Your website is core to credibility and lead-generation, but why not also generate income while attracting your niche market to come to YOU!
The success of a subscription-based membership website depends not only
- on popularity of the topic,
- the credibility of your content,
- how well you engage with the community, and
- the effort you put into website development and marketing.
It’s a package deal – and you have to get EVERYTHING right!
Before you worry about technology and implementation, you need to look at strategy. Conduct in-depth market research to gauge demand and competition in your chosen topic niche.
Income streams from a subscription-based membership website are based on your goals:
- To inform: gated content for premium members.
- To educate: courses, podcasts and videos.
- To inspire: from peer-to-peer conversations to expert mentors and coaches.
- To network: live-streamed and live events, webinars, zoom unconferencing, recordings.
- To shop: carry adverts, sell merch, market member’s work, promote your members.
Within your chosen niche, you should incorporate some or ALL of these to maximize your income.
For more information, read my other articles on paywall and community websites.
Could this be your next business or book?
Coaching and Personal Development
- Inspire: Life coaching and self-improvement resources.
- Educate: Goal setting and time management methods and help.
- Network: Personal development workshops and webinars.
- Shop: Digital downloads, buy a book, hire a coach.
Finance and Investment
- Inform: Stock market analysis and trading strategies.
- Educate: Financial planning and budgeting tools.
- Shop: Hire an investment advisor, market financial products
Fitness & Wellness
- Inform: Wellness tips and stress management techniques.
- Educate: Workout routines and nutrition plans.
- Network: Allow members to share their goals, plans and successes.
- Shop: hire personal trainers or coaches, buy fitness equipment and supplements.
Arts and Creativity
- Inspire: Writing, Art and Music tutorials and creative workshops.
- Educate: Music, photography, editing, and publishing lessons.
- Shop: Buy and sell artists’ work, tools, etc.
Parenting and Family Resources
- Inform: Parenting advice and guides.
- Educate: Child development resources and workshops.
- Network: Online parenting support groups.
- Shop: kids books, educational toys, hire a tutor.
Pets and Pet care
- Inform: Care guides.
- Educate: Behaviour modification classes.
- Shop: Toys, food and services. Pet owners are big spenders!
Cooking and Recipe Subscriptions
- Inform: Exclusive recipes and cooking tutorials.
- Educate: Specialized dietary plans (e.g., keto, vegan) or regional cuisine.
- Network: Cooking classes and chef-led workshops.
- Shop: Special ingredients, utensils and tools.
Online Courses and E-Learning
(see my blog on Micro-learning that Works)
- Educate: Offer skills development courses to improve employability
- Network: Language learning and conversation workshops.
- Shop: Certification and exam prep materials. Books. Hire a Tutor.
Business Communities and Networking
- Educate: Industry-specific news, events, jobs, co-working
- Shop: Professional mentors. Member marketing.
- Network: access to exclusive events and webinars.
Technology and Software
- Inform: Software tutorials and tech support.
- Shop: Access to premium software or plugins.
- Educate: Tech news and reviews.
