20 Great WordPress Membership Site Examples

The demand for online communities and exclusive content is rapidly increasing. That’s where WordPress membership sites come into play, offering a robust platform for website owners to create engaging communities while monetizing their content. Whether you’re leaning towards offering free memberships or aiming to unlock the full potential of monetization, understanding the core concepts and implementing best practices is crucial for building a successful WordPress membership site. In this article, we’ll explore 20 WordPress membership site examples to inspire you for your own site.

By unpacking these successful examples, you’ll get ideas for effective strategies and discover the keys to building a thriving WordPress membership site. So, let’s dive right in and uncover how membership sites can transform your online presence and elevate your digital business.

A membership website is a specialized type of website that offers exclusive content, services, or products to its members. It allows site owners to create a gated community where users can register, log in, and access premium resources or participate in interactive features based on their membership level.

Membership websites come in various forms, catering to different needs and goals. From content-based platforms offering premium resources to community-based sites fostering engagement, and product/service-based sites providing exclusive perks, there are several types of membership websites to explore. There are a few membership site types based on what they offer in exchange:

Why Build a Membership Website of WordPress?

When it comes to building a membership website, WordPress stands out as a top choice due to its exceptional benefits and features. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, content creator, or business owner, leveraging the power of WordPress for your membership site can unlock a range of advantages. From robust content management to flexible membership levels and seamless payment integration, WordPress provides the ideal foundation for creating a thriving online community. These are the major benefits of having a membership website built on WordPress: 

Building a WordPress membership website opens up a world of opportunities to monetize your content, cultivate a loyal community, and provide exclusive value to your members.

We showcase 20 remarkable examples that demonstrate the power of monetization and community building. These real-life websites have successfully harnessed the potential of WordPress to create thriving membership communities, offering valuable insights and inspiration for your own site.

From content-driven platforms to interactive communities and innovative product offerings, these examples highlight the versatility and effectiveness of WordPress in building engaging membership experiences. Get ready to be inspired as we explore these extraordinary WordPress membership site examples and unlock the secrets to their success.

1. For All Lighting Equipment Membership Website

For All is a membership-based website that specializes in innovative lighting equipment for businesses. What sets For All apart is their unique approach to membership, providing clients with a code assigned to their company. This code grants them access to exclusive features and software that simplifies various aspects of their business operations, offering complete autonomy.

Built on WordPress 6.2, For All leverages the power of this robust content management system to deliver a seamless user experience. The WordPress platform allows them to create and manage their membership features, ensuring secure access to resources and software tools.

By adopting a membership model, For All demonstrates how WordPress can be used to enhance customer engagement, streamline operations, and provide a valuable membership experience. Explore For All’s website to witness firsthand how they leverage WordPress to deliver innovative solutions for their members.

The website has software that helps clients manage various things in their business in a very simple way and with complete autonomy. The membership gives a code assigned to the client’s company.

 

2. American Equus WordPress Equestrian Equipment Website

American Equus is an eCommerce store that specializes in premium equestrian equipment made in the USA. Their extensive range of products includes stirrups, spurs, gloves, helmets, and more. While American Equus operates as a traditional eCommerce store, they have also implemented a membership feature to enhance the shopping experience for their customers.

Using WordPress Elementor 3.13.2 and WooCommerce 7.7.0, American Equus showcases how membership functionality can be seamlessly integrated into an eCommerce website. Customers can create an account and enjoy the benefits of membership, such as personalized recommendations, exclusive discounts, and a streamlined shopping process. The WordPress Elementor plugin empowers them to design and customize their website with ease, while WooCommerce provides robust eCommerce functionality.

American Equus exemplifies how WordPress, in combination with powerful plugins like Elementor and WooCommerce, can transform a standard online store into a membership-driven eCommerce platform. Visit American Equus to explore their extensive product offerings and witness how they leverage WordPress to provide an exceptional shopping experience for equestrian enthusiasts.

 

3. Theme Selection Templates Membership Platform

Theme Selection is a membership platform that caters to users seeking free and premium admin templates and HTML themes. As a hub for web developers and designers, Theme Selection offers a wide range of resources to support their members’ projects.

Powered by WordPress 6.2.1, Theme Selection utilizes the versatility of the platform to deliver an engaging membership experience. With the assistance of Elementor 3.6.7, they can effortlessly design and customize their website, providing a visually appealing and user-friendly interface. The Easy Digital Downloads plugin, version 2.11.7, enables seamless management of their digital products, ensuring a smooth purchasing process for members.

By leveraging the combined power of WordPress, Elementor, and Easy Digital Downloads, Theme Selection demonstrates how membership websites can effectively serve as a platform for accessing and acquiring high-quality templates and themes. Visit Theme Selection to explore their extensive collection and experience how WordPress empowers membership-based platforms in the realm of web development and design.

 

4. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Members Only

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is a membership-based website dedicated to the renowned sorority. As a private community, the website exclusively grants access to registered members, providing them with a centralized platform to access sorority-related data and events.

Built on WordPress 6.2, the website leverages the power of the platform to ensure secure access and efficient management of member-specific information. It maintains a dynamic and interactive digital space for its members.

With a members-only approach, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority exemplifies how WordPress can be tailored to meet the unique needs of exclusive organizations. Visit the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority website to witness the power of WordPress in building a secure and vibrant community for members.

 

5. Australian Men’s Shed Association Membership

Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA) is a community and national service provider that supports over 1,200 Sheds across Australia. Their mission is to promote, advance, and strengthen the Men’s Shed movement by fostering connections among men and empowering them to lead positive lifestyles while contributing to their communities.

In terms of software, the website uses WordPress with the integration of WooCommerce, to create a dynamic and inclusive online community. WordPress allows AMSA to showcase its services, resources, and events while offering a user-friendly interface for members to engage with the association, search for the nearest location through an integrated map, and more. WooCommerce seamlessly enables the management of merchandise and donations, supporting the sustainability of the Men’s Shed movement.

The Australian Men’s Shed Association demonstrates how WordPress, combined with WooCommerce, can provide a robust foundation for community-driven initiatives. Through its website, AMSA showcases the power of WordPress in bringing people together, fostering positive change, and supporting the well-being of men across Australia.

 

6. Outdoor Inns WordPress Membership Website

Outdoor Inns is an innovative website offering a headless booking experience for their low-cost, eco-friendly cabins located in the UK. With a unique focus on supporting rural pubs, Outdoor Inns aims to provide a memorable and sustainable getaway for its members.

To access the booking feature and secure a cabin, visitors are required to become members of the website. This membership requirement ensures that only registered users can take advantage of the accommodations and enjoy the exclusive benefits offered by Outdoor Inns.

With its headless architecture, Outdoor Inns leverages the power of WordPress to create a seamless and intuitive booking experience. The website showcases popular activities, integrated maps, and more to provide members with a comprehensive overview of their offerings.

 

7. Todoesdata Data Analytics Consultancy Membership

Todoesdata is a Data Analytics Consultancy platform that empowers businesses to make agile and effective decisions, ultimately creating value. Their product offers a comprehensive framework for defining a strategic data plan tailored to individual needs. It encompasses descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analysis, enabling members to leverage the power of data science and analytics.

The website is built on WordPress 6.2, and it showcases the versatility of the platform in delivering a robust and user-friendly experience. It provides a solid virtuous loop between their customers’ business units and Todoesdata’s expertise in Data Science and Analytics.

Todoesdata demonstrates the integration of WordPress’s features and capabilities, allowing members to access valuable resources and expertise in order to drive data-informed decision-making.

 

8. Build Your Own Magic Textiles Membership Project

Magic Textiles is a leading provider of custom-printed fabrics and textiles, offering a wide range of options for customers in need of large quantities or specific one-off items. Their expertise in printed textiles allows customers to bring their creative visions to life.

To access their extensive fabric catalog and start ordering, users are required to become members and create an account on the website. This membership model ensures a personalized and seamless experience for customers.

Powered by WordPress 6.2.1 and WooCommerce 6.6.0, Magic Textiles leverages the power of these platforms to deliver a robust e-commerce experience. WordPress enables them to create and manage engaging content, while WooCommerce facilitates secure and efficient transactions.

 

9. City Museum Tickets and Memberships

Located in an old shoe factory in Downtown St. Louis, City Museum is an extraordinary artist-built playground that offers an ever-evolving and always-thrilling experience. With its weirdly wonderful spaces, visitors are invited to explore and embark on adventurous journeys within the museum.

The website itself is powered by WordPress 6.0.2 and serves as a gateway for users to buy tickets and memberships to access the whimsical world of play. From twists, turns, tunnels, slides, and more, visitors can immerse themselves in a captivating museum experience like no other.

City Museum creates a user-friendly platform that captures the essence of its unique attractions. Whether visitors are seeking individual tickets or considering becoming members, the website facilitates seamless transactions and provides essential information about the museum.

It showcases how WordPress can be employed to effectively promote and support a one-of-a-kind physical destination, serving as a digital portal to the weirdly wonderful world of play. Visit their website to learn more about the museum’s enchanting offerings and plan your visit to this captivating space of creativity and adventure.

 

10. Magnetic Memory Method Courses Membership

Magnetic Memory Method is a website dedicated to providing courses and resources to help people learn and utilize effective memory techniques such as Memory Palaces and mnemonics. With a focus on storing and retrieving foreign language vocabulary and various types of information, the Magnetic Memory Method empowers learners to enhance their memory skills.

The website offers a masterclass that not only provides valuable instruction but also builds a supportive community. Enrolling in the masterclass requires becoming a member, enabling access to exclusive content, and fostering connections among learners. Magnetic Memory Method is built upon Powered by WordPress 6.1.1 and utilizes the Elementor plugin to create an engaging and user-friendly learning platform. WordPress allows for the organization and presentation of course materials, while Elementor enhances the design and customization of the website.

 

11. Pianu: Interactive Online Piano Learning Platform

Pianu is an online piano academy dedicated to making piano lessons accessible to everyone. With a mission to provide digital access to private piano lessons, Pianu offers a structured curriculum organized by difficulty levels and skills.

WordPress 6.0.4 enables the organization and presentation of lessons, ensuring a seamless progression for learners of all levels. The website delivers high-quality music education through a membership-based platform in a flexible and convenient way for aspiring pianists to learn and improve their piano skills from the comfort of their own homes.

 

12. The Dollar Shave Club Subscription

The Dollar Shave Club is a subscription-based service that offers monthly delivery of high-quality shaving products. Beyond being a convenient service, Dollar Shave Club has fostered a community that provides not only shaving products but also valuable tips, shop kits, and engaging content tailored to men’s needs.

The website serves as a hub for this vibrant community, offering a comprehensive range of products, informative tips, and a fun blog with original content. Members can explore the various shaving kits, access exclusive content, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and tips in grooming.

Dollar Shave Club demonstrates how a membership-based approach, combined with a well-curated website, can create a sense of belonging and provide value beyond just the products themselves. The website serves as a central platform for engaging with the community and accessing personalized grooming solutions.

 

13. Melyssa Griffin Courses Membership and Podcast

Melyssa Griffin is an entrepreneur and former high school teacher who has transformed her hobby blog into a thriving company. With a passion for sharing her “secret sauce” for building a successful business, Melyssa provides valuable insights and resources to aspiring entrepreneurs.

The website serves as a platform for Melyssa Griffin’s expertise, offering a portal for students to access her courses and educational materials. Through WordPress 6.0.2, the website showcases Melyssa’s valuable content and facilitates a seamless learning experience for her students.

 

14. The Fantasy Footballers Media Membership

The Fantasy Footballers is an award-winning independent podcast dedicated to all things fantasy football. Hosted by Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright, this dynamic trio brings a fresh and entertaining perspective to the world of fantasy football.

Since its debut in 2014, The Fantasy Footballers podcast has garnered a dedicated following by producing highly accurate, entertaining, and professionally produced content throughout the year. With their background as longtime friends and former tech/gaming professionals, they recognized the need for a new approach in the fantasy football landscape and set out to provide just that.

The Fantasy Footballers prioritizes a holistic approach to fantasy football expertise and advice, going beyond mere stat sheets and Excel documents. They delve into strategy, league formation, communication, trading strategies, draft day tips, and more. The show emphasizes the mental game, uncovering hidden gems, and playful banter among friends while achieving success.

Powered by WordPress 6.1.2 and Elementor 3.13.2.

 

15. 40 Aprons Recipes WordPress Membership Website

40 Aprons is a delightful food blog dedicated to sharing delicious recipes that are packed with flavor, yet remain manageable and family-friendly. The creators of 40 Aprons are passionate about crafting recipes that taste amazing, utilizing real, whole ingredients without unnecessary complexity.

The website, powered by WordPress 6.0.2 and utilizing Elementor, serves as a hub for culinary inspiration. With a membership to the recipes website, users can unlock premium features such as Member-Exclusive Recipes, Meal Plans & Grocery Lists, eBooks, and an ad-free browsing experience. 40 Aprons exemplifies how WordPress, in conjunction with Elementor, can support a membership-based food blog, offering a wealth of exclusive content and enhanced functionality to its members. Whether you’re looking for delectable meals, meal planning assistance, or culinary inspiration, 40 Aprons provides a flavorful and user-friendly experience.

 

16. Base Body Training App Website

Base Body is a comprehensive wellness and fitness platform that focuses on building a strong foundation for optimal health, fitness, strength, and overall well-being. Their philosophy revolves around the idea that to excel in anything, one must start by building a solid base.

The website, powered by WordPress 6.2.1 and incorporating WooCommerce 7.7.0 and wpBakery, offers a wealth of resources to support individuals on their fitness journey. It features a variety of programs tailored to different fitness levels, blog articles, podcasts, information about the studio, details about the coaches, and an integrated mobile app for added convenience.

Base Body demonstrates how WordPress can be utilized to create a membership-based fitness platform, providing access to exclusive content, personalized programs, and a supportive community. The combination of WooCommerce and wpBakery enhances the website’s functionality and allows for a seamless user experience.

 

17. Peak Freelance Writers Platform Membership

Peak Freelance is a thriving global membership community designed specifically for freelance writers who aspire to find clients, scale their businesses, and increase their income. The website, powered by WordPress 6.0.2 and leveraging Elementor 3.12.2, serves as a safe space where freelancers can connect, seek answers to challenging questions, and share their experiences and frustrations.

Members gain access to expert interviews, a private podcast, a vibrant Slack community, business templates, and an array of valuable resources. For those who aren’t ready to commit to a membership, Peak Freelance provides an abundance of free resources to help freelance writers enhance their businesses.

Whether you’re a seasoned freelancer or just starting out, having a supportive community to lean on can greatly impact your success. Peak Freelance excels at showcasing the value of its membership site from the moment you land on its homepage. The clear and precise copy immediately communicates the benefits of joining the community, supported by compelling social proof that captures the visitor’s interest and motivates them to subscribe.

18. Quotes Cover: Quote Maker And Generator Membership Website

Quotes Cover is a captivating WordPress membership website example that provides a quote maker and generator tool, transforming any written text into stunning graphics suitable for social media, web, and print. With worry-free licensed fonts and breathtaking backgrounds, you can effortlessly create visually appealing quote graphics without needing any design skills.

Built on WordPress 5.5.9, Quotes Cover offers both a free version and a Pro version. Notably, the free version doesn’t require registration, allowing users to access the tool without becoming members. However, the Pro version offers additional features and benefits, making Pro users the true members of the service. This unique approach makes Quotes Cover an intriguing example that combines a free-to-use tool with a membership program.

 

19. Pilatesology Workouts Platform Membership

Pilatesology is a remarkable WordPress membership website that centers around an online Pilates school. Powered by WordPress 6.0.2 with a MemberPress plugin, Pilatesology stands as a testament to the power of memberships in the fitness industry.

As a small family-run company, Pilatesology is driven by individuals who have immersed themselves in the Pilates method and experienced various styles of Pilates firsthand. Their expertise and passion for the practice are reflected in the comprehensive online Pilates classes offered through their membership platform.

Unlike other websites that incorporate memberships alongside physical or digital products, Pilatesology is built solely around its membership program. Members gain access to a wide range of Pilates classes taught by expert instructors, allowing them to practice and progress at their own pace.

 

20. Olive Knits Membership for Knitters & Creatives

Olive Knits is a WordPress-based membership website that caters to knitting enthusiasts worldwide. Founded by Marie Greene, who discovered her passion for knitting at the tender age of 11, Olive Knits aims to inspire and educate knitters of all skill levels.

Marie’s Knit Camp, available to members, provides a rich knitting experience. With a membership, you gain access to twelve new patterns per year, along with comprehensive tutorials, live webinars, helpful tips and tricks, and a vibrant online community of fellow knitters.

For those who prefer a more flexible approach, Olive Knits offers individual knitting patterns for purchase at affordable prices. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter, there is a pattern suited to your skill level and taste.

Beyond the membership and pattern offerings, Olive Knits keeps knitters engaged through their regularly updated blog. From design inspiration to tips on achieving the perfect shoulder stitches, Marie shares her knowledge and expertise with the knitting community.

Olive Knits understands that knitters have different commitment levels, and they cater to those diverse needs. Whether you choose to join Knit Camp, purchase individual patterns, or explore their blog for free, Olive Knits provides a welcoming space for knitters to learn, create, and connect.

 

Building a WordPress membership website requires a few essential components to provide a seamless user experience and deliver exclusive content to your members. Let’s explore the key elements you’ll need to create a successful membership site.

WordPress CMS

WordPress serves as the foundation for your membership website. It is the most popular CMS platform, powering 64.2% of all the websites that use CMS. It’s an open-source full-service CMS suitable for a huge range of projects, from blogs and portfolios to eCommerce and corporate websites. This high level of flexibility comes from the ability to use WordPress themes and plugins that give you control over the design and functionality of your website.

Membership Plugin

You’ll need a membership plugin to handle the core functionality of your membership site. Plugins like MemberPress, Restrict Content Pro, or Paid Memberships Pro provide features like user registration, login, content restriction, and membership management.

A popular choice for membership plugins is MemberPress. It enables you to set up various membership levels, control content access, manage subscriptions, and provide a seamless user experience for your members.

Payment Gateway Integration

To monetize your membership site, you’ll need a reliable payment gateway to handle member subscriptions and payments. Popular payment gateways include PayPal, Stripe, and Authorize.Net. Your chosen membership plugin should support integration with these payment gateways.

For example, integrating Stripe as your payment gateway allows you to securely handle member subscriptions and accept payments online. It offers a seamless checkout experience, supports recurring billing, and provides various payment options.

Content Management and Restriction

With a membership website, you’ll want to restrict access to certain content and provide exclusive content to your members. WordPress offers built-in tools for content management, including password protection for posts or pages. Your membership plugin should also provide more advanced content restriction options based on membership levels or user roles.

For example, using the Restrict Content Pro plugin, you can restrict access to specific content based on membership levels, ensuring that only members can view premium content.

User Registration and Login System

A seamless user registration and login system is essential for a membership site. Your chosen membership plugin should provide user registration forms, login widgets, and options for managing member profiles.

For example, you can use Ultimate Member to create user registration forms, login widgets, and member profiles. It provides a seamless user registration and login experience, allowing members to access exclusive content.

Email Marketing Integration

Building a subscriber list and staying in touch with your members is crucial. The best way to do so is to integrate an email marketing service like Mailchimp, ConvertKit, or AWeber to automate email campaigns, send newsletters, and engage with your members effectively.

For example, Mailchimp allows you to build a subscriber list and automate email campaigns. You can send personalized newsletters, and membership updates, and engage with your members effectively.

By incorporating these components, you can create a dynamic WordPress membership website that offers exclusive content, manages memberships, and provides a seamless user experience.

 

Let’s Wrap It Up!

To sum up, WordPress membership websites are an amazing way to create online communities, share exclusive content, and turn your expertise into a profitable venture. With WordPress as your foundation, you have all the tools to build a membership site that’s perfect for your unique needs.

Throughout this article, we’ve explored the ins and outs of membership websites, discussed the benefits of using WordPress, and even showcased some real-life examples of successful WordPress membership sites. We’ve also covered the essential components you’ll need to create your own membership site and shared best practices to make it a success.

Just remember, the key to a thriving membership site is providing value, fostering engagement, and delivering an exceptional user experience. Listen to your members, adapt to their needs, and always stay ahead of the game.

So, if you’re ready to offer exclusive courses, premium content, or build a community around your passion, WordPress is the platform to make it happen.

In the meantime, explore more insights and resources on web design and web development by checking out our other articles!

• The Pocket Guide to Designing Corporate Websites That Build Trust
• The 12 Best WordPress Alternatives We’ve Tried and Tested
• 80+ Colorful Websites That Bring Joy and Inspiration