So, you’re thinking of building a membership website with WordPress? Great choice! It’s powerful, flexible, and perfect for creating a site where users can sign up, log in, and access exclusive content. Whether it’s a fitness blog, online course, or private community, WordPress has your back. Don’t worry—it’s easier than it sounds!
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Step 1: Choose the Right Hosting and Domain
Before you dive into WordPress, you need two things:
- A domain name — This is your website’s address (like coolmembersite.com).
- Web hosting — This is where your site lives online.
Pick a host that supports WordPress installations. Some great beginner-friendly options are:
- Bluehost
- SiteGround
- Kinsta
Most of these hosts let you install WordPress with just one click. Easy-peasy!
Step 2: Install WordPress
Once you’ve signed up for hosting, you’ll usually find an option to “Install WordPress” in your dashboard.
Click it. Follow the instructions. In a few minutes, voilà—you’ll have your WordPress site up and running!
Step 3: Pick a Membership Plugin
WordPress doesn’t offer membership features by default, but plugins can add this magic. Here are some of the best:
- MemberPress — Full-featured, powerful, and easy to use.
- Paid Memberships Pro — Great for advanced membership sites.
- Restrict Content Pro — Simple and clean, perfect for small to medium needs.
MemberPress is a favorite for beginners. Let’s go with that for this guide.
Step 4: Install the Plugin
In your WordPress dashboard, go to:
- Plugins → Add New
- Search for “MemberPress”
- Click Install, then Activate
You’re one step closer to launching your dream site!
Step 5: Set Up Your Membership Options
Once the plugin is active, you’ll see a new menu item called MemberPress. Click on it and go to Memberships.
This is where you will:
- Create different membership levels (Free, Silver, Gold… Be creative!)
- Set pricing, if any
- Define access rules for content
Want only Gold Members to see your premium blog posts? No problem. Just set the rule, and done!
Step 6: Create Members-Only Content
Go to Pages or Posts in WordPress, and create your exclusive content. At the bottom of the editor, you’ll see an option to protect this content based on membership levels.
Click it, choose who gets access, and save. Boom! You’ve got VIP-only content!
Step 7: Add Sign-Up and Login Pages
Your users need a place to log in and sign up, right? MemberPress usually creates these for you automatically, like:
- Login
- Registration
- Account
If not, you can create a new page and insert a simple shortcode like:
[mepr-login-form]
Shortcodes are little code snippets you paste in a page. They make the magic work!
Step 8: Choose a Theme That Fits
Now, let’s make your site look amazing!
Your WordPress theme controls the design of your site. Choose one that’s compatible with your membership plugin. Many themes are specially built for memberships and communities.
Great options include:
- Astra
- Divi
- GeneratePress
Remember, it should be clean, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate.
Step 9: Configure Payments
Want to make money from your content? MemberPress makes it simple to set up payments.
Go to:
- MemberPress → Settings → Payments
- Choose your payment gateway (PayPal, Stripe, or both)
- Enter your account info
Done! Now you can accept credit cards and more.
Step 10: Send Automatic Emails
You can set automatic welcome emails, reminders, and renewal notices. This keeps your users engaged and informed.
Go to MemberPress → Options → Emails. Customize the messages to match your style. Add some personality, too!
Step 11: Test Everything
Before launching your site, put on your detective hat. Test every page, form, and link. Sign up as a new user. Try different membership levels.
Make sure:
- Payments go through
- Content is restricted properly
- Emails are sent correctly
Better to catch bugs now than have angry members later!
Step 12: Launch and Celebrate!
You’ve done it! Your membership website is ready for the world.
Post the link on social media. Share it with friends. Maybe even bake a cake!
Here are some things to keep doing:
- Update regularly — Keep plugins and themes up to date.
- Engage members — Post new content and respond to feedback.
- Track analytics — Understand what members love the most.
Bonus Tips to Level Up Your Site
- Offer a free trial to entice new users.
- Use coupons for promotions and discounts.
- Add forums or comment sections to build a community.
- Drip content — Release content slowly to keep members subscribed longer.
There you go! A full-powered membership website made easy with WordPress. 🎉
Now go create, connect, and maybe—even cash in!