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With the seemingly endless stream of information that we can find online there are some people that question whether there are still individuals that would actually pay for content. The truth is that last year more than a billion dollars was spent on internet content: so hopefully that not only surprises most people but also answers the question. But how do we get started creating a membership blog?
WordPress does everything we need
When it comes to a membership site, it may seem hard to believe but WordPress does everything you could possibly need. Specific plugins for WordPress will do most of the work for you. For example, the plugin Mingle Forum will help you easily create a forum where your users can discuss your blog and even SEO work is made easier than before to ensure that you get the best possible ranking. What are some of the major players on the WordPress membership plugin market?
Magic Members
Many people consider Magic Members their favorite membership plugin for WordPress, and for a reason. If you are going to start a membership blog using WordPress, this plugin offers almost everything you need. Getting it installed is like installing a standard WordPress plugin. These are some of the features you can expect:
- Easy integration with existing or new blogs
- Control subscription length
- Flexible membership options
- Payment modules integration
Magic Member costs $97 for a single site license, $197 for 3 licenses & $297 for unlimited licenses.
Membership Pro
Membership Pro is another rather nifty membership plugin. There are two different versions available: the free version and the paid version. Of course, the free version offers fewer features than the paid version but it is a great way to get a feel for the plugin and see if you like it. This plugin does not just work with each WordPress site, but also with BuddyPress and multisite. It allows you to transform your BuddyPress, WPMU, or WordPress site into a fully functional membership site. This means that you go beyond the blog and allow access to support, forums, videos, online content, and downloads through flexible membership levels and options. These are some of the features to expect:
- Serial renewing subscriptions
- Finite or indefinite subscriptions
- Offer free memberships that turn into paid subscriptions after a certain number of days
You can download Membership plugin for free, but if you support or hosting services for your membership site, then the pricing starts at $19/month.
Wishlist Member
Easy to install and even easier to use. Wishlist Member can convert your WordPress blog into a complete membership website in mere minutes. It offers:
- Multi-level access
- Shopping cart integration
- Flexible membership options
- Control viewed content
- Integrates seamlessly into your WordPress site
- Sequential content delivery
- Unlimited membership levels
The Single license of Wishlist Member costs $97 whereas Multi-site license costs $297.
Determine a payment gateway
If you are going to make a membership blog there is a good chance that you want to actually, you know, use that money at some point. You need a payment system to process all your member payments. Some of the industry leaders are 1shoppingCart, Paydotcom, Paypal and Clickbank.
If you already have a specific WordPress plugin you want to use (or a specific payment system you refuse to get rid of) make sure that the plugin integrates with your preferred payment gateway. There is nothing more frustrating than finding out that the two are not compatible and you have to make some major changes to your design.
Do not provide substandard content
The most important thing to remember about creating a membership blog is that you are asking people to pay for information they previously may have had access to for free. Before, when you had no desire to post a blog and sent in a substandard blog post people may have forgiven that. If you charge them for content, it is unacceptable to release substandard work. You must always provide absolute unique, engaging and interesting content for your members in order for them to always want to stay, spread the word and keep on wanting more. Finally, make sure to have fast internet connection for uploading, editing and distributing of content. This part is easy since internet service is getting cheaper and cheaper due to competition by different providers. For example AT&T is offering exclusive Uverse coupon deals and savings on its internet service. Hope these tips help and good luck on your membership sites.
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