Google AdWords or Facebook Ads to earn extra.
Digital Marketing
Digital Marketing

Finally, you must always monitor your website to optimize it for the better. MemberPress contains the Reports feature, showing insights into the site transactions.

On top of that, you can integrate your site with WordPress analytics plugins or 3rd-party services. Using them, you’ll gain access to key metrics like sales, revenue, signups, etc.

Want a more detailed guide? As beginners, learn how to make a website from scratch here!


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Membership Websites

Last but not least, look at some FAQs to solve your queries.

1. What is the working mechanism of a membership website?

A membership website works when users first register an account. Next, they must pay for a subscription based on their membership level. Now, they can log into their members-only area. Ultimately, members get access to exclusive content, services, or products.

2. How to choose the best membership website builder?

Before choosing a membership website builder, you must consider a few things. It includes ease of use, theme support, payment processing options, customer support, etc.

3. How do I select the ideal membership theme?

Several themes are present to create a membership website. Among them, select the one that’s compatible with your membership plugin, is responsive, and includes templates for a membership site. These are just a few criteria.

4. What can I offer on a membership website?

Your membership website can offer a wide range of content. Some of them include free or premium articles, videos, courses, webinars, Q&A sessions, discussion boards, tools, etc.

5. What are the challenges of running a membership website?

Here are some major challenges to running a membership website: First, you must offer high-quality content for your premium members. Following that, you must use various marketing channels to attract new members. Also, you should be able to retain them longer.


Conclusion

And that’s all! We’re at the end of this article on how to create a membership website. Hopefully, we helped you kickstart your membership site.

In conclusion, creating a membership website is a strategic endeavor with several benefits. So, follow these steps to get a strong foundation for your membership site’s success.

As mentioned above, we strongly believe WordPress is a suitable website builder for membership sites. Among the available software, MemberPress stands out the most.

Your membership website can flourish and become a valuable asset with the right approach. So, if you’re stuck, don’t forget to share your queries below.

Plus, read some helpful articles on the best membership plugins for Elementor and the best WordPress booking plugins. Also, check out the best WordPress LMS plugins.

Finally, follow us on Facebook and Twitter to read more guides like this.


Some of the links on this article/page are affiliate links. If you click on such an affiliate link and purchase the product, we’ll earn a specific percent commission from the seller. But it won’t at all affect the price you’ll pay.
Written By Alisha Bajracharya
Hello everyone! My name is Alisha Bajracharya and I'm a full-time content writer.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

SIGN UP TO GET FRESH CONTENT

Subscribe to our blog and get exclusive content every week! We don't like spam, so we won't spam you with junk email.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.