Haiden Hibbert
Learning how to create a membership site is one of the most profitable steps you can take as a creator or business owner. Instead of relying only on one-time sales, you can package your expertise into products people pay to access again and again. That could be a course, a video library, a set of templates, or even a single workshop replay.
The best part? Building a membership site doesn’t have to be a major project. You don’t need a big budget, a design team, or months of prep. With the right setup, you can have a professional-looking site live in minutes, ready to start taking payments and welcoming members.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to:
- Set up your membership website with MemberSpace in just a few minutes (yes, really!)
- Upload and organize your digital products for members
- Choose flexible pricing options (one-time, recurring, multiple payments, or free)
- Share your membership site link with your audience
- Create a smooth, professional experience for your members once they log in
- Plan your first 30 days after launch to keep momentum going
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to create a membership site that works for you and your audience—without the stress.
Step 1: Set up your website with MemberSpace
The first step is to get your website live. You’ll start by signing up for a MemberSpace account for free.
Once you’re in, click Create a simple MemberSpace site for me automatically. Our Pop Site integration will start building your membership site in the background right away.
That’s it. No plugins, no coding, no design overwhelm. You start with a site that looks clean and works right out of the gate. Here’s a peek at what your site will look like (before you get to customizing the look and feel, of course!).
This matters because the number one thing that slows creators down is trying to build the “perfect” site before they ever launch. By starting with a functional foundation, you can focus on what actually brings in revenue—your content.
Step 2: Add your content
Now comes the fun part—uploading the products you want to sell. Your membership site can host pretty much any kind of digital content:
- Courses or mini-courses
- Video libraries or tutorials
- Templates, checklists, or toolkits
- Live or recorded workshops
Each product needs three things: a title, a description, and a cover image. That’s what your members see when they log in.
Keep the titles straightforward. Something like “Beginner Sourdough Course” is much stronger than “Bread-Making Mastery Experience.” Your description should explain who it’s for and what they’ll get in a couple of sentences. And your cover image doesn’t have to be fancy—just on-brand and consistent with your style.
If you only have one product right now, don’t overthink it. Many successful membership sites start with a single offer and grow over time. Done is better than perfect!
Step 3: Set your pricing
With your content in place, it’s time to decide how people will pay. MemberSpace gives you flexible options:
- One-time payment — perfect for courses, template packs, or standalone products.
- Recurring subscription — best for ongoing content libraries, communities, or resources you keep updating.
- Multiple payments — a good fit for higher-priced products where a payment plan lowers the barrier.
- Free access — ideal for lead magnets, free trials, or growing your email list.
The right choice depends on your product and your audience. A one-off replay of a live workshop makes sense as a single payment. But if you’re releasing new resources every month, a recurring subscription creates a predictable income stream.
Step 4: Share your membership site
Once your product is ready, it’s time to get it in front of people. You can share your main membership site URL, link to a product collection, or promote a single product directly.
Here are a few smart places to start:
- Add the link to your Instagram bio and Stories.
- Share it in your email newsletter.
- Pin it to the top of your Twitter/X profile.
- Drop it in your YouTube video descriptions.
Add it to your website navigation.
Your launch doesn’t need to be complicated. Even a simple message like “New video library is live—join today and start watching” gets the ball rolling.
Step 5: Understand the member experience
Here’s where you step into your members’ shoes. After someone signs up, what happens next?
They log in and can access a content hub with all the products they’ve purchased. Each product shows its cover image, title, and description, so it’s easy to see what’s available. From there, they click and immediately dive into the content.
It’s simple—and that’s exactly why it works. Members don’t have to hunt around or wait for an email with access details. Everything is right there the moment they log in.
This smooth experience makes a big difference. Happy members stick around longer, send fewer support questions, and are more likely to recommend your site.
Pro tip: Add a short welcome video or “Start Here” note at the top of your first product. It sets the tone and helps new members feel at home.
Choosing your first product
A common hang-up is thinking you need a massive library before you launch. Not true. One good product is enough.
That might be a:
- Short course with a clear takeaway
- Workshop recording from an event you’ve already run
- Bundle of checklists or templates
- Video mini-series you’ve filmed
If you’ve got content sitting on your laptop, that’s your starting point. Package it, upload it, and put it behind your paywall. You’ll learn more from your first paying members than from waiting months to “get it perfect.”
👉 Need more inspiration? Grab this free resource: 40 Digital Product Ideas to Fit Any Niche. It’s packed with examples to spark ideas for your own membership site.
Your first month after launch
Launching is just the beginning. Here’s a simple plan to keep momentum going in your first 30 days:
- Week 1: Share your site with your audience. Collect feedback from early sign-ups.
- Week 2: Add a small bonus—like a quick checklist or tip sheet—to surprise and delight members.
- Week 3: Collect two short testimonials and update your product page with them.
- Week 4: Announce your next update or upcoming product so members know more value is on the way.
This rhythm keeps your membership active and shows people you’re committed to delivering value.
Why this approach works
The process of creating a membership site can feel overwhelming—but not when you keep it simple. With MemberSpace and Pop Site, you get:
- A fast launch (your site is live in minutes).
- Flexible pricing (subscriptions, one-time payments, or free offers).
- A smooth member experience (everything in one place).
- Room to grow (start with one product, expand into a library).
This lets you focus on what matters most: serving your audience and growing your business.
FAQ: How to Create a Membership Site
What kinds of content can I sell?
Anything digital—courses, workshops, videos, templates, or entire content libraries. You can also include physical products or perks for members if it fits your business.
Can I start with just one product?
Absolutely. Many memberships launch with just one course, one download, or one podcast archive. You can add more content as your membership grows.
How do people pay me?
You can offer one-time payments, recurring subscriptions, multiple payments, or even free access. Flexibility is built in so you can match your pricing to your audience.
What is a membership platform and why do I need one?
A membership platform powers your site. It handles payments, gated content, analytics, and member management so you don’t have to juggle multiple tools.
How do membership plugins help with a WordPress site?
If you’re on WordPress, plugins add membership features like content restrictions, recurring billing, and automated member management.
How do membership sites work, and what can I offer?
They give paying customers access to exclusive content or community features. You can offer courses, downloads, coaching, or even physical products.
How can I use my membership site for professional development, selling courses, or offering resources?
Package your expertise into courses, workshops, or bonus materials like eBooks and podcasts. A private community adds even more value.
How can memberships help grow my business?
Memberships create recurring revenue and build loyal communities. Instead of one-off sales, you get a steady income stream.
How can I track performance?
Integrate Google Analytics to track visits, sign-ups, and traffic sources. Use the data to refine your strategy and grow.
What customization options do I have?
Most platforms let you customize layouts, colors, and member dashboards so your site feels like your brand.
What makes a membership site successful?
Successful sites focus on a clear purpose, serve a specific audience, and deliver consistent value. Add in community and retention strategies, and you’ve got a model built to last.
👉 Ready to try it yourself? Sign up for MemberSpace and launch your membership site today.
