5 Clever Ways to Grow Your Membership

Are your strategies helping you reach your membership goals?

When you first launch your membership program, adding members seems relatively easy because there’s nowhere to go but up. However, after the first six months or so, you might begin to see your membership plateau. Generally, the ability to grow membership is a function of the perceived value your group or association can deliver. By bringing membership greater value, you can position yourself to attract new members while also maintaining your existing membership base. We’ve highlighted a few strategies to increase your value and your network.

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1. Engage on social media

In particular, you’ll want to embrace larger networks such as LinkedIn and Facebook. These two social media channels allow you to create your own membership page and maintain constant communication with your members, especially since most are already using these mediums.
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Post updates on upcoming meetings and events while also keeping members engaged by asking questions for facilitating these meet-ups. While maintaining communication with your current members, being present on these channels also helps potential members see the kind of work you’re doing, and if it is something they would be interested in.

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2. Host events for potential members

​Host an event where each current member invites a non-member. Encourage these non-members to join during the event by offering a discount only during that time. Hosting events for both current and

potential members is a great way to get everyone involved in the recruiting process and allow non-members to ask questions and see what the group is all about before making the commitment.

3. Trade content for contact info

Many associations have started adopting a concept where they’ll offer a free article download or newsletter subscription in exchange for permission for further communications. These opt-ins are prime membership prospects, as you can maintain constant communication to show people what you do and get them interested in joining your team.

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4. Offer seasonal memberships

Most associations include an application fee for new member. Throughout the subscription year, announce (in your newsletter, social media, etc.) that the application fee has been waived for a certain period of time. This will attract those who had been considering membership but either hadn’t wanted to make the commitment yet or were deterred because of the fees. With a waived application fee, they might see more value in joining. While waiving the application fee will be helpful, you’ll also want to make sure your annual membership fees are comparable to other associations’ as well.

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5. Track and measure your marketing efforts

If it can’t be measured, it can’t be managed. There is no way to know if your marketing is bringing you new memberships if you’re not tracking the success rate. Carefully measuring results allows you to more properly allocate your marketing funds and get the best return for your money.
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For associations such as nonprofits or PTAs, finding a way to manage your marketing and your membership base can seem rather difficult. But that’s why we created memberplanet, the first and only cloud-based functional network that aims to simplify new member communication while increasing current member engagement. The platform is a one-stop shop for email marketing, surveys, donation campaigns and more.

memberplanet provides optimum analytics for your email marketing and mobile access for members. Create a free account today and discover how memberplanet can help you grow your membership.