With the growth of online content creation, there has been an increasing demand for platforms that support creators in earning revenue from their work. Patreon and WordPress Membership Websites stand as two popular options for different reasons. In this article, we will compare these platforms to help creators determine which option is best for their needs.

Patreon, founded in 2013, provides a membership platform for creators to monetize their content by receiving recurring financial support from fans and followers. The main focus is on building a community that supports creators in a consistent manner. Conversely, WordPress Membership Websites allow creators complete control over their content and revenue through self-hosted websites where they can offer membership plans, content gating, and flexible subscriptions.

Key Takeaways

• Comparison between Patreon and WordPress Membership Websites
• Discussing the benefits and drawbacks of both options
• Helping creators decide which platform fits their needs best

Pros and Cons of Patreon

Pros

Ease of Use and Set up

Patreon is known for its user-friendly interface and easy set-up process. This allows creators to quickly start earning money from their content without having to worry about complicated technical details.

It a Great Starting Point Connected to Monetizing Your Creative Content

For many content creators, Patreon is the perfect platform to begin monetizing their work. The site offers a straightforward way to earn money by allowing fans to support creators with monthly pledges.

You Do Have Direct Control of What You Can Charge Using Patreon

On Patreon, creators can set their own pricing and reward tiers, giving them the freedom to decide how much to charge. This allows for greater control over their income and business model.

It Has Some Nice Community Building Tools That are Easy to set up and Use

Patreon provides a suite of community-building tools, such as Patreon-only chatrooms and private messages with supporters. By using these features, creators can foster a close connection with their followers and build a strong support system.

Cons

Expensive

While Patreon is a popular choice for monetization, the platform takes a significant percentage of a creator’s earnings, often more than 10%. This can add up over time and lessen the financial rewards of the platform.

Issues with Charges and Refunds

Some users have reported problems with Patreon’s charging and refunding of pledgers. This can lead to both creators and supporters experiencing confusion and frustration due to billing inaccuracies.

One-Option-Fits-All: The Limits of an Unbranded Experience

Patreon is designed as a one-size-fits-all platform, which can limit customization options and branding for creators. This means that creators may struggle to distinguish their offerings and create a strong brand identity on the website.

The Chronological Feed

Patreon uses a chronological feed for content display, which can make it difficult for creators to properly organize their content and showcase their best work to potential supporters. This can limit the platform’s ability to showcase a creator’s growth and achievements.

Design Choice

While Patreon is known for its ease of use, its design choices can be limiting for some creators, particularly those who wish to experiment with unique or complex designs for their pages. This can detract from the overall user experience.

WordPress Membership Website

Choose a Quality WordPress Web Host

Selecting a reliable and high-quality WordPress web host is essential for a membership website. It ensures optimal performance, security, and scalability. A few recommended options are SiteGround, Kinsta, and WP Engine. These web hosts offer excellent customer support, easy installation, and seamless integration with WordPress plugins.

Use Either LearnDash or LifterLMS

To create a membership website on WordPress, using an LMS (Learning Management System) plugin like LearnDash or LifterLMS is advisable. Both are user-friendly and offer powerful features like quizzes, course building, and progress tracking. They also have integration options with popular payment gateways and email marketing tools.

LearnDash advantages:

• Widely used and trusted by many users
• Compatible with many themes and plugins
• Offers impressive course-builder features

LifterLMS advantages:

• Provides more personalized learning paths
• Known for its smooth user experience
• Incorporates social learning features

Use Kadence WP

Kadence WP is a powerful and customizable theme suitable for a membership website. With its intuitive drag-and-drop builder, users can easily create stunning and engaging websites without any coding knowledge. In addition, it provides pre-built templates and integrates seamlessly with popular page builders such as Elementor and Beaver Builder.

FluentCRM or WPFunnels with Mail Mint

Create personalized and targeted email marketing campaigns for your membership website using FluentCRM or WPFunnels with Mail Mint. These tools help automate email campaigns, segment audiences, and collect valuable data on user behavior. Both options integrate well with WordPress and offer comprehensive reporting to measure the success of your campaigns.

Set Up Features Patreon Doesn’t Offer

Unlike Patreon, a WordPress membership website provides greater flexibility in customizing your platform. You can incorporate features such as:

• Custom membership levels
• Drip content release
• One-time or recurring payments
• Affiliate programs
• Gamification elements

By implementing these features, you can enhance the user experience, boost retention rates, and ultimately, build a more profitable membership website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the costs associated with Patreon and WordPress membership sites?

The costs associated with Patreon and WordPress membership sites vary depending on the specific plan chosen. Patreon offers a standard service fee, which ranges from 5% to 12% of the membership earnings, in addition to the payment processing fees. There are three different plans available: Lite, Pro, and Premium.

WordPress membership sites, on the other hand, can be built using various membership plugins. The costs depend on the chosen plugin and can range from free to a few hundred dollars per year. Additionally, there may be costs associated with web hosting, domain registration, and premium themes or plugins.

Q: How do Patreon and WordPress handle membership management?

Patreon manages memberships automatically and includes features such as tiered memberships, payment processing, and member-only content delivery. It also provides creators with tools to engage with their members and offer exclusive content, merchandise, or experiences as rewards.

WordPress membership websites require a plugin to handle membership management. Several plugins are available that offer features like member access control, member profiles, subscription management, and content restriction based on membership levels.

Q: What are some popular alternatives to Patreon and WordPress for membership sites?

There are several popular alternatives to Patreon and WordPress for membership sites, including platforms like Ko-fi, Buy Me a Coffee, Memberful, and Podia. Each platform has its own set of features, such as recurring donations, one-time support options, membership tiers, and the ability to sell digital products.

Q: How difficult is it to set up a membership site on WordPress compared to Patreon?

Setting up a membership site on Patreon is generally more straightforward as the platform is designed specifically for this purpose. However, this simplicity comes at the cost of some customization options.

WordPress requires more setup and customization to build a membership site using a membership plugin. Users with little experience may find it challenging, but there are many resources available to help guide them through the process. Once set up, WordPress offers more flexibility in design and functionality for membership websites.

Q: What types of customization options are available for Patreon and WordPress membership sites?

Patreon offers some customization options, such as branded profile pages, customizable tiers, and the ability to add images, text, and videos to member posts. However, overall customization options are limited compared to WordPress.

WordPress, being a flexible CMS, offers a wide range of customization options. Users can choose from various themes, plugins, and page builders to design unique membership sites tailored to their needs. This level of customization allows for a more personalized user experience.

Q: What kind of support is available for users of Patreon and WordPress membership websites?

Patreon provides support through its Help Center, which includes articles on various topics, as well as an option to submit a support request for assistance. Patreon also has a community forum where creators can discuss and share ideas.

For WordPress membership websites, support is available from the developers of the specific membership plugin being used. In addition, there is a vast community behind WordPress, with numerous forums, blogs, and tutorials available to help users with any issues or questions they may encounter.

Q: What is a Patreon alternative?

A: A Patreon alternative is a platform or service that provides similar features and functionalities to Patreon, allowing creators to monetize their audience and offer exclusive content and perks to their subscribers.

Q: Can I create a Patreon alternative using WordPress?

A: Yes, you can create a Patreon alternative using WordPress. There are various WordPress plugins and themes available that allow you to set up your own membership site or fan subscription site, similar to Patreon.

Q: What are some popular WordPress plugins for creating a Patreon alternative?

A: Some popular WordPress plugins for creating a Patreon alternative include BuddyBoss, LifterLMS, and LearnDash. These plugins offer advanced membership and subscription features, allowing you to create and sell premium content to your subscribers.

Q: What are the advantages of using a Patreon alternative?

A: Using a Patreon alternative gives you full control over your membership site or fan subscription site. You can customize the design and layout, set your own membership levels and subscription prices, and have direct access to your audience.

Q: Can I use PayPal or Stripe as payment options for my Patreon alternative?

A: Yes, most Patreon alternative platforms and WordPress plugins support payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe. This allows you to easily collect payments from your subscribers.

Q: Can I offer exclusive content like podcasts on my Patreon alternative site?

A: Yes, you can offer exclusive content like podcasts on your Patreon alternative site. Many WordPress plugins and platforms offer features for hosting and delivering audio content to your subscribers.

Q: Are there any free options for creating a Patreon alternative?

A: Yes, there are free options for creating a Patreon alternative. Some WordPress plugins offer basic membership features for free, allowing you to get started without any upfront cost.

Q: How do Patreon charges compare to using a Patreon alternative?

A: Patreon charges a percentage fee for each transaction, whereas with a Patreon alternative, you have more control over the payment options and fees. Some WordPress plugins and platforms may charge a flat monthly fee or a small percentage of your earnings.

Q: How do I set up a membership site using WordPress?

A: To set up a membership site using WordPress, you can install a WordPress membership plugin or theme, such as BuddyBoss or LifterLMS. These plugins provide a step-by-step setup wizard to guide you through the process.

Q: Are there any other platforms similar to Patreon?

A: Yes, there are other platforms similar to Patreon. Some popular alternatives to monetize your audience include Memberful, Ko-fi, and Podia. These platforms offer similar features and functionalities to Patreon.

Q: How do I create a Patreon alternative with a WordPress website?

A: To create a Patreon alternative with a WordPress website, you can start by installing a membership plugin or theme that allows you to create and manage subscriptions. You can then set up your membership levels, payment options, and exclusive content.

Final Thoughts

When comparing Patreon and WordPress Membership Websites, it’s important to consider the individual needs and goals of the content creator. Patreon is a user-friendly platform that allows creators to easily establish a monthly income from their supporters. It’s ideal for those who are just starting out or have a smaller audience, as its low barrier to entry and intuitive interface make it easy to set up and manage.

On the other hand, a WordPress Membership Website offers more customization and control over the content and user experience. This option is better suited for creators who already have an established audience and are looking to grow their business. Moreover, WordPress allows for advanced features such as integrating an online store, offering courses or hosting live events.

In terms of fees, Patreon takes a percentage of the monthly income generated by its creators, while a WordPress Membership Website would require an initial investment in hosting, plugins, and possibly development support. Ultimately, the choice between Patreon and WordPress Membership Websites comes down to personal preference, goals, and audience size. By carefully evaluating these factors, creators can make an informed decision on which platform is best suited for their needs.