What are the common features of membership management software?
Member communication: Stay in touch with your members and prospects to inform them about the organization’s activities, events, and updates. The software typically includes an integrated email system that allows administrators to send bulk and targeted emails to specific members. It also offers an internal messaging system, allowing members to communicate with each other within the platform.
Member database: Store and organize information about the organization’s members, including their basic information, membership status, history, and communications. The software also offers filter options, making it easy for administrators to search for specific members within the database.
Member portal: Enable your members to log in to a secure portal and access various resources, including their information and announcements online. The portal also allows members to interact with each other, update their details, renew their membership subscriptions, register for events, and view upcoming events. Organizations can use this portal to gather member feedback via surveys and polls.
Membership renewals: Renew memberships for existing members and send automated reminders to them upon the expiration of their membership tenure. The software typically provides members with multiple payment methods, such as credit cards and digital wallets, to renew their memberships. It may also automatically calculate membership dues based on the member’s current membership type, applicable discounts, and the selected renewal period.
What are the benefits of membership management software?
Automates manual membership processes: Membership management software automates several manual processes, such as membership registration, members’ onboarding, membership renewal, communication, and event management. It also automates mundane daily tasks, such as sending welcome emails to new members and generating membership cards. Automating these activities with the membership software reduces manual efforts, eliminating the chances of potential errors.
Improves member experience: A membership management system can significantly enhance member experience with self-service features and an online portal. The software keeps members informed and engaged with the organization’s activities via timely updates and reminders. It also typically includes the capability to track member preferences and interactions, enabling personalized content and event recommendations. Additionally, it offers members multiple networking opportunities to help improve their overall experience and satisfaction.
Facilitates data insights and reporting: Membership management tools provide valuable data on membership trends, engagement levels, and retention rates of members. It also allows businesses to track and analyze membership-related financial data, such as membership dues, receivables, and event revenue. Users can also track members’ attendance rates during events and participation feedback to identify areas of improvement.
How much does membership management software cost?
Most membership management software solutions on the market are priced on a “per month” basis, and their entry-level pricing plans range from $10 to $199* per month. An enterprise product that’s priced higher may include additional features such as committee management, credit card processing, customizable branding, email templates, event scheduling, and invoice management.
*The pricing included is for the entry-level/lowest-priced offerings found on vendor websites as of July 25, 2023.
Key considerations when purchasing membership management software
Consider tiered membership capabilities: While considering the best membership management software, make sure that the solution allows you to define multiple membership tiers, rates, and associated benefits. For example, a basic membership can offer members limited access to resources, whereas a premium membership can include additional benefits, such as discounts and access to exclusive content. Membership tiers help you segment members according to their selected plans and send customized emails. The best membership management software allows members to upgrade or downgrade their membership levels.
Look for event management features: Your shortlisted membership management tool should include event management features, such as event creation, event registration, promotion, ticketing, and capacity management, to help you plan and execute member events easily. The software may also offer survey and feedback capabilities to support event attendees’ feedback collection. This will also help you gauge members’ attendance and participation levels during an event. Event management capabilities in membership software may also include event calendars and automated event reminders for attendees.
Prioritize member communication: As a business owner, you might want to send updates, newsletters, and event invitations to members to boost communication and keep them updated. Look for a tool that offers features such as email communication, in-app messaging, automated reminders, event notifications, push notifications, segmented communication, mass communication, communication scheduling, and feedback options to help members stay informed, engaged, and connected at all times.
Sources
Products evaluated for the pricing calculation were taken from Capterra’s membership management software directory. The pricing ranges exclude freemium versions of the products. The features highlighted were identified based on their relevance and the percentage of products in Capterra’s directory that offer them.
