Most people who want to start a paid membership site devote all of their attention to publishing content. While it’s true that offering high-value content is very important, getting everything right on the back end is also crucial. This article will delve into tips for choosing membership directory software to help new paid site owners get started on the right foot.
Choose a Centralized System
A good membership management software solution will act as one centralized system. Site owners should be able to not just keep the directory organized but also control other aspects of managing the membership association through the same piece of software. Having a centralized system in place will create fewer opportunities for confusion and mistakes among the organization’s management.
Look for Scalable Solutions
Part of the point of starting a membership site is to build brand awareness and authority to grow a business. As such, it would make no sense to invest in a membership management solution that was not scalable. The good news is that most systems now have the infrastructure built in to scale up as the association increases its numbers.
Find Mobile-Friendly Software
It used to be the case that business owners only had to worry about creating sites that functioned well on desktop computers and laptops. All of that has changed in recent years as more people have switched over to accessing the Internet via smartphones and other mobile devices. Make sure that any software available to either site administrators or members can be accessed on smartphones in app form.
Make Sure Customer Support Is Available
Even the most seemingly user-friendly system can cause some confusion from time to time. It’s important to be able to access customer support when there’s a problem, whether that means reporting a bug or asking a question about how to use a specific feature. A full-featured help centre can also be a big benefit when it comes to teaching new site administrators the ropes.
Ask About Data Security
Membership directories often contain sensitive information. While authorized administrators must be able to access all that data, it’s equally important to have security measures in place that prevent unauthorized access. Encryption is one excellent solution for keeping data safe while it’s in transit and making sure that hackers can’t access the directory.
Ability to Collect Custom Data
Some organizations need nothing more from their membership directories than a list of names and email addresses. Others use the directories as repositories of information about members, drawing on them as needed to create custom advertisements or offers and keep track of more advanced data. A good directory software solution will make it easy to collect and organize all forms of member data.
Trust the Experts
Ordinary website and software designers don’t always have what it takes to create and maintain highly functional membership directory management systems. This is especially true of more comprehensive software programs that also offer services to administrators and members. It’s always better to find a specialized software solution that is designed for creating paid membership sites.
