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Here's a stat that should make every membership professional sit up: 52% of you cite events as your top-performing recruitment method. Brilliant, right? Wrong. Well, not entirely wrong. Events are fantastic. But here's the problem: you're spending thousands on conferences, webinars, and networking sessions, collecting hundreds of email addresses... and then what? According to [...]

Free online communities are thriving in membership organisations, but low conversion rates remain a challenge. This article explores how freemium models, trials, and clear value propositions can convert free subscribers into fully fledged, paying members. Why Free Communities Matter  Free online communities expand an organisation’s acquisition funnel, boosting visibility and giving prospects a “taster” [...]

Most membership organisations fall into one of three scenarios: spending money on Google and LinkedIn ads that appear successful but deliver no growth, considering whether paid advertising could work for them, or avoiding paid advertising altogether despite needing new growth channels. If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone, and more importantly, there’s [...]

Imagine a member seeking assistance only to be bounced around various departments, needing to describe his or her circumstances at each touchpoint. When they finally arrive at someone who can assist them, that person can’t access their entire membership history.  This frustrating member experience is a result of data silos. You can’t give your [...]

Membership organisations rightly devote time and energy to listening to their members. Member surveys and consultations provide valuable insights into satisfaction, needs, areas for improvement, and opinions on important subjects and developments within the profession. But often, one group’s voice is missing: non-members. Non-members may not complete your regular surveys or attending your events, [...]

Futureproof your organisation by investing in the next generation — now. I recently collaborated with a forward-thinking membership body that truly values its student members. They don’t just offer free membership — they invest in it. The result? A dynamic, engaged, and loyal future member base. If you’re in a membership organisation and you’re not [...]

Stop segmenting for convenience - Start segmenting for impact Segmentation has become a buzzword in the membership world, but the way many organisations approach it is fundamentally flawed. Too often it’s a tidy admin exercise: categorising members by age, career stage or geography and calling it done. This type of segmentation might keep the [...]

Online communities are an integral part of any cohesive membership organisation. An active community expands reach to prospects, invokes a sense of belonging in existing members, and can even make USPs all the more compelling. In a recent podcast, discussion of the 90-9-1 rule highlighted a major challenge of online communities. The majority of [...]

The thought of visiting the local Blockbuster store with your membership card in hand, brings a warming sense of nostalgia for an 80s child like me.  But what’s the story behind the demise of this iconic membership business? In its prime in 2004, Blockbuster boasted 9,000 stores worldwide, with revenues of $6 billion and [...]

The landscape of membership is changing. Retention is tough, and attracting new members is even tougher. Simply offering benefits no longer guarantees loyalty or success. According to the 2024 MemberWise Digital Excellence Report, around 34% of membership organisations have seen a decline in membership numbers over the last year. On top of this, over [...]

Introduction We’re always talking about the ‘ongoing loop of value and engagement’ - but what does that actually mean? It’s a simple idea: your members give, and they get. They contribute their time, ideas, and energy – and in return, they receive valuable resources, recognition and that all-important sense of belonging. But here’s the [...]

Trust means a lot more to your members than you might think. Loyal members spend 67% more than new members, and they are much more forgiving when things do go wrong every now and then. That is trust in action. However, some membership organisations still prefer working behind closed doors, leaving members to guess [...]

In today’s digital-first world, member engagement isn’t just a buzzword – it’s the foundation for thriving, resilient membership organisations. That’s why at Cantarus, we’re helping organisations transform their digital journeys with data and optimisation tools. These combined with a CMS platform enables organisations to turn visitors into loyal members, by combining real-time data with [...]

From streaming platforms and meal kits to Spotify and Netflix, monthly recurring payments are piling up. Members already juggling multiple subscriptions may start questioning whether they can justify one more. As a result, associations and membership bodies risk being viewed as just another expense to cut. In the UK, the average annual retention rate [...]

Creating the Perfect Membership Pack in 2025: Engaging, Valuable, and On-Brand Membership packs remain a crucial tool in building engagement, loyalty, and a sense of belonging. Discussions around digital vs physical have been bubbling along for a little while, as you can see from the MemberWise discussion boards. But in a world of digital [...]

Few things are as subjective as member experience. The margin for error can be paper-thin to non-existent. You might be delivering fantastic value, celebrating record renewal rates and shipping off regular newsletters. All is right as rain—or so you think. But what if there’s a gap between your internal assumptions and the reality your [...]

LinkedIn has long been seen as the professional social network — and for good reason. With over 1 billion members worldwide and a strong emphasis on career development, sector insight, and B2B networking, it’s no surprise that many membership organisations see LinkedIn as their digital home. But while LinkedIn remains a key channel for [...]

Digital natives are the primary demographic in the global workforce. As Millennial and Gen Z spending power increases, questions around their priorities should be carefully considered. However, that should not come at a cost of losing older members who have supported their chosen associations over many years.    Hyper-personalisation breaks down preconceived notions around demographics. [...]

Starting a newsletter may seem like a daunting task, but it can be an incredibly effective tool to engage with your members. There are several benefits to publishing a newsletter, such as keeping members informed of upcoming events, sharing community news, and providing industry updates, all conveniently compiled in one publication. A newsletter serves [...]

Imagine a vibrant membership association where every member's voice is heard and appreciated. Sounds like a dream, doesn't it? However, that's not quite the case. It's a foundation for a thriving community of like-minded people. Member feedback is the lifeblood of growth and innovation. So you'd better make that count.  How can you transform [...]

“Cost” has and will always be a factor in an individual’s decision making, and for professional bodies and membership organisations it still remains a key reason for member resignations. With the most recent cost of living crisis, questions around subscription fees and the affordability of services have become even more prevalent. In our experience, [...]

For membership organisations, understanding members deeply is at the heart of building valuable, long-term relationships. However, the reality is that many organisations still manage membership data across multiple platforms. From CRM systems to email marketing tools, community platforms, and event management software, data silos can lead to fragmented insights and missed opportunities. When information [...]

Member engagement is at the core of any thriving membership organisation. Engaged members are often more invested and loyal, making them more likely to renew their membership and advocate for the organisation’s mission. For organisations seeking ways to drive engagement in their member base, interactive content is the perfect way to strike a balance [...]

Keeping members engaged and encouraging renewals is essential but can be challenging. Communication trends play a major role in how effectively appeals and renewals perform, especially as members’ preferences continue to evolve. Using a mix of print and digital communication channels can help improve engagement and retention, and research backs this up. For example, [...]

Your members’ long-term loyalty determines your organisation’s development, stability and success. Creating genuine loyalty means figuring out what makes members stay involved and invested. We’ll discuss some of these member loyalty motivators and how you can leverage them. 6 Member Loyalty Drivers Below are six things that help make members loyal, with actionable advice [...]

With the latest MemberWise Digital Excellence report revealing that nearly half (46%) of all UK membership organisations now have an online community, it's clear to see that these platforms are becoming essential for adding member value. A successful online community can be a powerful tool to strengthen relationships, foster more collaboration, and even attract [...]

In today’s digitally connected world, offering members a choice between print and digital communications is essential to meet diverse preferences and maximise engagement. A multi-channel strategy that includes both methods can enhance member satisfaction, build loyalty, and ensure messages are effectively received. While some members value the convenience of digital communication, others appreciate the [...]

The first interactions a new member has with your organisation are critical. A seamless, engaging onboarding experience can set the scene for their entire membership journey, ensuring they feel welcomed, informed, and connected from day one. Marketing automation is a powerful tool that allows membership organisations to deliver personalised, timely, and consistent communications throughout [...]

Retaining engaged and loyal members remains a persistent challenge for many membership organisations. While tangible benefits play a crucial role, understanding the psychology behind member retention is the true game-changer. In this blog, we’ll explore five powerful psychological drivers behind member retention and keeping them committed to your organisation.  1. The Peak-End Rule  The [...]

Overview Membership organisations must offer more than just basic benefits to attract and retain members. A compelling value proposition is the key to standing out and resonating with your target audience. This blog explores the essential steps to craft a membership value proposition that speaks directly to your members' needs, leverages your unique strengths, [...]

Engaging with members is essential for promoting loyalty and long-term relationships. A well-defined content strategy will allow your organisation to deliver personalised and consistent messaging that speaks directly to your members. This article will walk you through the steps to develop, maintain and continuously optimise a Content Strategy that drives meaningful member engagement. 1. [...]

Ever caught yourself saying "skibidi dob dob" and then realising, wait, that's not even a thing? Or perhaps you've come across terms like "yeet," "finsta," or "no cap," and felt a wave of confusion? You're not alone! Language evolves rapidly, and keeping up with the latest slang can feel like chasing a TikTok trend. [...]

Membership organisations are turning to strategic partnerships to boost member engagement and retention. By collaborating with complementary businesses and service providers, organisations can expand their value proposition and offer unique benefits and value-added services for members. Elevating Member Engagement Through Strategic Partnerships Membership organisations are always seeking innovative ways to enhance their value proposition [...]

There continues to be a lot of discussion on the impact of Artificial Intelligence on membership management. However, this year’s MemberWise digital excellence reported that  “a large number of membership bodies are yet to automate basic systems, processes and tasks”. It therefore seems that many membership bodies are still not making use of the [...]

Ever feel like your membership engagement could use a boost? Well you’re not alone. The Memberwise Digital Excellence (2024) Report revealed that enhancing engagement is a priority for many membership organisations today. That’s because we live in a world of rich digital experiences.  With countless options available to the modern consumer, engagement is a [...]

Introduction As technology and mobile devices become ubiquitous, positive digital experiences have become sacred for modern consumers. A digital-first strategy that leverages technology to create seamless, personalised experiences is a critical element of member retention. Yet, a genuine shift in perspective that completely transforms how you engage with your members is necessary for a [...]

When member acquisition is a high priority, it’s easy to look at simple marketing levers like paid search and paid social as the answer. Drive more traffic to the site, raise awareness of the organisation and in turn generate more sign ups. It really can be that easy. However, it’s not the most sustainable [...]

Membership organisations can only thrive when their members are actively participating. However, like any other entity experiences – be it a business or otherwise – over time people will become inactive. At first, lapsed members may  seem a problem. When in fact they represent a significant opportunity for growth and renewal. In this blog [...]

Like most things, the way membership organisations engage with their members has been transformed by today’s digital world. Smartphones are the primary means of communication and interaction. Which means one thing; organisations must leverage mobile technology to enhance member engagement.  In this blog post, we'll look at the impact mobile technology has had on [...]

A strong sense of community not only attracts and retains members, it also encourages engagement and collaboration within your organisation. Most memberships centre around an idea; be that a career, cause or charity. A community strengthens the links of these common interests between your members.  In this post, we’ll explore key strategies for building [...]

There are many challenges involved in demonstrating the ROI of member education, from aligning training with organisational objectives, tracking and measuring the right data, to communicating the value of education programs to association leaders. I recently sat down with Richard Gott, Chair of the Memberwise network to discuss how to demonstrate the ROI of [...]

In today's interconnected world, where digital platforms have become ubiquitous, organisations must harness the power of technology to foster meaningful engagement with all members, regardless of their backgrounds or identities. Whether you're running a community organisation, a professional association, or a business, prioritising digital engagement strategies can significantly enhance member satisfaction, retention, and overall [...]

An effective mentoring program could prove to be an important benefit to both existing and prospective members. Mentoring provides the critical edge that can mark the difference between career success and failure. Implementing a mentoring program for members can have benefits for both the members and the organisations who run them. Let’s look at [...]

Hey there, fellow digital enthusiasts! As we gear up for another exciting conference at Digital Excellence, we wanted to take a moment to share some insights into our experiences while working with multiple membership organisations and how we assist them with their communications. For those who don't know us yet, we have been regulars [...]

Member satisfaction is essential for successful membership organisations.  Understanding and meeting member needs is crucial for long-term growth and sustainability. Which is exactly why feedback loops are one of the most effective strategies for gaining valuable insights into member preferences. In this post, we'll explore how membership organisations can rely on feedback loops to [...]

Member portals can be a game changer. Simply put, a portal is a web interface requiring sign-up that can act as a central hub to access features such as self service account management and member services and benefits. They provide all manner of new opportunities both internally and externally, and today we’ll be taking [...]

Everyone knows Netflix. This entertainment mammoth has wowed millions of people with the most engaging and professional content. As a side note, have you binge-watched their new TV show "3 Body Problem"? If not, you should! This streaming service can take its toll in a variety of ways, even in the most unexpected ones. [...]

Membership organisations encounter numerous challenges in striving to deliver optimal user experience across a diverse range of individuals and groups. Striking the right balance involves delivering content and experiences that foster a sense of belonging among members, while also catering to the varied needs and preferences of each individual. Effective personalisation of content, based [...]

Effective acquisition strategies are the backbone of sustainable growth and financial stability for membership organisations. A growing member base provides a reliable revenue stream to cover operational costs and budget initiatives that boost KPIs like engagement and retention.  New members bring diverse expertise, perspectives, and connections that bolster an organisation’s influence, credibility, and ability [...]

As we step into 2024, communication and marketing directors in membership organisations are navigating a landscape marked by rapid technological advancements and evolving member expectations. So mastering the art of personalised communication and leveraging the power of videography are not just options but necessities. We delve into the key challenges membership organisations and association [...]

High-quality content is essential for a successful membership organisation. It's what sets you apart, connects you to your members and helps you build a loyal following. When you create high-quality content, you're not just providing value, you’re saying “We’re like you, we’re working for you and we’re in this together’. You're giving them something [...]

If your members can’t see that they are getting value from their subscription fee, they will quickly lose interest. That’s why continuing education is arguably the most important part of any association’s offering. A strong training and education program gives members the opportunity to learn valuable skills and knowledge in a consistent and standardised [...]

In the UK, Millennials and Generation Z now make up most of the workforce. Membership organisations need to attract these demographics to ensure long term sustainability. But that’s easier said than done. The expectations of traditional audiences are very different from generations brought up or born in the digital age.  Understand Your Audience The [...]

Membership organisations and associations play a crucial role in developing communities within their respective industries. However, some people may walk away without positive experiences.  In some cases, individuals find themselves dissatisfied or disengaged after a poor experience, leading them to reassess their memberships. Today, we’ll explore some of the key causes of poor membership [...]

Have you ever fallen into the trap of thinking a task would be quick and straightforward, only to find it spiralling in scale and scope? In event management, this is venue-sourcing to a ‘T’. Many professionals get caught out by the extensive time and effort needed to find the right venue. On the surface, [...]

Membership organisations today are focusing on retaining and encouraging existing members while simultaneously aiming for growth and acquiring new members. The objective is to strike a balance between maintaining a strong core of engaged members who share the organisation's values and mission, while actively expanding the membership base. This dual approach is driven by [...]

The world is becoming an increasingly complex place. Businesses must meet "modern consumer" needs or risk falling behind. But, “What does the modern consumer want?" The simple answer is memorable experiences. To create a memorable member experience, membership organisations and associations must go beyond the face value of membership to provide a unique member [...]

Membership organisations are a great way to build brand communities and bring people together around a common interest. In the UK alone, there are an estimated 8,000 membership organisations and associations (with memberships of over 1,000 individuals/organisations) and around 80% of the population belongs to some kind of membership organisation/association. But what is the [...]

In the realm of organisational improvement, it's all too common to shy away from confronting uncomfortable truths. Marketers and data analysts, especially those not deeply embedded in the world of membership, sometimes avoid confronting the lurking spectres of negative statistics and perceptions. However, if you're seeking growth, vitality, and evolution for your membership base, [...]