Do Paid Membership Sites work?

[JL Melvin]

I'm interested in creating a membership site for a resume writing website I own that averages over 8,000 unique visitors a month.

I would like to make the membership site using Wordpress - was looking at purchasing Amember, but wondering if there are alternatives.

Was also interested in knowing the feasibility of such a membership site? Would offer a 1-year membership price with access to a forum, how to articles, videos, templates, samples, and more.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Jeff

Originally Posted by JL Melvin

I'm interested in creating a membership site for a resume writing website I own that averages over 8,000 unique visitors a month.

I would like to make the membership site using Wordpress - was looking at purchasing Amember, but wondering if there are alternatives.

Was also interested in knowing the feasibility of such a membership site? Would offer a 1-year membership price with access to a forum, how to articles, videos, templates, samples, and more.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Jeff

Yes membership sites do work but you also must follow through with a plan and not just slap one up.. Far as using wordpress I would not use it as a membership solution (personal opinion). I can help you with a far better script than aMember without paying an arm and a leg, send me a PM if interested...

I would also think you are much better off doing a monthly and not yearly for subscriptions. Many are not going to pay for a year upfront without having access to and seeing the membership, some will but for the most part you are better off doing it monthly. Maybe run a special for a year membership later on.

James

[MemberWing]

I am wondering about resume writing services as a membership site concept.

Isn't it creating resume is a one-shot deal? Like once you created it - it's done and no stimulus left to pay any fees after that?

For these type of services it is better to offer lifetime memberships. Lifetime is more attractive for people for certain niches.

Gleb

Originally Posted by MemberWing

I am wondering about resume writing services as a membership site concept.

Isn't it creating resume is a one-shot deal? Like once you created it - it's done and no stimulus left to pay any fees after that?

For these type of services it is better to offer lifetime memberships. Lifetime is more attractive for people for certain niches.

Gleb

Gleb,
It is far from a one-shot deal.. There are many extra related materials and etc you can offer on a montly basis.

James

Originally Posted by uncle randy 71

Has anyone tried the fixed term membership site? Would like to hear some feedback on that particular format

Maybe I work too much and do not get enough sleep but for the life of me I can not understand what your question is .. Care to go into more indepth details ???

James

[mywebwork]

Originally Posted by uncle randy 71

Has anyone tried the fixed term membership site? Would like to hear some feedback on that particular format

I have the same issue as James, I don't understand the question and I haven't had a good nights sleep since 1982.

Are you speaking of a membership site where the membership doesn't renew? Something like a 12-week course perhaps?

Bill

Originally Posted by mywebwork

I have the same issue as James, I don't understand the question and I haven't had a good nights sleep since 1982.
Bill

Bill,
That makes 2 of us ... Go look at the posting time on my post ...

James

[Mike Hill]

Fixed Term Membership = Certain period of time like 3 months or 12 weeks or something like that... It has a beginning and an end much like running a course. Think Micro Continuity

Mike Hill

[ScottFox]

I put together a spreadsheet that summarized a bunch of membership site services last fall. You can find it on my blog if you search for "membership sites special report".

SubHub out of the UK may be a good option for you, fyi. They are one of the few providers that offers integrated member billing.

I'd also look at Ning. Their service offers you the ability to create a social network for free to get started. It can be a bit kludgy to patch together a payment system using paypal but the result is very cost-effective.

Hope that helps.

[JL Melvin]

thanks for all your replies - I definitely need to consider my options and map out a strategy.

I have found that the Resume crowd is a hard crowd to sell to!

Jeff

[Adrian Cooper]

Originally Posted by JL Melvin

I'm interested in creating a membership site for a resume writing website I own that averages over 8,000 unique visitors a month.

I would like to make the membership site using Wordpress - was looking at purchasing Amember, but wondering if there are alternatives.

Was also interested in knowing the feasibility of such a membership site? Would offer a 1-year membership price with access to a forum, how to articles, videos, templates, samples, and more.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Jeff

Well again, with no apologies for repeating myself - membership sites are the #1 IM business model - by far.

You need to ask yourself how to turn resume writing - which is a very good niche -in to a long-term attraction.

[JackPowers]

Maybe you could branch out your Resume Writing expertise to other related topics?

[Adrian Cooper]

Originally Posted by JackPowers

Maybe you could branch out your Resume Writing expertise to other related topics?

Like business plans. People who need a business plan will spend much more than people wanting a resume, because much more is at stake.

[bizideas]

Originally Posted by JL Melvin

I'm interested in creating a membership site for a resume writing website I own that averages over 8,000 unique visitors a month.
Jeff

A question or few:

How do you serve your 8000 visitors currently? Can you expand upon those services in a way that is unique from all the other resume websites that are out there? Now, can you implement a web 2.0 aspect per your previous comment and add value for your client? Can you invite/charge other career related industry experts to promote their services at a whole new level for your customers if they join?

Can your "new membership services" addition sharpen a resume to give your clients an edge over the competition so they can find work faster in this tight economy?

These are inquiries that I'd want to see if I were in the job market.
Would I pay if you provided answers to those questions. Absolutely.

Resume your Resumes' (pun)


Eric

Originally Posted by apc01

Like business plans. People who need a business plan will spend much more than people wanting a resume, because much more is at stake.

Perfect example of a related product .... I was trying to think of some when I made my post but for the life of me I could not think of any ..lol

James

[Jill Carpenter]

I think people would be more interested in investing in someone writing their resume for them. Otherwise there are books on the subject.

It might be worth it to do some research for the demand on it first. Run some free online polls, etc.

[Ian del Carmen]

Highly-recommended: Tracy Childers' WishList Member for Wordpress

Ian del Carmen

[SeanyG]

This will help..

Nobody wants your stupid membership site!!

An AWESOME post on membership sites.