Create a membership based site all by myself?

by Amazin
5 replies
  • WEB DESIGN
  • |
I hardly know anything about web design and right now I'm trying to create a membership based site. I want:

-a blogging page for me to post new articles/announcements/videos

-registeration function where members can join and fill in their details and have their own profiles, and message each other (similar to an online forums like this one)

-an events page where I can announce events and members can reserve a place at each event. Other members can also see who's going because there will be a list of members displayed when you clicked on the event. This is probably the most sophsticated part.
-payments options and money management options.

Do you think its something I can do all myself? If so what themes or plugins would you recommand?

I phoned few web design companies and they want £1000s. I'm more than happy to pay for premium themes and plugins but if its something I can do myself then i will.

Some feedbacks would be appreciated
#based #create #membership #site
  • Profile picture of the author Weblin
    Hi Amazin,

    Yes, It is possible to do on your own. I advise against doing on it your since you do not have any experience in web development and you will really frustrate yourself at one stage. If you still insist on doing yourself, then use Wordpress as the CMS and use Buddypress Plugin for Social Interaction and Events Integration. I assume you already have a domain & hosting and know how to operate it. I've added the important links below.

    Wordpress:
    WordPress › Download WordPress

    Buddypress:
    WordPress › BuddyPress « WordPress Plugins

    Events Manager:
    WordPress › Events Manager « WordPress Plugins

    The above events plugin have the functionality you requires and Buddypress have all the social interaction features you requires. The above combination will not cost you a single penny excluding hosting/domain charges: Wordpress + Buddypress + Events Manager will be good to go with.
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  • Don't do it yourself unless your in the field of Programming & Development. When building a membership site it's always good to "Think" big picture. If you want something fast and easy Google: Free Membership themes. But I can almost guarantee you'll run into problems. Go custom with a legitimate team that understands your idea and is willing to help.
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    • Profile picture of the author Amazin
      Yeah, thanks for feedback guys. I also asked on another forum and basically someone mentioned that:

      User registration & Payments are highly complex though. To create it securely you need an understanding of why it is done a certain way, an amateur coder doesn't have that. Your only goal would be to create something that works, that's extremely easy to do when you can't see the huge security holes in what you're writing.

      Of course an alternative option is to cobble together a complete system out of components, for example using Wordpress + Plugins. Don't get me wrong, I love Wordpress as much as the next man but it's a system built for publishing. Building something more web-app-y where data needs to interact separate of the Page/Post/Category/Content paradigm feels like swimming up a waterfall.
      I think everyone is right, soon or later I will run into problems.
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  • Profile picture of the author yakim1
    I can help you out, I have a new software that I'm not selling yet. It is not a wordpress plugin but you can install wordpress to use as your blog.

    You can create unlimited membership levels and processes all payments through PayPal using PayPal's Adaptive API. This means that it has an affiliate module that will pay affiliates instantly at the point of sale.

    It will work along with wordpress and has a separate login page. It has a registration module so you can just click on the information elements you want the members who are registering to give to you.

    It will also automatically add the member's name and email address to your autoresponder no matter which autoresponder you are using. It works with any autoresponder.

    It also has a news and ads module that lets you display announcements to members as they login.

    Once they read your message the member can continue to the member area. You can add a whole series of messages so the member will see a different message each time they login.

    I believe this will handle everything you require now. But the software will do much more and is very advanced and flexible so it can change as your business grows.

    You would be required to create all the pages you have discribed, which would be simple HTML. So if you have a hard time with HTML you can always just out source the pages you need.

    It has all kinds of security built in.

    I would install the software on any domain you wish and instruct you on the use of the software. I will not charge you any fee for doing this, but would request a testimonial if you like the system.

    To be able to use this system, you must have a verified business or pro PayPal account.

    Just to let you know the power and scope of this software, It is the base software running PayGoBank.com, which is an improved affiliate/vendor platform similar to JVZoo.com

    If interested, give me a pm.

    Best regards,
    Steve Yakim
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