Best Membership Website Builders of 2024

Summary

A constant in our sphere of influence is the question of Memberships and the tools to build them on. Taking the broader approach to consider both SAAS and Open Source solutions, Jonathan explores the top options in this post. If you compare your use case to Jonathan’s input here, we hope you’ll find the right option for you. 

 

Best Website Builder for Membership Sites in 2024: Top Plans and Features

Choosing the best website builder for creating a membership website can be challenging in 2024. With various options available, small businesses and entrepreneurs must find a builder with the right tools and features. A builder that supports membership options and includes a free plan is vital for starting and maintaining a successful site.

When looking for the best membership website builder, it’s essential to consider user-friendliness and customization. Drag-and-drop builders are popular because they simplify the design process without requiring coding skills. These platforms often include templates and specialized features for membership sites, making it easy to attract and manage members.

Best of all, many website builders offer free trials or plans, allowing you to test their capabilities without immediate financial commitment. This flexibility helps you decide which platform fits your needs before investing.

Key Takeaways

• Website builders with membership options are essential for small businesses.
• Drag-and-drop builders simplify designing and managing membership sites.
• Free trials or plans are available to test the builders before committing.

Search For What A Membership Website Should Include

Certain features are essential when building a membership website. These include customizable branding, membership management tools, community features, and content and SEO management.

Customizable Branding

Customizable branding lets businesses align the website’s look and feel with their unique identity. This includes options to change colors, fonts, logos, and images.

 

Users should be able to tailor the website to match their brand guidelines. Branding consistency builds trust and makes the site recognizable. Easy-to-use design tools are a plus, especially drag-and-drop editors that allow adjustments without coding.

Membership Management

Membership management tools help handle user accounts efficiently. These tools include features for sign-ups, renewals, and cancellations.

Administrators should manage different membership levels, offering various perks and content access. Automated email notifications for sign-up confirmations, payment receipts, and membership renewals improve communication.

Having an intuitive dashboard to track member statistics, payment history, and engagement metrics is highly beneficial.

Community Section Or Forum

A community section or forum fosters member interaction and engagement. Such features help create a sense of belonging.

Discussion boards, comment sections, and private messaging options enhance communication among members. Moderation tools to manage discussions and remove inappropriate content are necessary.

User-generated content, like posts and replies, adds value and keeps the community active.

Content Management

Effective content management is crucial for providing valuable resources to members. This includes organizing, updating, and restricting access to content based on membership levels.

Admins need simple workflows to upload videos, blogs, and documents. Scheduled content releases and password-protected areas help control access. Content delivery must be seamless to keep members engaged.

A content management system (CMS) that’s easy to use makes the process efficient.

SEO & Analytics

SEO and analytics tools help increase visibility and understand member behaviors. SEO tools optimize content to rank higher on search engines.

Using proper keywords, meta tags, and descriptions improves search rankings—Analytics track website traffic, member activities, and popular content. Data-driven insights help improve the site and content strategy.

Built-in reporting tools provide detailed information about visitor engagement.

A membership website equipped with these features will be more effective and user-friendly.

Top Membership Website Builders

Choosing the right membership website builder can significantly impact your ability to attract and retain members. The following builders offer unique features and tools to help you effectively create and manage membership sites.

Kajabi

Kajabi is a powerful platform known for its all-in-one capabilities. It combines website building, email marketing, and membership management. Its standout feature is its comprehensive tools for creating and selling online courses. With Kajabi, users can easily manage their content, automate marketing, and engage members. Key aspects include integrated payment options, customizable templates, and robust analytics.

Prices KickStarter $69 | Basic $149 | Growth $199 | Pro $399 per month

Wix

Wix is a popular choice for its ease of use and flexibility. With a drag-and-drop interface, even beginners can create professional-looking websites. Wix offers dedicated apps for membership sites that enable users to create restricted areas, manage subscriptions, and interact with members. Highlights include its vast template library, mobile optimization, and various pricing plans that cater to different needs.

Prices Light $17 | Core $29 | Business $36 | Business Elite $159

LearnDash

LearnDash is a WordPress plugin that transforms WordPress sites into robust membership platforms. It excels in delivering e-learning experiences, making it ideal for educational memberships. LearnDash supports detailed course creation, quizzes, and progress tracking. Significant features include drip content, user management, and various payment gateways and web services integrations.

Prices $199 per year + hosting

Memberful

Memberful is known for being a straightforward solution for integrating membership functionality into existing websites. It works seamlessly with WordPress and other CMS platforms. Memberful handles subscription payments, member accounts, and protected content. Essential features include customizable checkout, robust API, and comprehensive reporting tools, making it suitable for various membership sites.

Prices are $49 per month + transaction fees

Podia

Podia offers an all-in-one digital storefront for selling memberships, online courses, and digital downloads. It simplifies the process of setting up and managing a membership site. Podia does not charge transaction fees, which is a great advantage. Essential features include email marketing tools, affiliate marketing support, and easy-to-use content delivery mechanisms catering to creators and educators.

Prices Starter $9 + transaction frees | Mover $39 | Shaker $89 per month

Squarespace

Squarespace is renowned for its visually stunning templates and user-friendly editor. Squarespace’s Member Areas feature allows site owners to create gated content and exclusive sections for membership sites. It’s an excellent choice for those who prioritize design and aesthetics. Its built-in marketing tools, robust hosting, and various design options for creating attractive websites are vital advantages.

Prices Starter $9 + transaction frees | Core $29 + transaction frees | Professional $89 per month

LifterLMS

LifterLMS transforms WordPress sites into comprehensive learning management systems. It is ideal for creating online courses and membership sites. The platform supports multimedia content, quizzes, certifications, and student management. Notable features include flexible pricing models, detailed reporting, and extensive customization integration with numerous payment gateways and services.

Prices Free | Earth Bundle $299 | Universe Bundle $499 | Infinity Bundle $1,499 per year + hosting

Mighty Networks

Mighty Networks focuses on building communities. It allows users to create membership sites where members can interact, share content, and participate in discussions. It’s suitable for creators who want to foster interaction and engagement. Standout features include mobile app support, event hosting, and monetization options for courses and subscriptions.

Prices The Courses Plan $99 | The Business Plan $179 | The Path to Path Plan $360 per month

BuddyBoss

BuddyBoss is a WordPress theme and plugin combination designed for community and membership sites. It transforms WordPress installations into social platforms with user profiles, forums, and messaging. Core features include activity feeds, group creation, and integration with popular plugins like WooCommerce and LearnDash, making it a versatile choice for community-driven memberships.

$299 per year + hosting

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the best membership website builders in 2024?

A: The top membership website builders of 2024 include platforms like Wix, MemberPress, Wild Apricot, Squarespace, and Kajabi.

Q: How can I create a membership website using a builder?

A: To create a membership website, you can sign up with a website builder that offers membership features, choose a template suitable for a membership site, customize it to your needs, and add membership functionalities like user registration and content restrictions.

Q: Can I use a free website builder to build a membership site?

A: Yes, there are free website builders like Wix and WordPress that offer membership features and can be used to build a membership website without incurring additional costs.

Q: What is the best website builder for small businesses in 2024?

A: In 2024, the best website builders for small businesses include platforms like Squarespace, Wix, Weebly, and WordPress, offering user-friendly interfaces and scalable features.

Q: How do I create a subscription website using a website builder?

A: To create a subscription website, you can select a builder that supports subscription functionalities, set up payment gateways, create subscription plans, and manage user subscriptions through the platform’s dashboard.

Q: What are the key factors to consider when choosing a website builder for a small business?

A: When selecting a website builder for a small business, consider factors like ease of use, customization options, scalability, e-commerce features, mobile responsiveness, SEO capabilities, and customer support to ensure it meets your business needs.

Q: Can I build a membership community using a website builder?

A: Yes, you can build a membership community using a website builder by implementing user registration, member profile pages, restricted content areas, discussion forums, and other community-building features available within the platform.

Final Thoughts

When choosing a website builder for 2024, it’s important to consider features, cost, and ease of use. There are many options available with varying tools and capabilities.

Functionality is key. Look for builders with drag-and-drop features, customizable templates, and responsive designs. These elements make it easy to create a website that looks professional.

Membership features are crucial for those looking to create membership sites. Ensure the builder supports user registration, subscription management, and content restriction. It’s worth checking if they offer free trials to test these features.

Cost can be a major deciding factor. Some builders offer free plans with basic features, which can be sufficient for small businesses or personal sites. More advanced plans may provide better tools and resources at a higher price.

Different platforms offer unique benefits. For instance, Wix is known for its ease of use and versatility, while WordPress provides more control and customization through plugins.

Reliability and customer support also matter. Builders with good reputations usually offer robust customer service, including chat support and comprehensive help centers.

For small businesses, a website builder that includes SEO tools, analytics, and marketing features can be very beneficial. Ensuring the builder is user-friendly will save time and reduce frustration.

By carefully considering these points, it’s possible to select a website builder that will meet the needs of almost any type of site.