When I first thought about starting a membership site, I had no clue what I was doing.
I just knew I was tired of launching something new every other month. The idea of recurring income? Sounded like magic.
But let me tell you, building a membership site isn’t just plug-and-play. It took me a few trial runs, some awkward tech meltdowns, and more than one refund request before I got it running smoothly. That said, if I can do it, so can you.
Here’s exactly how I did it, broken into 9 steps. No fluff. Just what worked (and what didn’t) when I built my membership community from scratch.
Step 1: Pick Your Membership Niche (and Stick to It)
Ugh, I spent way too much time trying to appeal to everyone. Big mistake.
What finally clicked? Picking a niche that solved a real problem. For me, it was helping digital creators with marketing systems. Once I got clear, the content flowed, and people knew exactly what they were paying for.
If you’re still unsure about your offer type, start with this beginner’s guide to choosing the right membership model.
Tip: Don’t just chase trends. Ask yourself: “What topic can I teach on a regular basis without getting bored?”
Step 2: Validate Your Idea With Real People
I almost skipped this step… glad I didn’t.
Before building anything, I posted in a Facebook group asking if anyone would pay $9/month for exclusive tutorials and swipe files. Ten people said “yes” — that was enough for me to start.
You don’t need 1,000 fans to launch. You just need a few folks to prove you’re not shouting into the void.
Step 3: Decide on Your Content Format
I started with monthly PDFs. Then switched to video. Then added a podcast feed. Why? Because my members wanted variety.
Some people love reading. Others want to hit play while driving. So I gave options.
If you’re stuck on what to create, check out these 6 best content types for membership sites.
Tip: Start with what’s easiest for you. Don’t overcomplicate it with 4 formats on day one. You can build over time.
Step 4: Choose the Right Platform
I tried everything — Kajabi, Teachable, Podia, even a hacked-together WordPress thing.
But eventually, I settled on Payhip. Why? No monthly fees, super simple layout, and easy PayPal/Stripe integration. It felt lightweight, which is what I needed to get going fast.
If you’re leaning toward Payhip too, here’s a full guide on how to use Payhip for membership sales.
Other solid platforms:
-
Circle (for community-heavy memberships)
-
Memberstack (for web dev folks)
-
Podia or Kajabi (if you need all-in-one)
Step 5: Plan a Simple Membership Structure
Here’s where I messed up early: I offered too many tiers.
Now? One tier. One price. Everyone gets access to everything. Keeps life simple for both me and my members.
If you need tiers, keep it to 2 or 3 max. Like:
-
Starter – $9/month
-
Pro – $29/month
-
Lifetime – $199 one-time
But don’t get fancy unless your audience demands it.
Step 6: Set Up a Content Calendar
If you wing it, you’ll burn out.
I use a Google Sheet to plan 3 months ahead. I list out content types (video, template, live Q&A), due dates, and upload deadlines. Keeps me sane.
For a system that works, follow these 5 easy steps for setting up a content calendar for members.
Lesson learned: Members don’t expect constant content. They just want consistency. Deliver one great thing per month, and you’re golden.
Step 7: Build a Simple Sales Page
Your sales page doesn’t need 17 testimonials and a 30-minute explainer video.
Mine had:
-
A clear headline
-
Three bullet benefits
-
A mockup of the members area
-
One call-to-action: “Join now for $9/month.”
That’s it. I added testimonials after I got some traction.
Step 8: Launch to a Small Group First
I launched to my email list of 122 people. That’s it.
Sent one email with a personal story, a sneak peek of the content, and a 24-hour early bird price. Got 18 signups in the first week.
No ads. No influencers. No big promo. Just being real with my tiny list.
Step 9: Keep It Alive With Feedback + Tweaks
A few months in, I started getting feedback like:
“Can you add swipe files for Instagram?”
“Do you have any audio content?”
So I adjusted. I even ran a few anonymous surveys to see what they wanted more of.
If you want to go deeper here, read these membership retention strategies to keep members happy long-term.
Big tip: Your membership isn’t static. It grows with your members. Don’t be afraid to pivot as their needs evolve.
Final Thoughts
Starting a membership site will test your patience. You’ll mess things up. You’ll lose a few members. You’ll question whether it’s worth it.
But once the pieces click? It’s incredibly fulfilling and steady income is a beautiful thing.
If you’ve been thinking about it, start messy. You don’t need a polished launch or fancy tech. Just pick a problem, solve it monthly, and invite people into something valuable.
Bonus tip: If you’re still feeling unsure, try offering trial periods for memberships to reduce friction and build trust.
I promise, it’s worth it.
