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A Playbook for Membership Engagement (12 Strategies That Really Work)

Feb 20, 2025

Reader Disclosure

    The topic of membership engagement is discussed a lot here on the blog...because it's all-important! Active members renew their subscriptions as well as participate in forums and also bring referrals. But when engagement drops the churn process begins.

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A couple of weeks ago, I talked about the churn of memberships and the cost replacing those who are gone than keeping the ones you've got.

So, what do you think? keep members engaged, active, and excited so that they'll remain subscribed and more active, contribute, spend more, and maybe even get new subscribers.

In our company, our clients have collectively collected over $2 billion in revenues.

We'll look at the methods that are effective!

What Is Membership Engagement and Why is it Important?

What exactly is membership engagement? In simple terms, it's how often and how meaningfully your members interact with your site or community as well as the offerings.

A very active participant often:

  • Logs in, and then browses several pages
  • Comments, participates in discussions, and attends events
  • Completes courses and actively participates

They appreciate the benefits in their membership, making them more likely to renew their membership, recommend others to join, and make use of cross-sells, upsells, and other benefits.

  • You're having trouble navigating your site
  • Don't you realize that not everyone appreciates what you have to offer is worth it? Or, even more important,
  • (Brace yourself) has completely forgotten about the fact that

There are members who may be subscribed but never interact with them. Having a the passive status is a possible alarm sign.

Not everyone engages the same way. Some people enjoy reading content quietly and others prefer to participate on conversations with others as well as live gatherings. Monitoring various types of participation will help you to know and assist your members.

This is exactly what we'll discuss in our 12 strategies.

Methods of evaluating Membership Engagement

As we've previously discussed, high membership engagement looks different depending on what you're offering. The same goes for what your target audience is.

However, if the site is geared towards learners who are self-paced the members may consume content, taking courses on their own, and not engage in debates.

Since engagement doesn't come in a single size, the best way to measure the level of engagement is to compare it against your past results. Ask yourself:

  • Do members engage more or are they engaging in less in the past than they did previously?
  • Are you growing at the same rate as the growth in membership, or is it lagging behind?

Key KPIs for Engagement to Monitor

Choose the metrics that best represent what is most important to your website's members:

  • Login frequency - How often are members signing in?
  • Forum activity & posts engagement Do discussions remain being conducted?
  • Completion of a course or module Do students make improvements in their knowledge?
  • Open and click-through rates Are they being engaged in your email marketing?
  • Attendance at events - Are members showing up for live sessions?

Tracking the right KPIs can help you identify trends, find disengaged participants and improve your engagement strategy.

Key Strategies to Boost Membership Engagement

It's not necessary to wait for engagement to become an issue to begin making improvements.

Here are a few techniques our customers use to keep members entertained. We've included guidelines, tips, and instruments to assist you in creating an interactive and engaging website for your membership on WordPress.

1. Start building an Online Community

Have you noticed how often Reddit appears at the top of Google results? Google hasn't explained the reason However, it's possible to make an educated guess: users value genuine conversations as well as shared experiences.

A new mom looking for what she needs for her newborn is likely to seek advice from fellow mothers over a general checklist of items.

An freelancer looking to secure higher-paying customers will turn to the community of fellow freelancers who can offer advice and methods.

Your site's membership service provides your specific audience that has common passions, and connecting those members is a huge benefit.

When they're forming networks, looking for advice, or sharing experiences or sharing experiences, the private community can become one of the most valuable elements of your membership.

Design and build premium community forums .

And with social media often feeling like a chaotic, unfriendly space it is important to have it is important to have a members-only community offers an environment that is secure and high-quality in which people can interact meaningfully. It is free of ads, trolls or irrelevant noise.

 How To Install It

WordPress comes with a number of excellent plugins to aid you in build a community right on your web site. customers have found success with:

  • BbPress A basic yet powerful forum solution.
  • A feature-rich alternative for group and social network discussion.

If you're interested in hosting your online community on other websites take a look at:

  • It's great for chats that are real-time, especially if your audience is tech-savvy.
  • - Convenient if your members are already actively using Facebook.

2. Include Gamification

I'm a huge fan of games that are gamified. Actually I owe my capacity to communicate in Spanish to a certain green owl. I also have a pile of badges, and the extremely fierce contest to be at the top of the leaderboard with a colleague.

If points or leaderboards aren't doing much for you I'm able to guarantee you'll have a small portion of your employees that thrives on them.

Some (myself including), earning rewards are so satisfying that they'll purposefully seek out your website for the next dopamine hit!

 How To Configure It

GamiPress is a great tool for enhancing your membership experience. GamiPress You can also add badges, points and achievements to various activites on your membership website, such as:

  •   Signing up or logging into  
  •   Completed lessons or course  
  •   Participating in community discussions  
  •   Comments or replies to comments  
  •   Refining new members  
  •   and many more!  

No matter what plugins you're using for your membership site, GamiPress likely has an integration for it which includes a few we've mentioned in the following article:

  • (for subscriptions as well as online course (for subscriptions and online course)
  • BuddyBoss and BbPress (for community forums)
  • (for online quizzes, surveys and other interactive activities)
  • Easy Affiliate (for reward-based referrals)

And to top it all off, it's free!

If games can get people engaged and participate, then what better way to make use of it?

3. Make a Loyalty program

Do you want to increase the level of gamification to keep members engaged even more? A member loyalty program might be your secret strategy.

Points systems with VIP benefits, point systems, and exclusive rewards make people stick around and spend more. The success of coffee shop rewards speak about themselves. What's more? Works equally well on websites for membership.

Research shows that over 90% of customersare more likely to stay with a membership brand which offers a loyalty plan. Even better? More than 90 percent of companies claim that loyalty members are spending up to four times more than non-members.

 What Can You Do to Reward Your Most Engaged Members

Through a loyalty scheme, you can turn the points you earn and achievements into tangible perks. Here are some ideas:

  • Provide members with the opportunity to earn a incentive after one year of membership and maybe an exclusive Q&A or VIP discount.
  • You can offer a incentive to complete a course or coaching program,like a special certificate or freebie.
  • Utilize points-based perks for engagement, say, extra content or a shoutout in your community.

A Business Coaching membership such as can provide "Platinum Member" status at the end of an entire year, unlocking exclusive coaching calls and networking advantages.

 How to Set It Up

It makes this simple. It is possible to offer tiered access as well as set up the possibility of sending an automatized email that includes an upgrade link whenever a member reaches the milestone of their choice, be it time-based (X years as a member) or an action-based (completing the course or program).

If you want to go further Utilize your gamification plugin to track engagement and then manually reward those who are most active with:

  •   Coupons for renewals  
  •   Exclusive content or VIP perks  
  •   Physical swag like T-shirts, event tickets or even tickets for events  

We've already mentioned is another plugin that can be used to give badges and points based on activity, after which you can convert engagement into real rewards.

4. Utilize Email Campaigns

You think email is outdated? You're wrong. Email remains one of the most powerful ways to keep your clients interested. It's direct and personal. It also unlike algorithms for social media it ensures your message will be seen.

Consistency and relevance is important. Your emails should be a reminder to members of the reason they signed up in the first place and make them feel excited over what's to come.

 Types of emails that Increase Engagement

Remain committed to keeping your members returning using:

  • Special Content Updates - Share new resources as well as behind-the-scenes information, or an early glimpse of upcoming content.
  • Reminders and Event Invitations - Promote live workshops, Q&As or networking activities (and remind them so they don't miss it! ).
  • Personalized Recommendations to suggest topics, courses, or even discussions that are based on your activities.
  • - Haven't seen them in some time? Give them a friendly push and the highlights reel of events they've been missing.

 How to Configure It

Through an email marketing platform such as  the one above, you are able to:

  • Automate email sequences to help the onboarding process, progress in courses, or membership milestones.
  • You can segment your users according to their behavior so members only get emails that matter to them.
  • Utilize dynamic content to personalize the subject line and make recommendations.

An effective email message is able to reignite interest, spark engagement, and keep the members active for long periods of time.

5. Giveaways and Exclusive Perks

Everyone loves free - special offers and giveaways bring excitement, encourage the participation of members, and help them feel valued.

Make your friends feel special by offering them amusing perks or unexpected reward that will make them visit more often as well as engage with you more thoroughly and stick around longer.

 Tips for Giveaways and Perks

  • Only Member-Only Events Offer giveaways in which the active members are eligible to win unique prizes. (Example: "Comment on this blog post to be in the running to win a free 1-on-1 training session!")
  • Special Bonuses Offers random discounts or exclusive content to active users to keep them engaged.
  • Referral Rewards In exchange, you can offer benefits such as free months of membership or exclusive content for members who bring in new members.
  • Milestone Gifts Reward anniversaries of course completions, milestones in your education, or contributions to the community with a personalized reward.
  • Partnership Agreements - Buddy up with popular brands and provide exclusive cross-promotions for your customers.

 How to Set It Up

It's not necessary to have a complicated configuration. make it easy to offer discount coupons that are time-bound to encourage the participants.

If you truly are looking to make a splash We can help.

We love this plugin (and use it ourselves!) for running giveaways. Participants can earn extra entries by engaging with your content, referring someone else to follow your social media profiles - just a few of the numerous actions you can take.

Additionally, it assists you in selecting the best winner randomly.

An well-run giveaway or exclusive incentive keeps your members active, excited and discussing your participation.

6. Questions and Surveys

Are you noticing a trend in the past? Interactivity keeps members engaged. The best membership experiences go beyond delivering content - they give members ways to actively participate and shape the course of their lives.

 How to Add Interactivity with Surveys and Quizzes

  • Use surveys to gain valuable member insights and find out what they are interested in and what they would like more of.
  • Include quizzes to online courses so that students can to self-assess and monitor their improvement.
  • Provide deeper engagement in assignments These require 1:1 feedback, giving users a more personal experience.

 How To Install It

  • This is one of the top choices among our users. It comes with built-in survey templates that make it easy to create online feedback forms. It also offers artificial intelligence-generated questionnaires or a simple drag-and-drop constructor that lets you fully customize.

 The more interactive your member experience, the more invested your members will be.

7. Live Chat

If members have a query and need answers, they do not want to wait hours for an answer via email and they're looking for answers right now. Real-time support makes your membership site appear more responsive, accessible, and driven by community.

Live chat connects members through 24/7 access to help. Quick answers help them keep their attention, prevent irritation, and ensure they are making the most of the benefits of their membership.

 How to Install It

  • Instant support is available to common queries - Help members stay on the right track and avoid getting lost.
  • Chat can be used to build community Live chat capabilities can encourage real-time interactions among users.
  • Automate responses with AI chatbots Give quick responses to questions while having your staff available to handle larger problems.

 Top tools for Live Chat on Membership Sites

  • - Ideal for combining live chat along with a comprehensive support ticket system.
  • Ideal for smaller teams needing a simple, effective chatbot and live chat solution.

 Live chat can keep people engaged, cuts down on stress, and helps make your site feel more like a social network instead of a mere content hub.

8. Online Events and Webinars, Live Event, and Office hours

We enjoy helping customers develop automations and passive income streams to keep their sites' memberships viable and profitable.

 However, live events possess particular engagement abilities which make the effort worthwhile.

If it's an event, occasions give users the motivation to login for a particular date and time.

Why is this so crucial? Because when something is readily available anytime, users often put off taking part - or even forget about it entirely.

Live events can also provide the unique relationship between both you and your participants. You can give the members VIP treatment by paying them your full attention, building stronger relations and trust.

 Why Group Sessions Work Very Well

Group Q&As, AMAs, and webinars can also be ways for participants to learn from each other. When members hear the answers, questions and examples of real-world situations from their peers They're more likely:

  • Feel part of a larger, active group of people.
  • Gain new perspectives or tips they might not have previously thought about.
  • Be inspired to share their own stories, resulting in more interest.

These events can result in a feedback loop that lets members grow together and are more involved in the community.

 How To Set It Up

Here are a few ways that will host live events as easy:

  • - An excellent all-around tool to host webinars, calls with groups and even one-on-one office hours.
  • Perfect for professional webinars with advanced attendance trackers.
  • Google Meet - A simple, free alternative for sessions with fewer participants.
  • Great for live webinars with easy-to-use engagement features.

Live events give your members a reason to be there, stay connected and remain engaged. Whether you host an informal Q&A session or a full-scale webinar, it's worth it to bring your members to one place in real-time.

9. Member Challenges and Milestones

I'm an avid participant in the 30-Day Challenge. It's a great idea to make a positive change within a defined, achievable period of time is enticing.

And content creators have known this forever - who doesn't have someone you know who's participated in the Yoga with Adriene challenge?

Challenges are also a powerful way to show your members how you can deliver real value in a short period of time. They're motivating, take action as well as proof that your members can make significant changes in the lives of their members.

It's the reason why challenges are indeed an engaging mine of gold. They keep members focused, driven, as well as re-evaluating their accomplishments.

Remember milestones too. The breaking down of longer-term challenges into shorter, joyful moments provides members with extra motivation and helps keep the momentum moving.

 ideas for member challenges

  • 30-Day Productivity Challenge help participants improve their productivity by providing daily productivity tips or tools.
  • seven-day writing sprint - Perfect for bloggers or writers looking to get started on their next writing project or build a writing habit.
  • 21-Day Kickstart to Fitness This program was designed to build strength, flexibility, or endurance in small, achievable stages.
  • 30 Days to Learn a Skill Teach an essential skill like photo editing, coding or public speaking using small, practical lessons.
  • Personal Finance Challenge - Help members get their finances under control with actions-oriented steps such as tracking their spending, creating a budget, or saving a certain amount before the end of the challenge.

 How to Configure It

With , creating and managing problems is easy:

  • Build goal-based programs that provide members with step-by-step instructions.
  • Use the habit tracker to motivate the daily, weekly, or biweekly participation.
  • Automatically reward members when they achieve milestones. You can reward them by sending customized messages or exclusive special content.

This is just scratching the surface of what can do using CoachKit(tm). Check out this instructional video for more information:

How to Create Online Coaching on WordPress With CoachKit (tm) (Full tutorial)

10. Member Spotlights & Success Stories

It makes the featured members feel valued and makes others feel at ease in your community all while exaggerating the worth of your membership to the world.

It's also an excellent opportunity to create connections. When members can see people achieving their goals, taking on challenges, and thriving, it creates the ripple effect of motivation and participation.

 Tips for Spotlights on Members and Success Stories

  • Blog PostsCreate a blog piece about someone who's accomplished their goal, complete with their story, insights, and advice for others.
  • Social Media Shoutouts Highlight people of Instagram or Facebook with photos, quotes, or a quick video.
  • Video InterviewsJump on Zoom with one of our top performers and allow them to share their journey through their own words.
  • Members AwardsStart a "Member of the Month" tradition and celebrate their accomplishments with a dedicated feature.
  • Milestone Spotlights Send updates to members when members hit major milestones, such as finishing an entire course or being part of the 30-day challenge.

 How Do I Configure It

  • Reach out to your customers through surveys or emails and inquire about their successes.
     Make use of a program such as Formidable Forms to let members complete their story easily.
  • Let them share their experiences in your community, on your blog, or perhaps as part of your future email marketing campaign.

In addition to being positively uplifting, celebrating the success of your members is an effective method to increase participation, create community and let your members know that they're the beating heart of your site.

11. Drip Content

It is well-known that maintaining the flow of unique material is the basis of any good user experience. But ensuring that you have content available every week, at frequent intervals isn't an easy feat!

Drip media is an established and tested solution, and a popular strategy to keep members entertained for a long period of time. The method also creates anticipation, and helps ensure that they don't get overwhelmed by too much simultaneously.

 How to Install It

It's incredibly simple to establish drip content rules that allow you to publish any page, post as well as a course or class.

  • There is no limit in deciding:
  • Which are the items you would like to drip-release
  • Frequency (daily, weekly, etc)
  • The exact date of release
  • If you wish the content to expire at a specified duration.

12. Accountability Groups and Mastermind Sessions

Did you know? 70 percent of those who make objectives never reach them. Think of all the New Year's resolutions set in January but then completely abandoned by - wait, when is the next month? Yes, it's February.

But here's another interesting stat: A study by the American Society of Training and Development (ASTD) found that people are 65% more likely to achieve a goal if they tell someone else about it - and that number jumps to 95 percentage with a dedicated accountability appointment.

 Accountability can turn positive intentions into actual growth - and that includes engaging visitors to your site.

If members join in small groups and form small groups, they stay motivated, support one another, and can make real progress for themselves - whether trying to achieve a goal in business or advancing their skills or finishing a training course.

 How Do I Install It

  • Make group coaching cohorts using CoachKit(tm)
  • Create private forums by using bbPress, or BuddyBoss
  • Hosting weekly or biweekly Check-ins in which participants report their the progress made, establish goals and are given feedback.
  • Mastermind live calls via either Crowdcast or Zoom in which participants can work together to solve problems, stay accountable

Accountability groups are great to increase participation and retention since members build connections with each other within the community. And if they feel included, they'll be more likely to sign up.

If you don't have an accountability system in place yet This may be the missing component that will take your commitment to the next level.

Last Thoughts: Make sure that Members are Engaged and Invested

We've covered a lot of ground, didn't we? I hope this article has opened your eyes to possibilities to improve the number of members on your website.

We've looked at 12 ways for your members to be involved, connect and gain value from their subscription.

And that's the key word: ongoing. Maintaining engagement current, interesting and relevant over duration is the reason why memberships are valuable.

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Get today!

Start getting paid for your content.

Much of your success is from observing what your members respond to and adjusting as you go.

It's not necessary to apply the 12 strategies immediately. Start with small steps. Select a couple of options which are suitable for your membership and test these out. Small, intentional steps can lead to big victories.

 What strategies do you plan to try first? Let us know in the comments section below!

If you found this article informative, make sure to join us via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn!

author avatar

Victoria Lloyd       Victoria is a pro at making small-scale beginnings into huge successes, having elevated her jewelry line from the vibrant buzz of London's street markets to high-end locations like The Royal Academy of Arts and Topshop's Oxford Circus main store. Her expertise doesn't stop at physical items. Victoria is a pro-active experience of increasing the online presence of a range of brands. From innovative startup companies to well-known brands like Nokia as well as Jack Daniels, Victoria has applied her potent blend of wordsmith magic along with strategic thinking and digital expertise to boost up brand engagement and SEO. In her blog , Victoria leverages her diverse experience to simplify and demystify the world of online membership and growth for businesses. Victoria is here to help readers with her unique insights, helping them to successfully and effectively build their membership and online community websites.