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If you’ve ever thought about creating your own membership site—whether it’s to share exclusive content, offer courses, or build a community—you’re definitely not alone.
More and more creators and businesses are jumping on board, making it easier than ever to connect with your audience and offer something special. But with so many platforms out there, it can be hard to know which one to choose.
No worries, though! In this post, we’ll walk you through some of the best membership site platforms to try this year, so you can get started with the right tools for your goals.
Key Takeaways Wide Variety of Platforms for Different Needs: From course creators to bloggers and nonprofits, there’s a membership site platform tailored for every type of business or content creator, ensuring you can find the best fit for your goals.Customization & Integration: Most platforms offer flexible membership levels, automated billing, and integrations with other tools like email marketing, making it easy to build and manage your membership site with minimal effort.Ease of Use: Many platforms, such as Podia and Teachable, are designed to be user-friendly, allowing entrepreneurs to quickly set up and grow their membership businesses without needing technical expertise.Monetization & Community Building: These platforms offer features to engage and retain members—whether through exclusive content, courses, or live events—while also supporting recurring revenue through membership fees.Analytics for Growth: Most platforms come with built-in analytics to track performance, member engagement, and churn rate, allowing you to adjust your strategy and grow your membership business effectively. MemberPress is a powerful membership website builder for WordPress . It lets you create a membership site with ease, offering a solid mix of membership management tools, payment processing , and member management automation. You can set up multiple membership levels and exclusive content for your members.
Key Features : WordPress plugin with seamless integrationAbility to create membership programs with different levels (paid or free) Advanced analytics and reporting to track performance Email marketing integration for member engagementCustomizable landing pages and mobile app options Membership management software with tools for handling recurring payments and subscriptions Best for : Course creators, bloggers, and businesses who want an all-in-one membership platform that integrates with their WordPress site and provides membership management software to grow a membership business . Teachable is one of the best online course platforms for building a membership website that also focuses on online learning . It’s perfect for creating and selling digital products like courses while maintaining full control over your membership levels and payment processing .
Key Features : Easy-to-use website builder for creating online course pages Features like built-in email marketing and membership management Analytics to track student progress and churn rate Option for branded mobile apps to engage members on the go Ability to create private communities within your membership site Integration with payment gateways and marketing tools Best for Creators looking to build a membership site with a focus on online coaching or course creation . Teachable is ideal for those who want to create a community and offer exclusive content for their members, all while managing recurring revenue . Kajabi is an all-in-one platform that lets you create and sell memberships and online courses . It’s a powerful membership solution that integrates email marketing , landing pages , and membership management into one platform. Plus, Kajabi offers a fully branded experience, with mobile app support for members.
Key Features : Kajabi offers a wide range of tools for building a membership site , from membership program creation to handling transaction fees Email marketing and automation for nurturing your membersAnalytics to monitor metrics like monthly recurring revenue Support for multiple membership levels and online communities Powerful course creation features for delivering online learning Best for Entrepreneurs and business owners looking for a complete membership site platform that offers both online courses and membership management solutions. Kajabi is perfect for those who want a branded mobile app and dedicated membership management software to grow their membership business . Thinkific is an excellent online course platform that allows you to build a membership site focused on creating engaging online learning experiences. It is well-known for its user-friendly interface and strong support for content creators.
Thinkific also offers an intuitive membership plugin that can easily integrate with your existing website.
Key Features : Analytics and detailed reports to track student performance and member engagementTools for creating landing pages and branded mobile apps Integration with email marketing tools to automate member communication Multiple membership levels and access controls to offer exclusive content Ability to build an online community and monetize your membership site Best for : Educators, trainers, and creators who want to build a membership site that focuses on online learning and community-building . Thinkific is perfect for those looking to create a membership program with free or paid options. Podia is an all-in-one platform that combines membership management, course creation, and digital product sales. It is easy to use and enables you to quickly set up your own membership site without any technical skills.
Additionally, Podia offers a free trial, allowing you to test the platform before making a commitment.
Key Features : Simplified tools for building a membership site and selling digital products Integration with payment processing systems like PayPal and StripeAbility to create membership levels with access to exclusive content Email marketing automation and simple analytics Option to create private communities and online coaching programs Best for : Entrepreneurs, creators, and small businesses looking for an easy way to create and sell memberships or digital products . Podia is great for those who want to quickly build their membership site without the complexity of other platforms. Wild Apricot is one of the best platforms for building a membership website , especially for associations, nonprofits, and event-driven businesses. It’s designed to make membership management easy, with a focus on paid memberships and event handling.
This platform helps you handle both recurring member payments and member communications, making it a strong contender for anyone looking to manage their membership with ease.
Key Features : Membership management tools with automation for billing and renewalsEasy event management and registration features Branded mobile apps and website options for a personalized member experienceAnalytics to track metrics like churn rate and membership engagementIntegration with email marketing tools to keep members informed Affordable pricing plans, make it a great option for small businesses Best for : Nonprofits , associations, and businesses that rely heavily on membership communities and event-driven income. Wild Apricot is perfect for those who want an easy, cost-effective way to start building your membership and managing ongoing relationships with members. WishList Member is a membership site software that integrates easily with WordPress . It’s one of the top membership site platforms on the market for those who want flexibility and control over their content.
With this plugin, you can quickly build a community and offer members exclusive access to content based on membership levels.
Key Features : Flexible membership levels and access control to create customized member experiences Simple integration with WordPress and other membership management tools Built-in payment processing for handling recurring subscriptions Features like landing pages , email marketing , and automated member management Branded mobile apps available for better member engagement on the go Best for : WordPress users who want a simple, effective way to manage your membership and create a membership site without any technical headaches. WishList Member is great for anyone looking for an easy WordPress plugin that allows full control over membership content. LearnDash is an online course platform that excels at creating a membership site with a focus on education and online learning. If you’re looking to sell online courses and offer a structured membership program, LearnDash is one of the best membership site platforms for 2024.
Key Features : Course creation tools that integrate seamlessly with your membership site Support for membership management with flexible payment options for paid courses and subscriptions Detailed analytics to track progress, engagement, and metrics like churn rate Integration with email marketing and other automation tools for a streamlined experience Mobile-friendly , with options to create a branded mobile app for members Best for : Course creators and educators looking to build an online learning community and manage membership communities with ease. LearnDash is ideal if you want a platform that’s more focused on delivering quality educational content alongside membership benefits. MemberSpace is a flexible membership platform that integrates with a variety of website builders, including WordPress , Squarespace , and Webflow . This tool helps you create a membership site quickly and easily while managing paid memberships and exclusive content.
Key Features : Simple integration with popular website builders Ability to set up multiple membership levels and payment processing options Branded mobile apps and website for consistent member experiences across devicesDetailed analytics and reporting to track member engagement and retention Membership management automation for billing and renewal reminders Best for : Entrepreneurs and small businesses who need a simple, no-fuss solution to create and manage your membership across multiple platforms. MemberSpace is perfect if you want an easy way to start building your membership without the complexity of larger platforms. Substack is a platform tailored for writers and content creators looking to build a community around their work, particularly through email newsletters . It’s one of the easiest ways to start your membership with minimal technical setup, making it a favorite among independent creators.
Key Features : Membership program focused on content subscription (both free and paid)Simple setup for email marketing and subscriber management Analytics to track open rates , engagement , and subscriber growth Ability to create private communities and offer exclusive content to members Mobile app for accessing your content on the go, enhancing user experience Best for : Writers, journalists, and content creators who want to create and sell memberships based on exclusive content, especially in the form of newsletters. Substack is ideal for creators who want to quickly build a community and engage with their audience directly through email. Mighty Networks is a unique membership site platform that focuses on building a strong online community . It’s designed to bring your members together around shared interests and create a thriving membership experience with features like private communities , online courses , and events .
Key Features : Membership management tools that let you set up multiple membership levels and customize accessLive events and online course integration for a complete learning and community experienceBranded mobile apps and website for a seamless user experience on any deviceAnalytics to track engagement and metrics like churn rate Ability to create your membership site with strong community-building features, including discussion boards and content feeds Mighty Networks also offers the ability to create and sell memberships with built-in payment processing . Best for : Entrepreneurs, coaches, and community builders looking to build a community and create membership programs with engaging content. Mighty Networks is perfect if you want to offer a space for members to interact, learn, and access exclusive content . Podia is an all-in-one platform that allows creators to easily create and sell memberships , online courses , and digital products . It’s one of the best membership site software for those who want to grow your business without the complexity of other platforms.
Key Features : Tools to build your membership site with customizable landing pages Easy payment processing and support for recurring memberships Email marketing and analytics to keep track of member engagementBranded mobile apps for a professional, cohesive member experienceSimple integration with online courses , allowing you to combine content delivery with membership management The platform makes it easy to start and manage your membership with intuitive features. Best for : Content creators and small businesses who need an easy-to-use platform to create a membership site and sell digital products . Podia is ideal for those who want an all-in-one solution without the need for complicated technical setups. AccessAlly is a membership site platform designed for WordPress users who want an advanced solution for managing online courses , membership programs , and membership communities . It’s one of the best options for businesses looking for membership management features like automations and advanced integrations .
Key Features : Membership management software with powerful automation for member engagement and payment processingTools to create online courses with customizable access for different membership levels Analytics and tracking to help you monitor churn rate and member satisfactionSeamless integration with email marketing and payment processors Ability to create your membership site with customized features that match your business needs Branded mobile apps for a fully branded experience on all devices. Best for : WordPress users who need advanced tools for membership management and online course creation . AccessAlly is ideal if you need a high level of customization and want to build your membership site with a strong focus on analytics and automation . Kartra is an all-in-one platform designed for marketers, course creators, and businesses that want to manage membership websites and digital products . It combines membership management with powerful marketing features like email automation and landing page builders .
Key Features : A comprehensive suite that includes tools for membership management , course creation , and email marketing Ability to set up membership levels and control access to exclusive content Analytics tools for tracking metrics like monthly recurring revenue and churn rate Branded mobile apps and website to ensure a consistent, high-quality experience for your membersIntegrations with payment processing to make it easy to manage memberships and collect payments Live events and webinars to engage with members in real-time, making your membership experience even more interactive. Best for : Businesses and marketers who need a complete membership solution with advanced marketing tools. Kartra is perfect for those looking to build a membership site and grow your business by managing membership, marketing, and content all in one place. Patreon is one of the most popular platforms for membership businesses that want to offer exclusive content to their audience. It’s especially well-known for supporting creators such as artists, writers, musicians, and influencers.
Patreon allows you to set up different membership levels, where you can provide your members with everything from behind-the-scenes content to early access to new releases. Plus, it integrates easily with various tools to help you grow your community and manage memberships.
Key Features:
Multiple membership levels with different benefits Exclusive content creation for your members (audio, videos, written posts, etc.) Branded mobile app for easier member access Analytics to track member engagement and revenue Integration with tools like Discord and Mailchimp Best For: Creators (musicians, artists, podcasters, etc.) who want to build a community around their content and offer exclusive access to their fans.
What to Look for to Get the Best Membership Site Platform When you’re looking to choose the best membership site platform in 2024, there are a few key things to consider to make sure you’re getting the right membership solution for your needs. Here’s what to look for when you’re creating a website that will support your membership business:
1. Ease of Use and Customization The best platforms in 2024 should be intuitive and easy to use, even if you’re not super tech-savvy. You’ll want a membership site platform that lets you easily create a membership site and customize it without having to write any code.
Look for platforms that have drag-and-drop features, like Kajabi, which offers lots of flexibility. This means you can build your site without the hassle and focus more on creating awesome online experiences for your members.
2. Integrated Tools for Membership Management You’ll want a platform that is designed to help you easily manage your members. Features like automated billing, easy access to your membership , and the ability to create and sell memberships are essential.
Also, think about whether the platform offers membership management software for handling things like payment processing , setting up multiple membership levels , and controlling access to content.
Platforms like Kajabi and others will give you all the tools you need to streamline running a membership site .
3. Community Building Features If you’re looking to build a thriving membership community, check if the platform has features that allow members to interact with each other. Platforms that let you create private communities , engage with members through live events , and manage discussions will help you create a more connected community .
For example, platforms like Mighty Networks are great because they let you build a community around your content and allow for member interaction through forums, groups, and even live events.
4. Mobile Access In 2024, your members expect to be able to access your content anywhere, anytime. The perfect membership platform should offer a branded mobile app for a seamless experience on phones and tablets.
This is especially important if you’re offering courses or exclusive content that members will want to access on the go. Check whether the platform gives you the ability to create your own mobile app or provides an existing one that can be branded to your membership site.
5. Marketing and Analytics A good membership site platform should offer analytics to help you track key metrics like churn rate , member engagement, and revenue.
You’ll need insights into how your members are interacting with your content so you can improve the membership experience .
Plus, look for integrations with email marketing tools to help you automate your marketing efforts and grow your business.
These features are crucial for understanding how your membership is performing and making adjustments to ensure your members keep coming back.
6. Payment Flexibility Make sure the platform you choose has payment processing capabilities that support recurring payments and multiple pricing models.
Whether you’re selling paid memberships , offering one-time payments for access, or having a free membership that leads to upsells, you’ll need a platform that offers payment options that suit your business model.
Some platforms, like Kajabi, let you easily set up subscriptions and one-time payments .
7. Content Delivery The content delivery system should be reliable and fast, especially if you plan to offer online courses or exclusive content .
Make sure the platform allows you to organize your content in a way that’s easy to navigate for your members, whether that’s through landing pages , video content, or downloadable resources.
You’ll want to choose a platform that lets you upload content easily and control access for different membership levels.
8. Support and Resources Running a membership site can be complex, so having good support is essential. Look for platforms that offer responsive customer support, either through chat, email, or even phone.
Additionally, check if the platform provides helpful resources like tutorials, forums, or community support where you can get advice from other members.
For example, Kajabi also has extensive training and resources to help you succeed in running your membership business .
9. Scalability Finally, make sure the platform you choose can scale with your business as it grows. Whether you start with one membership level and grow to multiple, or you’re adding more content over time, you’ll want a platform that can handle your growth without performance issues. Choose a platform that supports the addition of new membership levels or can scale as your content library expands.
Wrapping Up To wrap things up, picking the right membership site platform is key to building a successful membership business. Whether you’re creating exclusive content , building a community , or managing your members, the right platform can help you achieve your goals.
Platforms like Kajabi, Mighty Networks, and WordPress with plugins are some of the best choices for 2024, each offering great features for different needs.
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FAQs about Best Membership Site Platform Why Should I Use A Membership Site Platform? Using a membership site platform can help you create a reliable revenue stream by offering exclusive content, courses, communities, and products to your audience. It also streamlines content delivery and member management.
Can I Create A Membership Site Without Technical Skills? Yes! Many membership site platforms, like Kajabi, Teachable, and Podia, offer user-friendly interfaces with drag-and-drop design tools, making it easy to create a site without coding or technical skills.
Why Should I Use A Membership Site Platform? Using a membership site platform can help you create a reliable revenue stream by offering exclusive content, courses, communities, and products to your audience. It also streamlines content delivery and member management.
Can I Create A Membership Site Without Technical Skills? Yes! Many membership site platforms, like Kajabi, Teachable, and Podia, offer user-friendly interfaces with drag-and-drop design tools, making it easy to create a site without coding or technical skills.
How Much Does A Membership Site Platform Cost? Pricing varies depending on the platform and plan you choose. Most platforms offer tiered pricing based on features and member count, with monthly fees ranging from $19 to $200+. It’s important to choose a platform that suits both your needs and budget.
Is There A Trial Version Of Membership Site Platforms? Many membership site platforms offer free trials or demo versions. For example, Teachable, Kajabi, and Thinkific all have free trials that let you explore their features before committing to a paid plan.
Can I Offer Courses Through A Membership Site Platform? Yes! Most membership site platforms like Thinkific, Teachable, and Kajabi are specifically designed to allow you to create and sell online courses. These platforms also let you deliver additional content like videos, quizzes, and assignments.
