How does it,

• Track your course progress?
• Design the content in an appealing way?
• Protect the content?
• Take the payment?

On top of these, it also provides a certificate as soon as you complete an online course. Doing all these manually would have been… “Impossible,”

But that's where WordPress LMS plugins come in, making it possible to run everything smoothly.

These tools can help you effortlessly design interactive online course platforms. They can also help you accept recurring payments and manage multi-level subscriptions. 

In this blog, we’ll talk in detail about WordPress LMS plugins and how you can get started with your LMS journey. 

The Benefits of WordPress LMS Plugins 

WordPress LMS plugins offer loads of benefits and make running an online learning platform way easier than it seems. Maybe that’s why so many people are now joining the online teaching trend.

Thanks to the LMS plugins, all the possible mammoth tasks will be simplified for you. Here are the key benefits of WordPress LMS plugins. 

User-Friendly Interface: These plugins are designed to be intuitive, allowing even those with minimal technical skills to create and manage courses easily.

Customizability: Various themes and plugins allow you to customize your online learning platform to match your brand and educational needs.

Cost-Effective: WordPress LMS plugins often cost a fraction of the cost of other LMS solutions, making them affordable for small – to medium-sized educational businesses.

Scalability: WordPress LMS plugins can scale with you as your student base grows, providing the necessary tools to handle increased traffic and content.

Integration Capabilities: These plugins can integrate with various third-party tools, such as payment gateways, CRM systems, and marketing automation platforms, enhancing functionality.

Content Management: They offer robust content management systems, allowing you to organize courses, lessons, and quizzes efficiently.

Analytics and Reporting: Most plugins provide comprehensive analytics and reporting features, helping you track student progress and improve course effectiveness.

Mobile Responsiveness: Many WordPress LMS plugins are designed to be mobile-friendly, ensuring students can access courses on various devices.

Community Building: These plugins often include features for forums, discussion boards, and social sharing, fostering a sense of community among learners.

Support and Documentation: Extensive support and documentation are available, making it easier to troubleshoot issues and maximize the potential of the LMS.

Things to Consider Before Finalizing Your WordPress LMS Plugin

Since there are many options available in the WordPress LMS plugins category, you need to be thoughtful before making the final decision. While most LMS plugins are great in one way or another, you need to find the one that fits your needs. 

That’s why we have done the research and compiled a list of the things you must consider to find the right plugin for you. 

Features and Functionality

To run an LMS platform smoothly, you’ll need a lot of support, and by support, we mean features. The number of features your chosen plugin offers is often the determining factor for many.

Features like course creation tools, multimedia support, quizzes, and student progress tracking are necessary for any LMS platform. In this competitive market, it's impossible to stand out in the competitive LMS market. Some WordPress LMS plugins offer even more advanced features.

Think about the features you’ll need to make your dreams a reality and check which LMS offers them all. Remember to consider functionality factors like integration capabilities, scalability, and mobile responsiveness as well to create a user-friendly LMS platform.

Ease of Use

If you choose a platform that’s so difficult to navigate that it makes you wonder whether learning to code would have been easier, you are already on the wrong path. 

The plugin should be easy to navigate and set up for you and for the students to go through the lessons. If users don’t find your platform easy to use, they’ll choose another platform in the blink of an eye. 

So, you need to choose an LMS plugin that’ll help you build courses that make the students not blink at all. Features like easy setup, a clean, intuitive interface, and drag-and-drop course builders are a must. 

Pricing and Budget

While many LMS plugins offer the facility to accommodate unlimited courses and students, some charge more as the number grows. You don’t want to end up having to pay more as your number grows. 

That’s why it's very important to be wise about your budget and which plugin will be the best value for money. Select a plugin that’s comparatively cheaper but offers the features you want. Also, make sure you don’t need to pay any extra as you host more courses or take on more students. 

Integration Capabilities

While your LMS plugin will offer all the features and functionalities needed to run the platform, you’ll often need more than that. How about a registration form? Or maybe contacting new users through emails? 

That’s where integration facilities come into play. 

Integration facilities with different payment gateways, CRM systems, email service providers, and tracking software can uplift your course marketing and tracking effort. This integration ensures a smooth workflow and enhances the functionality of your platform.  

Scalability

Consider the future growth of your online learning platform. The tool you choose should be able to handle an increasing number of users and courses without compromising performance. Look for plugins known for their scalability and check user reviews or case studies demonstrating their capability to grow your business.

If your LMS plugin can’t accommodate the constant growth in numbers, you’ll have to switch to another platform. And we are not getting into the casualties that’ll come with it. So, when you finalize a plugin, consider it for a long period. 

Working with the same platform will help your team members run the operational tasks smoothly. 

Reviews 

Looking out for reviews before finalizing the decision is helpful to ensure you are not making a wrong decision. You can check out reviews on the plugin's website, social media handles and even on some other niche websites. 

While going through the reviews, check what the existing users appreciate. If the existing users already appreciate the features you need, you can be more confident in your decision. 

Customer Support and Community 

Good customer support is vital for resolving issues quickly and effectively. Check if the plugin offers multiple support channels like email, live chat, or forums. A strong user community can also be a valuable resource for tips, troubleshooting, and shared experiences. Ensure there is robust support and an active community to rely on when needed.

If necessary, hire experts who can use the plugin you have selected. They can customize the platform and web pages so you can solely focus on the course materials. 

Security and Updates

Your LMS plugin must prioritize security to protect student data and course content. Regular updates are essential to fix bugs, enhance features, and improve security. Investigate the plugin’s update history and security measures. 

Ensure the WordPress LMS plugin you are going with offers regular updates. You’ll feel more confident storing your premium content and student’s information on their storage. 

4 Best WordPress LMS Plugins in 2024

Given the huge number of WordPress LMS plugins available, it might be confusing for you to select the best one as a beginner. Needless to say, keep the factors we mentioned in mind while making your decision. 

Yet, to narrow down the list for you, we’ve selected 4 of the bests in business. Let’s check them out. 

WishList Member

WishList Member is a powerful WordPress membership plugin designed to help you build and manage a successful online learning platform. It provides various features that make creating and maintaining your LMS easier than eating a piece of cake. 

It comes with a lot of useful features that can ensure you make the most out of your online courses. To name some of the features of WishList Member: 

• Create unlimited membership levels and manage them easily.
• Restrict access based on membership levels.
• Schedule the release of your course content over time.
• Supports various payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe.
• Connect with services like MailChimp, AWeber, and GetResponse.
• Detailed reports on students' activity, transactions, and content consumption.
• Easy set-up procedure that requires only a few clicks
• Points, quizzes, leaderboards and more gamification elements
• Enhance engagement with badges and certificates.

WishList Member pricing starts at $149/year for a single site license, making it an affordable option for those beginning with an LMS platform. Higher-tier plans are available for those needing more features and support.

MemberPress

MemberPress is one of the most popular WordPress membership plugins, helping thousands of membership and LMS sites grow. 

It offers extensive access control, content dripping, and seamless integration with various payment gateways, making it ideal for monetizing your courses and providing a structured learning experience.

But that’s not all that makes MemberPress unique. You can:

• Define and manage detailed access rules to protect your content, creating multiple membership tiers quickly.
• Schedule the release of course content over time, ensuring learners stay engaged and progress steadily.
• Supports numerous payment gateways, including PayPal and Stripe, for streamlined transactions.
• Get comprehensive reports on memberships, transactions, and learner progress, giving you insights to improve your courses.
• Set up this LMS tool very quickly within a few clicks.  
• Gamify your content to keep the users more engaged.

You can get started with MemberPress for as low as $179.50/Year. And to enjoy all the pro benefits, you’ll have to pay $499.50/Year.

MemberMouse

MemberMouse is a versatile and powerful WordPress plugin designed to help you create and manage membership sites. Using this LMS, you can protect your content, manage flexible membership levels, and integrate with other useful tools. 

Here’s what this plugin has to offer:

• Easy-to-use interface for setting up and managing memberships.
• Advanced content protection to control access to your courses.
• Integration with popular payment gateways like Stripe, PayPal, and Authorize.net.
• Flexible membership options, including free, trial, and paid memberships.
• Detailed reporting to track member activity and engagement.

You can get started with MemberMouse for $399/year. But, to access more features and a larger member base, the cost can increase to $2399/year.

AccessAlly

AccessAlly is a comprehensive LMS plugin for WordPress that combines membership management, course creation, and marketing automation. In addition to these features, this LMS provides an impressive community-building feature that most LMSs lack. 

To name some of the AccessAlly features:

• Create interactive and multimedia-rich courses with ease.
• Offer a variety of membership levels and subscription plans.
• Robust community features, including forums and member directories, to foster engagement and interaction.
• Seamless integration with CRM systems like Infusionsoft and ActiveCampaign.
• Advanced reporting and analytics to monitor learner progress and course effectiveness.

AccessAlly pricing starts at $99/month, with additional features and capabilities available at higher tiers.

WishList Member + Its Add-Ons = Best WordPress LMS Plugin Experience 

If we must declare a winner among the WordPress LMS plugins we’ve mentioned, we’ll go with the WishList Member. And before you ask why, let’s just say that the pre-installed add-ons take this plugin ahead of the competitors. 

On top of the basic features, here’s what WishList Member ad-ons bring to the table. 

Badges: This feature allows your members to earn different badges based on various actions throughout the platform. These badges can be displayed on the member's account in multiple combinations, encouraging engagement and motivation.

Points: This add-on does precisely what badges do but shows numbers instead. Points can be redeemed for access to protected content and higher membership levels, promoting active participation and rewarding progress.

CourseCure Courses: This add-on acts as a magic wand to organize and make your LMS courses more easily navigable. Your members progress through courses by working through a set of modules and lessons, which can be customized and restricted to selected members, ensuring a structured learning experience.

Quizzes: This tool helps you set up creative quizzes between your lessons or modules. Based on their quiz performance, members can be redirected to a page, added to, or removed from a membership level, enhancing learning assessment and personalization.

Campaign Refinery Integration: This allows WishList Members to add contacts to Campaign Refinery via tags, facilitating targeted email marketing and better member engagement through automated campaigns.

Zoom Integration: This add-on connects the WordPress site to a Zoom account, allowing you to take one-on-one sessions when necessary. It can also help you host live classes. 

Social Login: The social login add-on makes the login process smooth for your users. They can forget the headache of entering a username and password and rely on their Google or Social media accounts. 

Take Advantage of WordPress LMS Plugins To Build Your Dream LMS Platform

Creating a learning management system (LMS) might seem daunting, but with the right tools and guidance, it can be easy peasy lemon squeezy. We hope you found this blog helpful in learning about WordPress LMS plugins and which one might be right for you. 

Keep the factors we have mentioned in this blog in mind when selecting an LMS plugin for your courses. Don't let the fear of complexity hold you back; try out WishList Member and see how it can simplify and enhance your LMS creation process. Migrating to this LMS from other platforms is comparatively easier, too. 

If you’ve enjoyed this blog, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on  Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn for more expert advice and tips to maximize your online course’s potential.

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Zoom has become a household name brand ever since a certain global event in 2020. From running online classes and connecting us to our loved ones to international business meetings, Zoom has continued to help us all stay connected in our work and personal lives.

But have you considered how you can leverage Zoom to build your online community and bring in more revenue?

Find out how you can sell exclusive access to your time and expertise with our Zoom integration.

Add value to your online course, create a VIP experience for higher-tiered members, or simply provide another channel to engage with your community directly.

This integration offers up a ton of opportunities for you to expand your online offerings and monetize your time and expertise.

Why Zoom?

Before we go any further, here are a few reasons why Zoom is the best solution for offering paid calls on your site:

1. Price: Zoom is free for up to 100 attendees and meetings up to 40 mins long. That's plenty for most users, however if you need a bit more space and time, their pro plan will set you back just $13.32/month and will buy you 300 attendees and 30 hours (?!?!) of meeting time.
2. Ubiquity & Familiarity: Chances are most of your members already have Zoom downloaded on at least one of their devices, and they already know how it works. It's just one less friction point for your user experience on your site.
3. Availability: Zoom has apps for every operating service and platform including Android and iOS.
4. Breakout Rooms: With Zoom's “Breakout Room” feature you can split attendees into smaller, more manageable groups.

Overall, it's an affordable, flexible solution that's easy for every business to incorporate into their tech stack, and easier still for your members to use.

How to Make Money From Zoom Calls: Some Inspo

So how can you offer paid Zoom calls on your site to create value for your business? Here are a few use cases to help inspire you!

1. Host Weekly Q&As

Use Zoom calls to chat directly with your members on a regular basis! Hosting weekly Q&A sessions allows you to connect in real-time, answering their burning questions and sharing your insights.

• Fitness trainers can provide live advice on workout routines.
• Business coaches can troubleshoot specific challenges members are facing.
• Tech gurus can help people master new software.
• Nutritionists can discuss healthy eating habits.

These interactive sessions keep your community engaged and coming back for more.

2. Sell 1:1 Consultations

Go global and offer your expertise to an international audience. 1:1 Zoom consultations are ideal for professionals who typically sell in-person consultations but want to break free from geographical limitations. Remote working just got a whole lot more accessible.

Here are some of the ways professionals can benefit from this set up:

• Business coaches can provide bespoke support that caters to individual needs.
• Architects and engineers can offer detailed consultations and project advice.
• Career advisors can help clients prep for big interviews.
• Beauty consultants can give personalized skincare advice.

Sell subscriptions for a convenient way to provide ongoing access to your expertise, and add a personal touch to your online services that clients will find invaluable.

3. Run Recurring Live Classes

Enhance your online learning experience with live classes on Zoom! Online course creators can significantly add value to their course and improve learning outcomes by offering personalized tuition 1:1 or in small groups online.

• Fitness instructors can conduct live workout sessions, correcting form in real-time.
• Chefs can run live cooking classes, guiding participants step-by-step.
• Language tutors can offer live conversational practice sessions.
• Creative writing instructors can lead interactive workshops.

These classes make learning fun and engaging, keeping members hooked and loyal to your brand.

4. Lead Study Groups

Another way to add value to your online course is to facilitate study groups via members-only Zoom sessions. Perfect for creating a collaborative learning environment.

• Educators can lead study groups for exam preparation.
• Tutors can organize study sessions for difficult subjects.
• Book club organizers can host discussions on the latest reads.

Study groups encourage peer support, build your online community and help learners stay focused and achieve their goals

5. Run a Mastermind Group

If you run an online community of professionals or hobbyists, a mastermind group is a great way to enhance collaboration and add value for your members. These small, focused groups encourage networking and help peers learn from each-others experiences.

• Entrepreneurs can brainstorm business strategies.
• Writers can seek feedback on their latest work.
• Health coaches can exchange client success stories.
• Startup founders can share their latest growth hacks.

Mastermind groups foster a sense of community and collective growth, making your membership site a hub for innovation and support.

This list of use cases for paid Zoom calls is by no means exhaustive. These are just a few ways you can enhance your membership site, offering more value and creating deeper connections with your community.

How to Sell Zoom Calls and Sessions on Your Site

Hopefully your brain is alight with ideas on how you can cash in on paid Zoom calls for your business. Now it's time to show you just how easy it is. Starting with the tools you'll need for the job…

Tools You Need

Here's a short list of the essentials to start charging for Zoom calls on your site.

WordPress

If you haven’t set up a WordPress site yet, consider it your gateway to building an online empire. This intuitive platform offers a strong foundation for your website.

With a vast range of themes and plugins at your disposal, you can easily craft a beautiful and flexible site tailored to your needs, whatever industry you're in!

In fact, WordPress is the engine that powers 43% of all websites on the internet!

WishList Member Pro

WishList Member is the go-to plugin for intuitively creating and managing memberships and exclusive content on your site.

WishList Member makes it easy to create unlimited membership tiers and manage access to content.

Plus our CourseCure Courses add-on transforms WishList Member into a feature-packed Learning Management System, enabling you to offer engaging online courses on your WordPress site, all packed neatly into one plugin.

But what really makes WishList Member stand out from its competitors is its extensive library of inbuilt integrations. WishList Member supports 80+ integrations with popular apps and services from payment providers to email marketing tools, CRM systems, and, of course, Zoom!

All this means that WishList Member can seamlessly fit into your existing workflow, enhancing your site's functionality and providing a seamless experience for your members.

Sign up for a pro account for access to the Zoom integration.

Zoom Account

Of course, to use the WishList Member x Zoom integration, you'll need a Zoom account (that is, if you don't already have one.)

We've already covered some of the reasons why Zoom is the go-to platform for online video conferencing, known for its reliability and broad feature set.

To get started, simply sign up and choose the plan that best fits your needs. With options ranging from a free plan suitable for smaller sessions to more robust plans that can handle hundreds of participants and extended meeting durations, Zoom offers flexibility to match your business's needs and stage of growth.

Create a Paid Membership Level On WishList Member

If you don't already have membership levels on your site, it's time to create them! This will be the way that your site's visitors can access Zoom meeting information on your website.

If you're new to WishList Member, navigate to WishList Member > Setup > Getting Started to begin the setup wizard.

There, you'll find steps to create a new membership level and integrate with a payment service provider (e.g., Stripe) to charge for recurring or one-time payments for access to your protected content.

Enable and Configure the Zoom Integration in WishList Member

As with all our integrations, connecting Zoom to WishList Member is straightforward and intuitive. After enabling the integration, the process looks like this:

1. Create your meetings in Zoom,
2. Assign them to membership levels in WishList Member,
3. Display meeting information to your members wherever you like on your site with automatically generated shortcodes.

For a clear, step-by-step guide on enabling the Zoom integration and connecting your Zoom account to your WishList Member account, watch our video tutorial, and for even more information, check out our Zoom Integration with WishList Member knowledge doc >>

And here's what the meeting information will look like to logged in members on your site:

As you can see, your members can filter to view Upcoming Meetings or Previous Meetings. By clicking on Meeting Details they can view the date, time, duration and join URL, and even add the upcoming meeting to their calendar with a click of a button.

Where to Display Your Exclusive Zoom Calls: Get Creative!

WishList Member is a highly flexible membership plugin. There are countless ways to protect access to content on your site. You can get really creative about where you want to place Zoom meeting information on your site!

Think about what kind of meetings you're creating and when it will be useful to display this information to your members.

For example, if your Zoom meetings consist of study groups and live classes to supplement your online course, you can include meeting information within a module.

Or if you run a networking event, consider integrating Zoom call links into a dedicated events calendar page so that members can intuitively find upcoming events.

You could also integrate access directly within member profiles. This would be especially useful for consultations or coaching sessions. Members could log in to their profiles and have immediate access to their upcoming scheduled sessions, past session recordings, and quick links to join live events, keeping everything centralized.

By being strategic about where you display your Zoom calls on your site, you make it convenient for your members to access calls while also emphasizing the exclusive benefits of joining your community.

Time for a Price Hike?

We've said it before, but it bears repeating: direct access to your time and expertise is a premium perk that adds real value to your memberships and online courses – and it deserves a premium price tag!

Review your existing pricing structure and make sure you're compensated for the extra labor that goes into hosting live Zoom sessions!

Rather than incorporating Zoom sessions into existing membership tiers, why not introduce a special membership level exclusively for these calls? This new tier can be positioned as a premium add-on, allowing you to upsell to your current members and enhance the perceived value of joining your community.

Of course, you need to decide what makes most sense for your business model, just make sure you take full advantage of this top-tier, high-value offering to maximize your earnings!

Cash In on Your Calls Today with Zoom and WishList Member

The Zoom integration is yet another way you can use WishList Member to create a more dynamic, engaging experience for your online community.

By hosting your Zoom calls through WishList Member, every session is a chance to connect deeply, share valuable insights, and keep everyone coming back for more. From in-depth training sessions to quick check-ins, you’re building a community that looks forward to logging in.

But this setup doesn’t just keep your members happy – it also opens the door to new revenue streams. Whether it’s through exclusive courses or special access events, every interaction is an opportunity to boost your business.

Ready to turn those calls into cash? Let’s get your Zoom and WishList Member integration up and running today!

Enjoyed this article? Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Plus, get notified about feature updates, upgrades, and more when you subscribe to our newsletter!

The strategies and best practices you’ll learn will be divided up into 6 main categories:

1. The Technical Side Of Email
2. List Management Principles
3. Crafting Great Copy & Content 
4. Email Performance Metrics
5. Deliverability & Placement
6. Deadly Email Sins To Avoid

This is an in-depth guide. So take your time reading through it. It might also be helpful to bookmark it for future reference as you implement the strategies you’ll learn today.

Ready to turn your emails into your most profitable marketing channel?

Let's go ????

First – Set The Right Technical Foundation

If you want your email marketing efforts to succeed in 2024, it's vital to understand how to set the correct technical foundation for your emails.

In the past, the following steps were optional – although recommended. However, due to Google (and Yahoo's) new sender guidelines for 2024, everything I'll share with you in this section is mandatory.

If you fail to comply with these new rules, you risk having your emails land in the spam folder or worse – not being delivered at all.

Whether you're just getting started with email marketing or already have an established strategy do not skip these steps. You'd be surprised how many businesses are still not fully compliant with these new requirements.

Make sure you are so you can stay a few steps ahead of your competitors.

1. Authenticate Your Emails With DKIM, SPF, & DMARC

Don't worry if you've never seen these acronyms before. I'll break each one down so you know what they are, what they do, and why they are so important.

To start, DKIM, SPF, and DMARC are DNS records that authenticate your emails and the tools you use to send them. Basically, it's a secure way to tell the inboxes that you are the one sending your emails, not some spammer trying to spoof your domain.

???? SPF stands for Sender Policy Framework. This record is the “lock” of email.

In this record, you authorize all the different tools you use to send emails. This tells the inboxes which tools are allowed to send emails from your domain.

For example, you can include lines in your SPF record that authenticate all the tools you use to send email, like Google, ActiveCampaign, SendGrid, and HelpScout, etc.

???? DKIM stands for DomainKeys Identified Mail. If your SPF record is the “lock” – your DKIM record is the “key.”

This DNS record tells the inboxes that your specific ConvertKit or HubSpot account is authorized to send email from your domain.

Your ESP will generate an encrypted code that's unique to your specific account. Then, you add the record to your domain so that the inboxes know emails sent from your account are validated.

???? DMARC stands for Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance. If SPF is the “lock” and DKIM is the “key,” your DMARC record is the “alarm system” of email.

This is how you tell the inboxes what to do with messages that fail SPF and/or DKIM. DMARC records can get complicated fast. 

To keep things simple, you have three main options when setting your DMARC enforcement policy:

– None – this tells the inboxes to do nothing when an email fails authentication

– Quarantine – this tells the inboxes to send emails that fail authentication to spam

– Reject – this tells the inboxes to not even deliver any messages that fail authentication

As I mentioned earlier, setting up these three DNS records was optional in the past. You could simply “ride” off the records of your ESP. But with Google and Yahoo's new sender guidelines, you need to set up these records – or face the consequences.

2. Set Up A DMARC Reporting Address

Next, let's take a look at one more thing about your DMARC record.

What's great about DMARC is that you can add a reporting address. When you do, you'll start getting reports from all the inboxes about your emails. These reports will tell you if your emails  pass or fail SPF, DKIM, and DMARC authentication.

Pro Tip: If you set up a DMARC reporting address, I highly recommend signing up for a DMARC reporting tool as well. If you simply use your personal or business address, your inbox will soon be flooded by hundreds or thousands of unintelligible emails.

My favorite DMARC reporting tool is DMARC Digests. It's only $10 per month, per domain. Its user interface is extremely clear and easy to use. It's so helpful to have a DMARC reporting address – especially at the beginning – so you can ensure you've properly authenticated all the tools you use to send email.

3. Configure & Monitor Google Postmaster Tools

If you do nothing else from this article, please do this ASAP:

???? Set up Google Postmaster Tools

Google Postmaster Tools is a “must have” item in your email marketing tech stack if you want your emails to perform at their best. Plus, if you use Google Workspace, Postmaster Tools is already included in your subscription. 

Just like your SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records, you set up Google Postmaster Tools with a DNS record. It's very easy and only takes a minute.

Once you have it set up, it'll start giving you key reports you can use to guide and refine your email marketing efforts. Out of all the reports, these three are the most important:

• Domain Reputation
• IP Reputation
• Spam Complaint Percentage

These three metrics reveal vital information about how Google views you as a sender. If you're having email performance problems, this is where I'd start looking for answers.

4. Use A “Blue Chip” Email Service Provider

There are hundreds – if not thousands – of email service providers out there. Some are good, some are bad, and others are just plain ugly.

The tools you use to send email have a big impact on how they perform. This is why it is so important to choose an established, reputable email service provider.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but here are a few “blue chip” ESP recommendations (that incidentally integrate with WishList Member) to kickstart your research:

• ActiveCampaign
• ConvertKit
• Drip
• Ontraport
• HubSpot

Check out our full list of integrations with email service providers.

Pro Tip: As you look for the right ESP for your business, don't look for the “best” one. Look for the one who has the features you need and you actually enjoy using. Most ESPs offer a free trial. Take them up on it and try all the ones you think will work for your business.

Don’t Underestimate The Importance Of List Management & Hygiene

Now that we've covered the “tech stuff,” let's look at the next set of email marketing best practices for 2024: list management & hygiene.

The systems and strategies you use to manage and organize your list play a HUGE role in your email marketing performance. It might be tempting to gloss over the following strategies and figure them out later.

But in my experience, “later” almost never comes.

And your future self will thank you for taking a bit of time to think through each of the following items. By doing so, you can save yourself days, weeks, or even months of headaches down the road.

Let's start with the basics:

1. Strategically Plan Your Lists

Every ESP is different, but most allow you to create different lists for your contacts. If you don't have a plan for your list structure, you can wind up with dozens of lists – with duplicate subscribers, hundreds of crossed wires, and never ending chaos.

Let's avoid that, yeah?

Instead of creating new lists for all your segments, I recommend creating a minimal set of core lists. You can then achieve deeper segmentation using tags and custom fields.

Here's an example of how this could look:

• Master Contact List – Your main list with all active subscribers
• Customer List – A list that includes all existing customers
• Seed & Testing List – An isolated list for testing purposes (more on that later)

Then, you can use tags and custom fields to create unique segments within these lists. 

For example, if someone bought your product during a specific launch, you could add them to your Master & Customer lists with a tag like:

• BUYER: Membership A – Spring 2024 Launch

Can you see how this would keep things much simpler and more organized than creating a new list for each product or segment?

2. Create A Tagging System – And Stick To It! 

Just like lists, tags can get out of control quickly. This can make it incredibly difficult to properly organize and segment your subscribers.

That's why I highly advise you to create a consistent tagging system and stick to it. I like to use a 3-part tagging system to keep things simple and organized.

Here's how it works:

• *CATEGORY: IDENTIFIER – CONTEXT*

That may seems abstract, so here's how it looks in practice:

• INTEREST: Membership B – Fall 2023 Launch

In this example, the category of this tag is an “INTEREST” tag. The identifier is “Membership B.” And the context is the “Fall 2023 Launch.”

This tag could be applied to someone who clicks a link expressing interest in your Membership B product during your Fall 2023 launch window.

What's great about a tag like this, is it makes it incredibly easy to find all of your most engaged prospects AND connects them to a specific product and timeframe.

You don't have to do things exactly as I recommend. The most important thing is that you pick one tagging system and stick to it. It'll make your life so much easier in the future – trust me ????.

3. Capitalize On The Power Of Custom Fields

Custom fields are one of the best – and most overlooked – ways to organize and segment your list. Plus, most ESPs have this feature.

Custom fields are great because you can add extremely detailed information about your subscribers into their contact records.

Here are a few examples of the types of custom fields most ESPs have:

• Short-form text inputs
• Longform text inputs
• Date & time
• Dropdown selections
• Checkboxes
• Etc.

With custom fields, you can import text from a quiz or survey into a text field. Or, you can create date-based custom fields to record key events like opt-ins or purchases.

Once you begin collecting this data, you can use it for deeper segmentation and personalization.

For example, if you want to automatically send subscribers a special offer on their birthday, you can do this if you have their birthday in a custom field. Or, you could send an email to everyone who submitted the same response on a quiz or survey.

The possibilities are endless!

4. Create Engagement Monitoring Automations

Now that we've covered the basics with lists, tags, and custom fields, we can look at a more “advanced” email marketing best practice: creating engagement monitoring automations.

Most ESPs come with “out of the box” engagement monitoring features. These are a fine starting point. But they often aren't fine tuned for your specific business.

I recommend creating automations that tag your contacts based on their activity and inactivity. For extra credit, you can use these same automations to update date-based custom fields. This will give you precise data about the overall engagement of your list.

Depending on the specific features of your ESP, you can trigger these automations based on events like:

• Email opens
• Link Clicks 
• Form submissions
• Page views
• Etc.

With a well designed engagement monitoring system, you'll have multiple data points you can use to “triangulate” the engagement of your subscribers.

5. Enforce A “Probation” Period For New Subscribers

If you want to maintain a high sender reputation, it's important to get new subscribers to engage with your emails from the moment they join your list.

Specifically, you want to make sure that all new subscribers open and click at least one email during their first 30 days on your list.

It's also critical to monitor the behavior of your new subscribers. Otherwise, you can end up with an influx of disengaged contacts who don't want to read your messages. These subscribers become “dead weight” on your list. They can bring down your sender reputation and jeopardize your ability to reach the people who actually want to hear from you.

To combat this, it's a good idea to create a “probation” automation where you monitor the activity of your contacts during their first 30 days on your list.

Pro Tip: To do this, simply set up an automation that checks to make sure they open and/or click at least one email during their first month subscribed. Everyone who does can exit that automation and “officially” join your list. Everyone who doesn't can be unsubscribed.

6. Segment Your Subscribers – The Smart Way

The next email marketing best practice for 2024 is segmentation.

When it comes to segmenting your subscribers, consider these categories:

1. Engagement & Activity – What have your subscribers done (or not done) recently? What links have they clicked? What pages have they visited? Etc.

2. Interests / Problems / Dreams – What do you know about your subscribers? What are their dreams and problems? How can you speak directly to them about these things.

3. Purchase History – When was the first time someone bought a product? The last time? Have they even ever bought a product? This can impact how you communicate with these people.

Just like lists, tags, and custom fields, segmentation can get overwhelming quickly. It can be tempting to want to get super granular and segment everything. At the beginning, it's best to keep things simple. My rule of thumb is to only create a new segment when you want to have a specific conversation that's not relevant to everyone on your list.

The goal of segmentation is not to divide up your list into as many chunks as possible. The goal is to meet your subscribers where they are and send them timely, specific, and relevant messages.

Pro Tip: Start by focusing on engagement-based segmentation. At the very least, you'll want to exclude your disengaged contacts from list-wide sends. This will help you maintain a pristine sender reputation.

7. Clean Your List At Least Once Per Year

Every single business owner should clean their email list at least once per year.

But if you have more than 25,000 active subscribers, it's a good idea to do a quarterly list clean.

Not only does this help keep your ESP costs down by removing inactive email addresses, it makes sure you don't have any bots, spam traps, or honey pots on your list as well.

For this email marketing best practice, I recommend using a list cleaning / email verification tool like Emailable.

These tools are simple and easy to use. Here's how they work:

1. You upload your active subscribers to a list verification tool

2. It scans and analyzes all of the emails on your list

3. It gives you a report about which emails are good, bad, and iffy 

From there, you can decide what to do with that information. For example, you can unsubscribe all inactive email accounts, spam traps, honey pots, etc. This will help keep your list clean and sender reputation high.

Craft Your Copy & Content Like An Email Expert

Next up, it's finally time to create and send an email!

Here's an overview of the email marketing best practices for writing copy, crafting emails, and hitting send.

1. Use A Personal “From” Email Address

This one is so easy to overlook – especially if you have a big team.

While you might want to use a generic “catch-all” email address to send your emails, you'll get better long term results if you use a “personal” one.

Here's what I mean:

A “personal” email address would be something like:

• jessy@wishlistmember.com.

A “catch-all” email address would be something like:

• hello@wishlistmember.com

Personal “from” addresses perform better because email is first and foremost a 1:1 communication channel. The inboxes – especially Google – want to deliver personal conversations to the primary tab.

By using a personal “from” email address, you better align with the reason email exists in the first place. Plus, it can help you build a more personal relationship with your subscribers.

Pro Tip: A great way to establish and maintain a high sender reputation is to actually use your “from” email address to have 1:1 conversations with your subscribers. If possible, use that email address to reply to your contacts and answer support tickets. You want that email address to develop a “conversational” reputation – NOT a “promotional” reputation.

2. Write Engaging & Relevant Subject Lines (& Preview Text)

Next, be sure to spend a good amount of time crafting engaging subject lines and preview text.

The best subject line is the one that inspires your subscribers to open the email. Depending on the context of the message, a good subject line can be:

• Surprising
• Inspiring
• Informative
• Time-sensitive
• Emotionally charged

The goal is to open a loop in your reader's mind that can only be closed by opening and reading your email.

Preview text is secondary to your subject line – but still important. It should be used to add context to the subject line OR draw the eye of your reader to your message.

Pro Tip: A useful “trick” is to add a blank space to your preview text. This can help your message stand apart in the inbox – and capture the attention of your reader.

For a complete guide on writing excellent subject lines, I recommend this (old but relevant-as-ever) article from Copyhackers.

3. Be Careful With Images & Always Optimize Them

The great image debate. To include them or not?

Among email marketers, there is perhaps no topic that'll get people riled up quicker.

Some say that images in emails are wonderful! Use them freely, wherever and whenever you please.

On the opposite side are the text-only apologists. Images can kill deliverability and dampen the performance of a perfectly worded email.

Here's my $0.02 on the topic:

If you're going to use images in your email, make sure you test placement and performance before you send them. I'll cover this in detail later in this article.

The thing about images is that they can get your emails to land in the spam or promotions folders. But images alone aren't enough to banish your emails there.

When it comes to email placement, your sender reputation is everything. As long as the majority of your subscribers consistently engage with your emails, the inboxes will deliver them to the inbox.

Pro Tip: If you’re going to use images, make sure you optimize them and make them as small as possible. My personal rule of thumb is to keep images under 100kb. This has served me well so far. The last thing you want is to have 10mb worth of images in your email, creating a message that takes forever to load.

4. Use Links Strategically

Another area that can cause problems for your email performance is in your use of links.

Just like images, the number of links you can safely use in your emails seems to be directly tied to your sender reputation.

In an ideal world, you'd only include one link destination per email (excluding the unsubscribe link).

That said, this is not realistic for most people and businesses. You likely want to send out newsletters and “round up” style emails with links to your best content and products. This is fine, just be sure to test your emails before you send them.

Pro Tip: Unless you absolutely need people to visit your social profiles, I'd remove any footer links to your Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, etc. This is a great way to cut down on the total number of links in your emails.

5. Make It Easy & Effortless To Unsubscribe

This should be obvious, but I'll say it anyways:

In 2024, you need to make it as easy as possible for people to unsubscribe. In fact, Google's new sender guidelines require email marketers to include a 1-click unsubscribe link.

If you attempt to “bury” or “hide” your unsubscribe link, you could face harsh penalties. Plus, if your readers can't find a way to remove themselves from your mailing list, they'll be much more likely to report your email as spam. As you'll see later in this article, that's the LAST thing you want to have happen.

It may seem counterintuitive, but by making it easier for people to unsubscribe, you'll probably get less total unsubscribes. I've noticed when people feel like they have a sense of control over how, when, and why they hear from you, they're less likely to just pull an Irish goodbye and jump off your list.

6. Use Personalization When It Makes Sense

Using personalization in your emails can be a great way to increase engagement and conversions. Even doing something as simple as inserting your subscribers name into the email can be enough to draw them in.

That said, it can be easy to overdo it when it comes to personalizing your emails. Plus you don't want to come off as a creepy marketer by getting too personal in your emails. Otherwise, your subscribers might think you're stalking them around the internet.

Plus, the whole goal of personalization is to create a better experience for your reader. So, use personalization when it helps you send a more relevant message to your subscribers.

7. Send An Engaging Welcome Email Or Sequence

If you don't have an automated welcome email or sequence, it's time to create one!

The moment someone joins your list is a golden opportunity for you to make an awesome first impression. You don't have to create an ultra-complex automation, with 10 different pathways, and 30 individual emails. In fact, it's better to keep things simple.

Keep in mind, the goal of your welcome sequence will vary greatly depending on your specific business. Maybe you want to introduce yourself and start building “know, like, and trust.” Or maybe you want your reader to make their first purchase or start a free trial.

No matter what, try to keep each email focused on one single idea. This makes them easier to consume and digest. Not to mention, you don't want to overwhelm your new subscriber from the get go. Instead, you want to help them get into the habit of opening your emails, clicking your links, and responding to your calls-to-action.

Pro Tip: If you send out daily or weekly emails, consider excluding everyone who is in your welcome sequence from these messages.

Keep An Eye On Your Email Performance Metrics – But Don't Obsess

What do you do after you've sent an email? How do you know if your emails are performing their best?

Let's take a look at those best practices now:

1. Monitor Your Email Engagement Stats

The three most important email engagement stats are your:

• Open rates
• Click rates
• Conversion rates

Out of all of these three, your conversion rates are the most important. But that doesn't mean you should ignore your open and click rates either.

Open rates are notoriously inaccurate. In fact, many browsers, email clients, and mobile apps prevent the open tracking pixel from loading correctly. This is especially true if your readers use iOS 15+.

Fortunately, some ESPs – like ActiveCampaign and Klaviyo – have features that can filter out “true opens” from “false opens.” While this will never be 100% accurate, it's better than nothing.

Click rates, on the other hand, are much more accurate. Depending on the CTA in your specific email, your click rates can vary wildly. Aim for click rates between 5-10% in each email. But if your email doesn't have a strong click CTA, don't worry if you click rates are 1% or lower.

What's great about clicks is that most ESPs will correctly attribute an open if and when a link is clicked. Just another reason to aim to keep your click rates as high as possible.

Still, the most important metric to measure is your email conversion rate. This doesn't just apply to sales either. Your email conversion rate is the percentage of people who complete the action you ask them to do in the email.

This could be:

• Completing a quiz or survey
• Replying to your email 
• Booking a call with your team
• Registering for a workshop
• Joining a waitlist
• Expressing their interest in a new product
• Etc.

Every email should have a call to action. As long as the number of people you want and need to complete that action do it, you know your emails are working.

2. Keep Your Spam Rates As Low As Possible

It's always been a good idea to keep your spam rates as low as possible.

But ever since Google and Yahoo introduced their new sender guidelines for 2024, it's mandatory.

Google now requires senders to keep spam complaint percentages below 0.1% and never exceeding 0.3%. 

Yahoo requires senders to keep spam complaint percentages below 0.2%.

Fun Fact: Spam complaint percentages are calculated by dividing the number of inbox delivered emails by the total number of complaints.

That means for every 1,000 emails you send, you should not exceed 1 spam complaint.

But here's the kicker: 

Google does not report spam complaints back to your ESP. They use a proprietary tool called Google Postmaster Tools to record this data.

Remember earlier when I talked about how important it is to set up Google Postmaster? This is why. The only way to monitor your spam complaint percentages from Gmail and Google Workspace users is through Google Postmaster Tools. 

If you haven't set it up yet, now is the time to do it!

3. Regularly Check To See If You're In Meaningful Blocklists

Here's another email marketing best practice that flies under the radar: checking blocklists.

There are two ways you can end up in a blocklist. Through your domain or your email IP.

If your domain ends up in a blocklist, you'll need to take steps to get it delisted.

But if your IP ends up in a blocklist, you have less control over getting it delisted.

This is because your ESP manages the IPs it uses to send your emails (unless you have a dedicated IP). Most ESPs use pools with hundreds or thousands of IPs that are assigned to you based on things like your list size, engagement history, sending practices, etc.

Fortunately, all of the reputable ESPs have dedicated deliverability teams who proactively work to keep their IPs clean. But if you notice any of you IPs are in blocklists, it wouldn't hurt to reach out to their support to let them know. Sometimes they can even move you over to a better set of IPs while they remedy the situation.

A note about blocklists:

Not all blocklists are created equal. There are dozens of meaningless blocklists that are little more than cash grabbing scams. That said, Google and the other inboxes do reference some blocklists when determining whether or not to deliver your email.

Here's a helpful resource about blocklists if you'd like more information.

A Look At Email Deliverability Best Practices

When it comes to building a powerful and profitable email marketing system, you simply cannot overlook the importance of your email deliverability and placement.

Especially since Google and Yahoo's new sender guidelines went live on 2/1/2024.

While it's true that your ESP will handle a lot of the technical requirements to ensure your emails make it to the inbox, it is 100% your responsibility to monitor your placement and maintain a high reputation as a sender.

Here's the best way to do that:

Routinely Test Your Deliverability & Placement

The most accurate way to test your deliverability and placement is to use a tool like GlockApps. These tools work by giving you a seed list of test contacts. These seed lists include contacts from all the major inboxes, like Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook, Zoho, AOL, etc.

From there, you can send test versions of your emails to these seed lists. GlockApps will give you a detailed deliverability report – including precise data about where your emails landed.

Did they make it to the primary tab? Or did they get stuck in the promotions, newsletter, or spam folder? 

If this is a new strategy to you, I recommend testing at least one email per week. It can also be helpful to test a variety of types of emails – like newsletters, sales emails, and content delivery emails.

This way, you can ensure your emails are making it into the inboxes of your subscribers.

Avoid These 3 “Deadly Sins” Of Email Marketing:

Before we wrap up this guide about email marketing best practices for 2024, let's take a look at three strategies you should avoid like the plague:

1. Thou Shall Not Use Link Shorteners In Emails

Using a link shortener for your email links is one of the fastest ways to land in spam.

The reason for this is because the inboxes view this as a potentially deceptive practice where the true destination of an email link is “cloaked” by the shortener.

Plus, this is an actual tactic that spammers use – another reason you should avoid it.

2. Thou Shall Not Buy Lists

Sure, there may be certain business cases where it makes sense to buy an email list. Especially if you have a sophisticated cold outreach strategy. This typically involves using multiple domains and addresses to send your emails. This spreads out the “risk” involved with this strategy.

But for most businesses, buying and mailing lists is not a good idea. Especially if you plan to mail from your main marketing domain.

When you buy lists, you have no idea how these leads were gathered. Yes, there are reputable list brokers out there. But there are also plenty of shady ones who just scrape the internet for email addresses.

Mailing bought lists can lead to huge spam spikes. As we've learned, this can do major damage to your reputation as a sender – and often take months to repair the damage.

Pro Tip: If you want to reach a broader audience, it's a better idea to partner with other businesses on joint venture deals. They can mail their opt-in lists about your offer. Then, those who are interested can join your list by opting-in or buying your product.

3. Thou Shall Not Send Send Cold Email From Your Marketing Domain

I'm not hating on cold email outreach. This can be an incredibly effective strategy, especially if you're a service provider.

That said, the rules of cold email outreach are very different than traditional opt-in email marketing.

This typically involves using data scrapers or email search tools to compile a list of prospects in your target market.

From there, you verify those addresses and load them into a cold email outreach tool like LemList. Then, your cold emails get dripped out at a very slow and steady tempo.

Because of the spam complaint risks associated with this strategy, if you email too many people too fast, you can actually get shut down completely by inboxes like Google.

This is why you never want to implement a cold email strategy on your primary marketing domain. You need to keep your sender reputation sky high so you can continue to reach the people who actually want to hear from you.

If you're going to implement a cold email strategy, make sure you use (and warm up) a new domain for quarantined sending.

Wrapping Up

There you have it!

I hope this guide about email marketing best practices has been helpful to you.

We covered a lot in this article, so I recommend bookmarking it so you can refer back to it when needed.

To summarize, you learned email marketing best practices for each of the following categories: 

1. The Technical Side Of Email
2. List Management & Hygiene Strategies
3. Crafting Great Copy & Content 
4. Email Performance Metrics
5. Deliverability & Placement
6. Deadly Email Sins To Avoid

If you have any questions or comments about anything I shared in this article, please leave a comment for me below. I’ll be actively monitoring this article, and look forward to hearing from you.

Every WordPress site owner knows that having the right tools is like having a Swiss Army knife. But with thousands of options, picking those must-have plugins can feel like finding a needle in a haystack.

So we're sharing our list to give you only the best of the best. The correct plugins can improve your site’s speed, bolster security, and make everything smoother for your users.

 We’re here to walk you through each one, showing you exactly why they’re worth including in your set of digital tools.

So, are you ready to elevate your WordPress site with some top-notch enhancements? Keep reading to find out which plugins are non-negotiable for your online success.

1. WishList Member

At #1, of course, is your membership platform. This is the plugin that's going to do all the membership grunt work for you.

Things like protecting your posts and pages, connecting with your payment provider, adding members to your mailing list, adding, moving, and removing members to and from membership levels… all the stuff you need to actually HAVE a membership site. 

Of course, I'm biased and think WishList Member is far and away the best plugin to do this…But, let me run through a few criteria you should check off when picking a membership plugin:

1. Stable. Your entire membership business will be based on this plugin, so you want to go with something that's been around, is stable, and has a team of developers actively working on it.
2. Capable. In terms of your membership platform, more capability almost directly means more potential revenue… because you're able to actually implement all the marketing ideas you have without having to hire a team of your own developers to do it.
3. Easy-To-Use. None of the rest matters if you can't actually use the software. So, you need something that's user-friendly and just works.

Of course, as I said, my biased self thinks WishList Member meets all those criteria the best, but that's up to you to decide. 

If you plan on running an online course on your membership site, WishList Member also has its CourseCure add-on, available on all plans. 

CourseCure is an LMS (Learning Management System) feature that integrates seamlessly with your membership site. It allows you to create and manage unlimited courses, complete with lessons, topics, and quizzes. 

With CourseCure, you can easily track student progress and provide certificates of completion. This adds tremendous value to your membership site by offering an engaging learning experience for your members.

WishList Member, combined with CourseCure, offers a powerful solution for anyone looking to build and manage a membership site or online course.

It's about making your site more secure, organized, and engaging for your members. So, if you're serious about creating a thriving online community or educational platform, WishList Member should definitely be on your radar.

2. Elementor

Next, let's discuss the importance of a page builder for your site. While it's not an absolute necessity, using a page builder can significantly ease the process of constructing and customizing your WordPress pages. 

If you aren’t a coding wizard, you don’t have a developer on your team, or you just want to make editing your site more accessible for your team, a site builder plugin is the way to go. 

Tools like Elementor, Divi, and Beaver Builder offer a simple drag-and-drop interface that eliminates the need for coding. 

Though WordPress' own editor, Gutenberg, has improved over time, these page builders provide enhanced capabilities and flexibility.

Elementor, in particular, stands out due to its user-friendly approach and compatibility with various themes and plugins. 

I personally prefer Elementor because it aligns well with my design style and workflow. However, Divi and Beaver Builder are also excellent options with their own unique features and benefits.

For those who decide to use Elementor, I highly recommend considering the Pro version. Elementor Pro offers additional functionality that can greatly simplify the site-building process. 

This includes more widgets, higher design flexibility, and access to premium templates that can elevate the appearance and functionality of your site.

3. ChurnBuster

Did you know that on average, membership sites can experience churn rates anywhere from 5% to 10% monthly? That means if you have 100 members at the start of the month, you could be down to 90 by the end of it without new sign-ups. 

If you want to avoid that scenario, ChurnBuster your go-to plugin. It’s a tool specifically designed to tackle one of the biggest headaches for membership site owners: member churn.

Here’s a straightforward breakdown of how ChurnBuster helps:

Monitoring Payment Processes

• Actively watches over your payment systems.
• Identifies any issues like failed payments immediately.

Engaging Members

• Sends personalized emails to members with payment issues.
• Offers clear instructions to update payment details, making it hassle-free.

Seamless Integration

• Easy to set up and integrates smoothly with your existing systems.
• Works in the background, so there's less for you to worry about.

Reducing Member Departure

• Significantly lowers the chances of members leaving due to payment problems.
• Demonstrates to members that you value their presence and are proactive about solving issues.

Using ChurnBuster can dramatically impact your retention rates. Instead of losing members over something fixable like a payment hiccup, ChurnBuster gives them a nudge to resolve the issue, which can help keep your community vibrant and growing. 

Remember, a small effort in addressing payment issues can lead to a significant decrease in member churn, keeping your revenue more stable and predictable. 

So if you’re keen on maintaining a healthy, thriving membership site or online course, consider how ChurnBuster could be a game-changer for you and your members. 

4. WordFence

Let’s talk about keeping your site safe because, let's face it, security is non-negotiable. This is especially true for membership sites where you want to safeguard everything from your content to your member’s information. 

Here's where WordFence steps up to the plate. It's a security plugin crafted for WordPress sites, filled to the brim with features designed to keep your digital world secure.

Personally, I love WordFence for its:

• Endpoint Firewall: Acts as a barrier to block harmful traffic.
• Malware Scanner: Searches your site for harmful software and removes it.
• Live Traffic Monitoring: Sends “Intrustion alerts” for real-time attempts to access your site.
• Cleanup: Expert help to fix your site if it's been compromised.
• Plugin/Theme Vulnerability Monitoring: Fixes found in your WordPress site before they become a problem.

While their free plan covers the main bases for basic WordPress security, it’s worth looking into their paid plans, Premium, Care, and Response for full peace of mind. 

For example, with the Care and Response packages you get hands-on support if any malware is found. That means that if things go south and your site faces the dreaded hack, you’ll get full support in mitigating risk and getting everything back to normal.

Plus, WordFence is always on the lookout for new vulnerabilities, acting swiftly to patch them up. This proactive approach keeps your site safe even before many realize there's a threat.

5. Easy Affiliate

Affiliate marketing is one of the most popular, effective methods to spread the word about your membership site. With Easy Affiliate you can set up your very own affiliate marketing program on your site.

Connect with affiliates and influencers within your target market, and set a commission to reward them for marketing your product for you! As you're starting out, this is a great way to outsource your sales and marketing. Plus, it's risk free and fully scalable – you only pay out once your affiliates make a sale!

Here are some of the reasons Easy Affiliate makes the cut of my top 8 plugins:

• Zero Transaction Fees: Unlike joining a third-party affiliate program, you don't need to pay any transaction fees and you get full control over the Ts and Cs of your program.

• Flexible Commission Rules: With Easy Affiliate you can get strategic with your commissions to encourage affiliates to promote specific products/memberships – it's all in your hands.

• Easy Integrations: Easy Affiliates integrates with multiple ecommerce plugins including WishList Member and WooCommerce so it can fit neatly into your ecommerce stack.

• Fraud Detection: Easy Affiliate gives you the option to flag suspicious activity so you can detect fraud before you pay out.

• Once Click Payouts: Paying approved commissions is pain free with Easy Affiliate's built in integration with PayPal 1-Click.

All-in -all, Easy Affiliate is the most comprehensive, feature-rich, easy-to-use affiliate program plugin out there. So

6. Strive Content Calendar

Content creators know the struggle of managing new posts on their website. Especially if you’re managing a team of creators, collaborating with third-party creators, or simply scheduling your own posts in advance.

We’ve waxed lyrical on this plugin in more detail in a previous blog all about content scheduling, but here’s the lowdown in a nutshell: 

This nifty plugin lets you plan your content on a neat, visual calendar right inside your WordPress dashboard. This means you can see at a glance what’s coming up, making it easier to stay ahead and keep things consistent.

Here's why Strive is one of our favorites:

• Visual Planning: See your entire content schedule at a glance.
• Drag-and-Drop: Move posts around to balance your content mix without breaking a sweat.
• Drafts at Your Fingertips: Start new posts right from the calendar, no need to navigate away.

But it’s not just about putting dates on a calendar. Strive helps ensure your content actually serves your members. By planning ahead, you can align your posts with upcoming events, course materials, or member milestones. This relevance keeps members engaged and looking forward to what’s next.

Strive also tackles one of the big challenges of running a site: consistency. Regular, valuable posts are key to keeping members happy and attracting new ones. With Strive, you can set up a consistent publishing schedule that keeps your site fresh and members informed.

In short, if keeping your content organized feels like herding cats, Strive Content Calendar might just be the solution you need. It’s about making your life easier and your content better. So, if you're aiming to keep your site's content on track and appealing to your members, giving Strive a go could be a smart move.

7. OptinMonster

OptinMonster stands out as a powerful tool designed to help grow your membership by capturing leads and converting visitors into members. This platform specializes in creating targeted campaigns tailored to the needs and behaviors of your site visitors, making it an invaluable asset for anyone looking to increase their membership numbers.

Lead Generation and Conversion:

• Offers a variety of customizable forms to capture visitor information.
• Uses exit-intent technology to engage visitors before they leave your site.
• Allows for the creation of targeted campaigns that speak directly to different audience segments.

Retention and Engagement:

• Provides options for personalized follow-up messages to keep members engaged.
• Helps create special offers or content access that can be used as incentives for member retention.
• Uses page-level targeting to show relevant campaigns to users based on their site activity.

Analytics and Optimization:

• Includes detailed analytics to track the performance of your campaigns.
• Allows A/B testing of different messages and designs to see what works best.
• Offers insights into user behavior to help refine and improve campaign strategies.

Integration and Automation:

• Easily integrates with WordPress and a variety of email marketing services.
• Automates the process of lead capture and follow-up, saving time and effort.
• Syncs with other tools and platforms used for managing your membership site.

Whether you're offering exclusive courses, resources, or community access, OptinMonster provides the tools you need to grow your membership base effectively.

8. Monster Insights

Make room for another monster in your WordPress dashboard, because here comes Monster Insights. This plugin allows you to get stats about visitor interactions with your site right within your dashboard. 

It condenses relevant information from Google Analytics into an intuitive dashboard right within WordPress. 

So if (like me) Google Analytics’ recent GA4 update has left you a little confounded, and you just can’t face relearning it all, Monster Insights is a much easier, beginner-friendly ride. 

Not only do you get all the basic traffic metrics, but also more sophisticated insights such as eCommerce, and events. 

It even integrates with WishList Member so you can view data related to sales, recurring payments, and refund transactions for the supported payment provider integrations with WishList Member.

Best of all, it’s easy to set up and configure, with no code necessary. 

In Conclusion

And, that's it. Those are the 8 plugins I install on every membership site I build. You might not need them all or may choose a different option, but you'll want to have something for each of these seven categories:

1. Membership Platform
2. Page Builder
3. LMS (optional)
4. Security
5. Site Speed
6. Growth
7. Visitor Stats

That'll cover your bases and ensure you have a stable platform to build and grow your online business. 

What are your go-to plugins? Which of your favorites would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments section below!

It's hard to overstate just how much affiliate marketing dominates the ecommerce marketing landscape. In 2022 the affiliate marketing industry was valued at over $20 billion, a figure that's projected to almost double by 2030.

That's particularly impressive when you consider that for the most part affiliate marketers only get paid a commission once they've made a sale. We're talking about trillions of dollars of sales and revenue generated by this one marketing strategy.

If your business hasn't yet tapped into affiliate marketing, or if you're looking to pivot away from costly affiliate platforms to grow your membership site, this latest integration is exciting news for your business and your pocket.

Introducing Easy Affiliate – the all-in-one affiliate program plugin for WordPress that now natively integrates with WishList Member.

Read on for a guided tour of the main features of this plugin complete with tips on how to leverage its profit-pumping potential for your business.

Affiliate Marketing 101

First, just in case you're completely new to affiliate marketing, here's a quick explanation to bring you up to speed:

Affiliate marketing is a widely used strategy where individuals are rewarded for promoting a business's products or services. Essentially, when a sale is made through their unique referral link, the affiliate marketer (or simply affiliate) earns a commission from the seller.

This marketing technique offers a number of benefits for membership and ecommerce sites:

• With affiliate marketing, you only pay out once a sale has been made. That makes it a low-risk cost-effective way to expand your membership base without the upfront costs associated with traditional advertising methods.
  
  
• Its performance-based nature also means it's easily scalable and suitable for membership sites at any stage of their growth. As your subscriber base grows exponentially you won't have to deal with a corresponding increase in marketing effort or expense.
  
  
• Affiliates, especially those who are well-aligned with your site's focus, can directly reach specific, niche audiences. Run a soccer club fanzine, or a vegan cooking school? Niche affiliates are the best people to spread the word. And with them on side, your marketing efforts will be highly targeted, attracting members who are more likely to engage with your content and community.
  
  
• Unlike one-time ad campaigns, affiliate marketing provides ongoing promotion for your membership site. This continuous exposure helps keep your site top-of-mind and attracts new members over time.

Now you're all caught up on affiliate marketing, and its potential for your business is clear, it's time to take a look at what the Easy Affiliate integration means for your membership site.

What is Easy Affiliate?

Easy Affiliate allows you to run a fully self-hosted affiliate marketing program straight from your WordPress dashboard.

By running a self-hosted affiliate program, you have more say over your affiliate application process, have direct control over commissions and payouts, and skip the transaction fees charged by third-party platforms.

And as the name suggests, it makes the whole process of setting up and running your program a breeze – no special knowledge required, virtually anyone can make this work for their business.

That's because Easy Affiliate is packed with all the tools and systems you need to make your program a success, each designed specifically to be easy to set up and use.

So let the tour of key features commence!

Easy Affiliate Features and Tips For Success

Effortlessly Connect to Your Ecommerce Plugins

At the click of a button, Easy Affiliate can detect and connect with key ecommerce platforms including yours truly (WishList Member), PayPal and WooCommerce.

You can enable your integrations either during Easy Affiliate's setup wizard process, or by heading to Easy Affiliate > Settings > eCommerce tab.

It really is that easy to connect your affiliate program to the products and services you sell on your website.

Screen For High Quality, Valuable Affiliates

Opening your affiliate program to everyone might seem like a good idea, but in affiliate marketing, quantity doesn't always equal quality.

Research shows that less than 10% of affiliates are responsible for 90% of total conversions and sales. This highlights the importance of focusing on attracting and working with those top performers.

Simply accepting all applicants can divert time and resources away from nurturing valuable relationships with high-quality affiliates. You might find yourself overwhelmed with queries and support issues from a large number of participants, rather than concentrating on those who truly drive results.

To ensure a better return on investment, it's advisable to manually review and approve new affiliates, verifying that their audience aligns with your target market.

Easy Affiliate streamlines this process with its built-in application and approval system. Here's how to set it up:

Navigate to Easy Affiliate > Settings > Affiliates tab, and select Application as the Registration Type.

From here, you can also choose to automatically send emails to notify applicants that their application has been received and approved.

Once you've selected the application registration type, Easy Affiliate automatically creates a registration page. Your prospective affiliates will then be required to complete an application form and await your approval before they can start promoting your products.

The form requests essential information, including:

• First name
• Last name
• Email
• Websites they plan to use for promotion
• Their promotional strategy
• Social media profiles/links

This detailed information allows you to evaluate each applicant's potential fit with your business. By requiring applicants to specify their promotional websites you also enables Easy Affiliate to monitor and prevent fraudulent activities by flagging unauthorized site promotions – more on that later.

Boost Conversions with Compelling Campaigns

To really reap the most benefits of your affiliate program, get your affiliates involved in each of your marketing campaigns

Say you've got a new feature or product or a sale to promote: this presents a perfect opportunity for your affiliates to shout out about your brand.

Affiliates are continuously on the lookout for fresh content ideas and reasons to engage their audience. Involve them in your latest promotions and feature launches, creating a symbiotic boost in engagement.

As affiliate program host, you can amplify their impact and incentivize your affiliates further by equipping them with tools to make each campaign a roaring success.

Easy Affiliate makes it straightforward for you to create unique links for specific landing pages.

Say you have a landing page with all the info on your newly released feature. By distributing a link specifically for that landing page, you can guide your affiliates' audience straight to the heart of the action, bypassing the homepage for a more strategic dive into your sales funnel.

Easy Affiliate also makes it easy to distribute campaign images and banners.

Arm your affiliates with eye-catching, branded content that's not just easy to use but also boosts your campaign's visibility. It's a win-win: effortless content for them and enhanced exposure for you. Transform your affiliate program into a dynamic force that propels your brand forward, one campaign at a time.

Track Affiliate Performance in Google Analytics

Not only does Easy Affiliate features it's own real-time reports, tracking clicks and sales, but unlike other affiliate program plugins, it also makes it super easy to track other major KPIs in Google Analytics.

That's thanks to its UTM Affiliate Link Tracking feature.

By simply enabling this feature, Easy Affiliate will automatically add UTM parameters to affiliate links so you can get in-depth insights into things like…

• Top performing affiliates
• Highest converting campaigns
• Which websites your affiliates publish on
• Which type of content performs best

…right in Google Analytics.

This sets the stage for you to optimize your affiliate program and strategy for maximum returns.

Motivate Marketers to Sell More with Special Commission Rates

Incentivize affiliates to pull out all the stops for you affiliate program by rewarding top performers with special commission rates.

With the plugin's Custom Rules add-on, you can set up custom affiliate commission rates to reward high achievers and specific behaviors. For example, you can set up a higher commission rate for affiliates who sell above a certain amount, or offer a special rate on your latest product to boost your new launch. It's all possible and easy with Custom Rules.

Protect Profits with Fraud Prevention

With Easy Affiliate's Fraud Prevention add-on, it's easier than ever to flag or even block commissions that are suspected of fraud before you pay out a cent.

Set whether you want to allow, flag or automatically block commissions from:

• Own referrals – if an affiliate makes a purchase using their own affiliate link.
• Unapproved referring sites – the site that referred the click is not one of the sites listed on the affiliate's application.
• Affiliates with a suspicious conversion rate – Address anomalous conversion rates that significantly deviate from the norm, suggesting possible fraudulent tactics.

This proactive approach safeguards your earnings and upholds the integrity of your affiliate program, making it a stronghold of trust and reliability.

Reward Affiliates Quickly and Simply with One-Click Payouts

With Easy Affiliate's One-Click Payouts, sending rewards is as straightforward as it sounds, making the affiliate payout process quick and effortless.

✅ Instant rewards – A single click is all it takes to transfer earnings to your affiliates, eliminating delays and complexity.

✅ Boost affiliate morale – Fast payouts keep affiliates happy, motivated, and more engaged with your brand.

✅ Streamline operations: Forget about the hassle of manual payments. One-Click Payouts simplify your workflow, freeing up time to focus on strategy and growth.

When your affiliate reaches the payout threshold (which you can easily adjust in your settings), you're just a click away from sending their earnings. Easy Affiliate integrates with PayPal 1-Click Payouts, offering a straightforward and secure way to pay your affiliates.

How To Integrate WishList Member with Easy Affiliate

WishList Member now integrates natively with Easy Affiliate – meaning they're practically made for each other, and connecting them in a cinch.

Easy Affiliate currently supports the following WishList Member payment provider integrations

• PayPal Checkout,
• PayPal Legacy,
• Stripe,
• Authorize.net Simple Checkout.

Here's how to set Easy Affiliate set up and integrated with WishList Member:

(For the purposes of this article, we're going to assume you already have WishList Member installed and activated on your WordPress dashboard.)

• Purchase an Easy Affiliate license.
• Head to your Easy Affiliate Account Downloads page and download the plugin .zip file onto your computer.
• Login to your WordPress Dashboard.
• Go to Plugins > Add New Plugin > Upload Plugin
• Click Browse, select the .zip file and click Install Now

• Once download is complete, hit Activate.
• Now from your WordPress Dashboard head to WishList Member > Setup > Integrations > Other Services and click on the Easy Affiliate icon.

• You should see Easy Affiliate in the side panel of your dashboard. Click on it and then Settings
• Head over to the eCommerce tab
• WishList Member should be automatically detected – switch the toggle to on.
• Click on Update Options

And you're done! It's as straightforward as that.

For more information on the integration including how to cross-reference commissions between the two plugins, check out our knowledge document.

Your next step is to spread the word about your affiliate program and start accepting applicants.

In no time, you'll be watching your sales roll in and your membership site flourish.

Conclusion

With WishList Member and Easy Affiliate, you have all you need to create a powerful affiliate program for your membership site.

Easy Affiliate offers all you need to create and manage a seamless, streamlined affiliate program that will magnify your reach and bring in more engaged members to your community.

Remember to keep your affiliates motivated with clear communication, timely payouts, and by sharing best practices for promotion. Use the data insights from Easy Affiliate and Google Analytics to refine your strategy and focus your energies on turning your affiliates into true brand ambassadors.

Their success is your success, and together, you can achieve remarkable growth for your membership site.

It all starts with this one integration!

Got any questions or want to share your experience of affiliate marketing? Let us know in the comments below.

And don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn for more tips and best practices to grow your membership business.

It's no secret that speed is a major demand for online consumers. In the age of TikTok and Amazon Prime, a fast website is non-negotiable. 

For better or worse, the simple fact is our patience died with dialup and Limewire. Now if your site takes more than a couple of seconds to load, you’re in trouble. 

No one likes waiting around. Not your visitors, not search engines, and definitely not you. 

So, we’ve loaded this blog with tips and tools on how to boost your WordPress website's speed.  

We'll walk you through why WishList Member is your go-to for a speed-optimized site and pair it with some killer tools to send your site supersonic! 

Let’s go go go!

Why Site Speed is Important

Hey, welcome to the fast lane! Let's cut the chase – speed is a make-or-break factor for your website for two main reasons:

1. Fast Loading is Critical For User Engagement

You know that frustration that sets in when you click on a site and – ugh – it's taking its sweet time? You're not alone. 

53% of mobile users will abandon a site if it takes longer than 3 seconds to load. That's over half your audience saying “thanks, but no thanks.”

Still not convinced? How about this: a one-second delay in page load time can lead to a 7% loss in conversions. Ouch! Long story short: if your website is dragging its feet, you're watching money walk out the door.

2. Speed's Impact on SEO

But it's not just your human visitors you need to worry about – search engines are picky too. Google has been using site speed as a ranking factor since 2010. If you’re late to the party, you’ll be at the end of a long line of search results. 

Think about it: faster sites create happy users, and Google is all about user experience. So, if you're wondering why your site is stuck on page 10 of search results, maybe it's time to look under the hood and get things running smoothly.

How to Measure Your WordPress Website's Speed: Know Where You Stand

Before you get to work on amping up your website's speed, you've got to know where you're starting from. It's like timing your first 5k run – you need a baseline to measure your progress.

Remember, 3 seconds is the tipping point when mobile users will abandon your site. But Google sets the number a little lower, at 2.5 seconds. 

Whatever your current speed, there’s always room for improvement. For every 100 milliseconds cut off a site’s loading time, bounce rates drop and conversion rates rise. 

So where does your site currently stand?

Here are a couple of free, go-to tools to help you figure out if your site is a hare or a tortoise:

Google PageSpeed Insights

Straight from the horse's mouth. Google's tool gives you a detailed analysis of your site's speed on both desktop and mobile. It even offers suggestions for improvement.

GTmetrix

 This is another excellent tool that goes beyond just loading time. It gives you a complete performance report and tips on things like optimizing images and leveraging browser caching.

Run these tests to get an idea of what's slowing you down. Armed with this knowledge, you can target your speed-boosting efforts where they'll have the most impact.

Basic Tips for Speeding Up WordPress – No Rocket Science Required

Before we dig deeper into how WishList Member can rev up your website, let's cover some foundational speed-boosting hacks. Consider these the low-hanging fruit – easy to implement but with an undeniable impact on your website's speed.

1. Image Optimization

Let's start simple: those pretty pictures? They're heavy. 

Use tools like ShortPixel or Smush to compress and optimize your images without sacrificing quality. 

You could cut your image size in half, making them load faster and keeping your visitors happy.

2. Caching

Browser caching stores static files locally, so returning visitors don’t have to reload the entire page. Plugins like WP Super Cache can automate this for you. 

3. Minification

Ever look at a website's code? It’s like a foreign language with extra spaces and characters. Minification strips out all the unnecessary stuff, making your site lighter and faster. 

There are several great free plugins can do this for you, so no excuses! Autoptimize is a popular option.

4. Reduce Server Requests – Choose a Sleek Theme

The more elements on a page – like scripts, images, and CSS files – the more server requests are needed to load it. 

One immediate action you can take? Choose a sleek and streamlined theme for your website. 

Many themes come packed with widgets, sliders, and flashy elements that are server request hogs. 

Opt for a theme that gives you just what you need, and nothing more. This will not only improve your site speed but also make for a cleaner, more user-friendly design. After all, when speed is the goal, less really is more.

5. Leverage Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)

Want to go global? Use a CDN like Cloudflare to distribute your content around the world. This way, a user in Australia isn’t waiting for your server in the U.S. to wake up.

6. Opt for Optimized Hosting

Think of hosting as the home of your website. Would you rather live in a sluggish, crowded apartment or a zippy, well-maintained mansion? Services like WP Engine offer specialized hosting that’s tailored for WordPress speed.

And there you have it! These are some straightforward steps you can take today to see an immediate improvement in your WordPress site's speed. 

Why WishList Member is a Speed-Savvy Choice for Membership Sites

So you've tuned up your website with some basic speed fixes. You’ve trimmed it of the unnecessary bloat. 

But running a membership site or an online course often means grappling with plugins that can put a drag on your site speed. 

Not so with WishList Member. 

For those who want to keep things zippy, WishList Member is the MVP of plugins. Let's get into it.

Regular Updates for Speed Optimization

In the dynamic world of WordPress and website performance, standing still is falling behind. That’s why WishList Member is frequently updated. 

This helps ensure that your membership site remains optimized for speed and security.

Compatibility With Speed-Optimizing Plugins

Have a favorite speed-boosting plugin or two? No problem. WishList Member gets along with your existing speed-optimizing plugins.

Whether you’re using caching solutions or image optimization tools, WishList Member aims to slide right into your existing ecosystem without throwing a wrench in the works.

Tailored Caching for Your Membership Site

WishList Member doesn't just lean on WordPress’s built-in caching; it takes it up a notch. With compatibility for persistent caching plugins like WP Super Cache, it adds another layer of speed to your site.

But while caching is great news for loading speeds, it can be a double-edged sword for membership platforms.

WishList Member has a smart solution. Caching for logged-in users can serve stale or incorrect content, disrupt personalized experiences, and even pose security risks. WishList Member has a Cookie Prefix setting which you can use to bypass caching for logged-in members.

This ensures your members get real-time, personalized content without compromising on speed or security.

Streamlining Content Creation and Membership Management

Running a membership site involves a lot of moving parts, and each additional task – whether it's content creation or member management – can potentially slow down your website. 

That’s why you need a plugin that streamlines these tasks without compromising on speed. Enter WishList Member.

WishList Member's intuitive dashboard doesn't just simplify content creation; it also minimizes the clicks and time needed for administrative tasks, contributing to a more efficient – and therefore faster – website. 

When you spend less time toggling between settings and screens, you reduce server load and increase your site’s responsiveness.

On the management side, the speed and ease of use continue to shine. Whether you're looking to add new member levels or shift existing members from one level to another, WishList Member makes it a breeze. 

The user interface is snappy, ensuring that you don't have to wait around while making these critical changes. 

Plus, the capability to perform multiple membership functions en masse means you’re not bogged down with one-by-one adjustments.

This reduces the time and server resources spent on admin tasks, indirectly contributing to a faster, more efficient website.

In Conclusion: 

So now you’re up to speed on all you need to know! From grasping the essential role of a speed-optimized site in both user engagement and SEO, to implementing basic yet impactful fixes, we've covered it all. 

And for those running membership sites or online courses, WishList Member stands out as an invaluable ally for maintaining a brisk and seamless user experience.

Speed isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a must-have. A faster website doesn't just please your visitors; it also offers you a competitive edge in search engine rankings. 

Every second counts, and now you're armed with the knowledge and tools to make each one work in your favor.

Ready to shift into high gear? Get WishList Member today and supercharge your WordPress membership site's speed and performance!

Apply these tips and tricks, invest in WishList Member, and watch your site transition from laggy to lightning-fast. Happy speeding! 

Got any tips to share with the WishList Member community? Let us know in the comments section below.

Found this blog useful? Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn for more tips and best practices to make the most of your membership site.

Imagine a pairing so powerful, so efficient, it takes your website to a whole new level. That's what you get from the Divi and WishList Member integration.

This combination brings together the standout design brilliance of Divi with the formidable membership mastery of WishList Member.

This software integration is your toolkit to making membership sites that are both glamorous and seamlessly functional.

Ready to discover this digital dynamo? Then, let's go!

Integrate Divi with Your WishList Member Site

Haven't integrated Divi into your WishList Member site yet? No worries – getting started is a breeze!

Follow these steps to bring the dynamic features of Divi right into your membership ecosystem.

Step 1: Download the Divi Builder Plugin

First off, make sure you download the Divi builder plugin to your computer.

Step 2: Install Divi Builder on WordPress

Navigate to the WordPress dashboard and go to Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin. Click the Upload Plugin button and then browse your computer to find and select the Divi Builder plugin file you downloaded earlier.

Hit the Install Now button, and once the installation is complete, click Activate.

Step 3: Enable Divi in WishList Member

After successfully installing the Divi Builder plugin, head to the WishList Member dashboard.

From there, go to Setup > Integrations > Other Services. You'll find Divi listed among the options. Simply select it and enable the integration.

You'll be greeted with a message indicating that no additional configuration within WishList Member is necessary for this integration – it's that simple!

The integration is now either enabled or disabled based on your preference.

Step 4: Explore Advanced Settings in Divi

Now, with the integration active, you'll find WishList Member has introduced a new setting inside the Divi Builder. Specifically, this setting appears in the Advanced Options tab when you’re working on Divi Sections, Rows, and so forth.

This incredible feature enables you to set access restrictions on Divi’s Sections and Rows. This allows you to really fine-tune your member experience.

Want to allow only logged-in users to see a particular part of a page? Or maybe you'd like to grant access only to users with specific membership levels?

All of this becomes possible with the integrated powers of Divi and WishList Member.

5 Creative Ways of Using Divi and WishList Member

1. Boost Your Member’s Area with Show-Stopping Style

If you ever wanted your membership site to look like a million bucks, Divi's got your back. When you use Divi's rich design features, you can make your members' area visually appealing and incredibly functional.

This isn't just about slapping on some premium images and fonts; it's about employing Divi's range of modules like the Gallery Module for showcasing community photos or the Video Slider for tutorials.

With thoughtful design, you can improve the user journey, making it easier for members to find what they're looking for, be it forums, new courses, or downloadable resources.

2. Craft Tailored Pages for Each Member for A VIP Experience

One-size-fits-all is so last decade. With WishList Member, you can give each member their own tailored space through our detailed profile fields and tag-based classification system that lets you segment your members.

You can display content based on a member's level, preferences, or even their activity. For instance, you can highlight resources for beginners in one section while offering advanced tutorials in another.

When members log in, they're greeted with content tailored to their status or preferences. The goal is to make every member feel like the VIP of their own experience, which encourages longer subscription periods and higher engagement.

3. Elevate Learning With Unique Course Layouts

With Divi and CourseCure's layout packs and A/B testing capabilities, you can continually refine your course experience. You can use collapsible modules for course outlines and add interactive FAQs.

But the key is data-driven design: use the split testing feature to test different layout elements and get concrete data on what engages your users most effectively. This makes courses not just aesthetically pleasing but also functionally effective.

4. Organizing Member-Only Menus

Exclusive menus aren't just a cosmetic upgrade; they're a functional one. WishList Member allows you to create multi-level menus based on membership level or categories.

This means you can have a specific menu for free members, another for paid members, and even specialized menus for different course categories.

By doing so, you guide your members toward the content they value most, making your platform easier to use and reducing the bounce rate.

5. Engage Members With Interactive Content

Quizzes and interactive polls aren’t just gimmicks; they're effective educational tools.

With Divi and CourseCure's interactive elements, you can add real-time quizzes at the end of each course section or interactive polls to gather feedback.

These features serve dual purposes: they keep members engaged and give you valuable data to improve your content.

Remember, these are just the highlights! If you want to see these strategies in action, be sure to watch the video below. Trust us, the visual guide will give you all the ‘aha' moments you need.

How Divi and WishList Member Elevate Your Website

The fusion of Divi's cutting-edge design tools with WishList Member's robust membership capabilities produces a truly optimized user experience.

You design your website with Divi’s intuitive interface, and WishList Member effortlessly manages the membership aspects.

This integration streamlines your operations, saving you both time and effort. Here are only some of the best ways this power duo elevates your membership site:

Personalized Dynamic Content Display

You can offer personalized experiences to different members, thanks to the dynamic content feature. For example, let's say you want to greet new members with a welcome message.

Or maybe you want to show exclusive offers only to VIP members. You can do all that and more.

With Divi and WishList Member, you're able to display content based on what type of member is logged in. This keeps people engaged because they feel like you're speaking directly to them.

Seamless Sign-Ups and Logins

The last thing anyone wants is a tedious registration process. This will cause you to lose potential members before they even join!

The good news is, integrating Divi and WishList Member eliminates any friction when new users sign up. The entire registration process happens within the environment of a Divi landing page.

Once they're in, WishList Member takes the reins, setting up their membership profile without a hitch. And it doesn't stop there.

Logging in is also a breeze with Divi’s specialized login module. It's this kind of seamless experience that keeps your members happy and engaged.

Boost Your Marketing Strategy With Data-Driven Information

Divi's powerful analytics tools paired with WishList Member's reporting features mean you're never in the dark about how your site is performing. You'll get insights into member behavior, popular content, and even dropout rates.

This invaluable information can be your guiding star for future content planning and marketing strategies.

Strong Community Support You Can Count On

Don't underestimate the power of a strong support network. Both Divi and WishList Member boast thriving communities and resourceful documentation.

Whether you're looking for quick fixes or looking to explore advanced features, there’s an army of fellow users and experts ready to help you out. It's this kind of community backup that turns even the most daunting challenges into manageable tasks.

The Freedom of Flexibility

Ever wish you could move walls and change colors in your home just by dragging and dropping? Well, Divi sort of lets you do that with your membership site.

With an array of design customization options and templates, you can easily craft a unique space that aligns with your brand and captivates your members.

Power-Packed Features for Functionality

But there's more to a great site than just aesthetics. Divi offers advanced features like split testing, so you can find out which designs or content actually resonate with your audience.

On the other hand, WishList Member makes it easy to release content over time with its drip content feature. This keeps members coming back for more and reduces overwhelm. It's like having a secret recipe for keeping folks engaged and satisfied!

Adapt as Your Community Grows

Starting small? No worries. Both Divi and WishList Member are designed to scale with you.

As your membership base grows, you can easily add more features, create additional content, or even launch new courses without breaking a sweat. It's like starting with a cozy café and having the blueprint to expand into a bustling franchise.

So, what's the takeaway here? Combining Divi's design wizardry with WishList Member's member management magic sets you up for a win.

You get to create a visually stunning site that also offers functional features to engage and retain your members. Talk about a power combo!

Whether you're just starting out or you've got a seasoned membership site, this dynamic duo adapts and scales right along with you.

And should you ever hit a bump, a helping hand is always just a click away thanks to the amazing community and support resources.

Excited to experience this for yourself? We encourage you to play around with integrating Divi and WishList Member.

Seriously, the sky's the limit when you combine these two!

And hey, once you've had a chance to try it out, we'd love to hear your thoughts and see your masterpieces.

So go ahead, mix and match, experiment and innovate – and don't forget to share your success stories with us in the comments below!

Found this blog useful? Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn for more tips and best practices to make the most of your membership site.

Your web hosting provider offers your business a digital “address” on the internet. It makes sure people from all over can visit your website, creating a spot where they can check out what you offer.

But, there's a catch with web hosting.

Two Sides of the Coin

The great part? There are loads of hosting choices out there, fitting all kinds of budgets.

The tricky part? With so many options, finding the right one for your needs feels too much like hard work. It's cool to have many options, but it can be a bit overwhelming.

Don't stress, though – we're on your side!

By the time you finish this guide, you'll know how to pick a hosting plan that's just right for your website and doesn't break the bank.

Ready? Let's get started!

Choosing the Right Membership Web Host

Starting a membership site? Budget-friendly shared hosting might just be what you need.

Already have a site and thinking of switching hosts? Check how big your site is and how many visitors you get. 

This is because many hosting services set limits on storage and visitor count. Knowing these numbers helps you choose the right plan.

Wondering how to get these numbers? Google Analytics can show you your visitor count. For storage info, just ask your current host.

Key Points to Consider

Picking a web host for your online venture? Here's what you should look at:

• What’s their customer support like? – do they have phone support, chat, or email help?
• Must-have features – think uptime monitoring, automatic WordPress updates, and site backups.
• Any cool extras? – like free WordPress themes or add-ons
• Any uptime guarantees? –  If your site’s down you could lose money. Some web hosting providers offer money back if they slip up.
• Deals for paying upfront for a longer time, like a year.

Every hosting service has its unique offerings. It's all about what's important to you. Find one that checks your must-haves.

Now that we've covered the basics, let's explore some of the best hosting choices for WordPress businesses and membership sites, no matter their size or type.

Budget-Friendly Shared Hosting

If you're new to the whole membership website hosting scene, you'll be happy to know that you can get good, beginner-friendly hosting without spending a lot. Just a few dollars a month can get you started.

This is often called “shared” hosting because you're using the same server space as other websites.

Many of these budget plans offer all the storage and bandwidth you’re likely to need.

However, there's a catch. If your membership site becomes super popular and uses a lot of server resources, you might be forced to switch to a more expensive plan or relocate your site.

That proviso aside, shared hosting is still a great choice.

If you're just testing the waters to see if people are interested in what your membership site has to offer, starting with this affordable option just makes sense.

To kick things off, here are some top picks for budget-friendly shared hosting options…

Hostinger

Hostinger has carved out a niche for itself by offering top-tier features without the top-tier price tag.

From its tailored plans to its commitment to user experience, Hostinger is all about ensuring businesses, especially those mindful of their expenses, don't have to compromise on quality.

 Here's why Hostinger stands out in the crowded hosting landscape:

1. Value for Money

With Hostinger, cost-effective doesn't mean cutting corners. They offer top-tier services that rival many premium hosts, but without the premium price tag.

2. User-Friendly for All

Hostinger's intuitive interface ensures you spend less time scratching your head and more time building your online empire.

3. Scalability

Starting small? No problem. As your business grows, Hostinger grows with you. Their range of plans means you can upgrade as needed, ensuring you're always getting the best bang for your buck.

4. Reliable Performance

A budget host doesn't mean budget performance. With impressive uptime and swift load times, Hostinger ensures your business is always in the fast lane.

5. Round-the-Clock Support

Questions? Issues? Just want to chat? Hostinger's 24/7 support team is there, ensuring you're never left in the dark.

In a nutshell, if you're a business watching the bottom line but unwilling to compromise on quality, Hostinger is your go-to.

It's the perfect blend of affordability and excellence, making it a top choice for businesses keen on maximizing value without emptying their wallets.

Why Choose Hostinger?

• Get a free domain
• Migrate your site for free
• 24/7 support
• Plans starting as low as $2.99/month – with a limited offer of 3 free months (at time of posting)

InMotion Hosting 

InMotion is a standout choice for those seeking a potent mix of reliability and user-centric features, especially for WordPress membership platforms.

Here's a deep dive into why InMotion is a great membership site hosting option:

1. Superfast Speed

Keep customers on your page and reduce pageloading frustrations. InMotion's UltraStack powered hosting with NVMe SSD storage can deliver website speeds up to 20x faster!

2. User-Friendly Management

Say goodbye to the backend hassles. InMotion's easy-to-manage server means you can channel your energy into creating content, not wrestling with technicalities.

3. Feature-Rich Hosting

InMotion goes the extra mile with features tailored for ease and efficiency. Think one-click WordPress setups, hassle-free site transfers, auto-updates, and more.

Plus, with free SSL certificates, your site's security is top-notch. And those unlimited email accounts? A cherry on top.

4. Affordable Plans for Every Stage

Whether you're launching your first site or scaling up, InMotion's diverse pricing plans have you covered. And with their competitive rates, you're sure to find a plan that aligns with your budget.

5. Unwavering Support

Run into a hiccup? InMotion's 24/7 live support is just a click away, ensuring any issues are resolved swiftly.

6. Risk-Free Exploration

Still on the fence? InMotion's 90-day money-back guarantee lets you test the waters without any strings attached.

To sum it up, InMotion Hosting is the trifecta of reliability, feature richness, and cost-effectiveness. For WordPress membership site creators, it's a choice that checks all the right boxes.

Why Choose InMotion?

• Free SSL Certificate
• Generous 90-day refund policy
• Unlimited email accounts for your domain
• 24/7 Live support
• Plans kick off at just $2.29/month

DreamHost

With over 20 years in the game, DreamHost is an industry veteran known for reliability and trustworthiness.

Here's a closer look at what DreamHost has to offer:

1. Decades of Trust

DreamHost's long-standing reputation speaks volumes. Two decades in the web hosting industry means they've seen it all, adapted, and consistently delivered.

2. Privacy and Security First

DreamHost takes your site's security seriously. With free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates across all plans, they ensure both your site and your members' data remain protected. 

Add to that a robust anti-spam policy, and you've got a clean, secure online environment.

3. Open Source Enthusiasts

Being an officially recommended hosting provider by WordPress.org is no small feat. DreamHost's one-click WordPress installations simplify the process, ensuring your membership site is live in no time.

4. Unlimited Everything

Worried about traffic spikes or bandwidth limits? With DreamHost, those concerns are a thing of the past. They promise unlimited traffic and bandwidth, ensuring your site sails smoothly regardless of your member count.

5. Safety Nets

Automated daily backups mean you never have to fret about data loss. DreamHost has your back, ensuring your content is safe and sound.

6. Flexible Pricing

DreamHost prides itself on clear, affordable pricing. With a range of plans and zero hidden costs, you always know what you're paying for. 

And their 97-day money-back guarantee? It's one of the industry's most generous, allowing you to try their services with confidence.

Why Choose DreamHost?

• Complimentary Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates
• No limits on traffic and bandwidth
• Generous 97-day refund policy
• Plans start at $2.59/month

SiteGround

SiteGround stands as a top contender for WordPress membership sites, thanks to its superior security, support, and versatile hosting options.

Here's a breakdown of what makes SiteGround a preferred choice for membership website hosting:

1. Security First

SiteGround doesn't take chances when it comes to safeguarding your site. 

Their custom security setup boasts a web application firewall to fend off threats, and an AI-driven system to ward off harmful traffic. 

What’s more, it also offers complimentary Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates for secure data exchanges. In other words, they do all they can to ensure your membership site is fortified against potential risks.

2. Top-Tier Support

SiteGround's support is just a click or call away. Available 24/7 through live chat, phone, or ticketing, their team is both skilled and approachable. With SiteGround, you're never left in a lurch.

3. Feature-Packed Hosting

From daily backups and complimentary email accounts to a free CDN for lightning-fast site speeds, SiteGround makes sure your site runs smoothly and efficiently.

4. WordPress-Ready

WordPress has officially endorsed SiteGround as a hosting provider. And with SiteGround's one-click WordPress setup, launching your membership site is a breeze.

5. Transparent Pricing

SiteGround's array of plans cater to different needs, ensuring you find your perfect match. And if you're hesitant, their 30-day money-back guarantee offers a risk-free trial.

In a nutshell, SiteGround combines security, support, and all the features you need, making it a great pick for WordPress membership site hosting.

Why Choose SiteGround?

• Advanced security measures
• 24/7 support
• Generous 30-day refund policy
• Complimentary email accounts
• Plans begin at a mere $2.99/month

All these options are great for starter and small  enterprises. As your memberships site grows and you become more establish, however, you may find you outgrow shared hosting and upgrade to…

Fully Managed WordPress Site Hosting

When you pick this hosting option, your website sits on servers built just for WordPress.

Thanks to this special setup and better access to server resources, your website:

• Loads more quickly
• Can welcome more visitors at the same time
• Improved uptime
• Is protected by security measures

A big plus of managed hosting is that they handle the updates. Your WordPress site and its plugins get updated, depending on which hosting you go with.

Good service often comes with a cost. Most of the better managed WordPress hosting plans are around $30 each month.

These plans can grow with your business, so it's rare for membership sites to become too big for their hosting.

But, if your site does get really popular, you might need to upgrade your plan and pay a bit more each month to keep everything running well.

Now, let's look at some of the best starting managed hosting choices…

Flywheel

Marketed at busy creatives, Flywheel stands out as a premier choice for those seeking professionally managed hosting, with a special nod to their exceptional customer service.

Here's what sets Flywheel apart in the managed membership site hosting arena:

1. Tailored for Success

Flywheel has designed their services with WordPress sites in mind, ensuring you have all the tools you need for success.

2. Speed is Key

With server-level caching, a built-in CDN, and SSD storage across all plans, Flywheel ensures your site is lightning fast, offering a smooth experience for all your members.

3. Support with a Human Touch

Flywheel takes pride in its support. Available 24/7, their team is always on standby, ready to assist with migrations, troubleshooting, or any questions you might have.

4. Flexible Pricing

Flywheel offers a range of plans to cater to various needs. Whether you're launching your first membership site or managing a large community, they've got you covered.

5. Risk-Free Exploration

Not sure if Flywheel is the right fit? Their 30-day money-back guarantee lets you try out their services without any financial commitment.

All in all, Flywheel delivers a mix of top-notch managed hosting, round-the-clock support, and a suite of features, making it a top pick for WordPress membership site enthusiasts.

Why Choose Flywheel

• Integrated CDN for faster content delivery
• Speedy SSD storage
• 24/7 dedicated support
• 60-day refund policy
• Plans starting at just $13/month

Kinsta

A speedy and dependable hosting partner, Kinsta's focus is on ensuring your WordPress membership site operates without a hitch.

Here's a closer look at what makes Kinsta shine:

1. Blazing Fast Performance

Kinsta leverages the power of Google Cloud Platform’s top-tier network, ensuring rapid site loads. Coupled with server-level caching and a complimentary CDN, your site's speed is nothing short of impressive.

2. Fortified Security

Kinsta doesn't compromise on safety. With free SSL certificates, DDoS detection, hardware firewalls, and constant uptime checks, your site remains shielded. 

And with daily backups and a promise to fix any hacks at no extra cost, your peace of mind is guaranteed.

3. Round-the-Clock Expertise

Kinsta's support is both 24/7 and expertly tailored. Their team, packed with WordPress specialists, is always on standby to assist. 

Plus, their extensive knowledge base and informative blog ensure you're never short of resources.

4. Flexible Pricing Options

Kinsta offers a range of plans to cater to diverse needs. Whether you're just setting up or managing a bustling membership community, they've got a plan for you. 

And with their 30-day money-back policy, you can explore their offerings risk-free.

All things considered, Kinsta's combination of speed, security, and expert support positions it as a top contender for WordPress membership site enthusiasts.

Kinsta Highlights

• Advanced server caching
• Complimentary CDN for faster content delivery
• 24/7 specialized support
• Generous 30-day refund policy
• Plans starting at a mere $7/month

​​

WP Engine

WP Engine stands out as a trusted name in the WordPress hosting world, known for its unwavering reliability and top-tier performance.

Here's a breakdown of what makes WP Engine a prime choice:

1. Speed is Front and Center

With their unique caching solution, an integrated CDN, the latest PHP version, and HTTP/2 protocol, your site's speed is optimized for a smooth member experience.

2. Security You Can Trust

WP Engine goes above and beyond in safeguarding your site. From proactive WordPress security measures, regular patches, daily backups, to a free SSL certificate, they ensure your site remains fortified against threats.

3. Test Before You Go Live

Their one-click staging environment is a game-changer. Test out updates, tweaks, or major changes without any risk to your live site.

4. Always There to Assist

WP Engine's support is more than just round-the-clock; it's expertly tailored. Their team, filled with WordPress specialists, is always ready to guide, troubleshoot, or assist in any way possible.

5. Plans for Every Need

With competitive pricing and a variety of plans, WP Engine caters to all, from budding sites to bustling communities. And their 60-day money-back guarantee ensures you can explore their offerings without any commitment.

In essence, WP Engine's blend of managed hosting, top-notch support, and stringent security measures make it a top pick for any WordPress membership site.

Why Choose WP Engine

• Unique caching for faster loads
• Integrated CDN for global reach
• Generous 60-day refund policy
• 24/7 expert support
• Plans kick off at $20/month

Once your membership site reaches stratospheric levels of success, you’ll want (and be able to afford) the apex of all web hosting services: dedicated enterprise web hosting.

Dedicated Enterprise Web Hosting

Enterprise hosting plans offer a broader range of resources, including enhanced storage, increased processing power, and more generous visitor and bandwidth allowances. 

Additionally, they provide greater autonomy over your web environment.

Such flexibility opens up a world of possibilities.

For instance, you can integrate custom scripts into your hosting account, facilitating seamless interactions with external services. Or, you might tailor the WordPress software to better align with your membership site's unique needs.

However, with greater control comes heightened responsibility (and a steeper price tag).

Your chosen plan might require you to play a more active role in ensuring everything functions seamlessly. The hands-on support you might be accustomed to with managed hosting might be less comprehensive here.

While enterprise hosting might not be your initial go-to, it's there for those who need its expansive capabilities. For those considering this route, several top-tier providers offer excellent enterprise solutions.

Cloudways Cloudflare Enterprise Hosting

Cloudways offers top-notch hosting with its Cloudflare Enterprise Hosting, designed especially for big WordPress membership sites.

Here's why Cloudways Cloudflare Enterprise Hosting stands out:

1. Strong Performance and Security

Cloudways focuses on fast performance and tight security. They protect against DDoS attacks on layers 3, 4, & 7, making sure your site stays safe.

2. Smart Firewall

Their web application firewall updates on its own, always ready to block the newest threats, keeping your site secure.

3. Easy-to-Use Tools

Cloudways gives you tools that make managing your site simple. This includes handy website tools, automatic updates, and a special tool to boost performance.

4. Backup and CDN Features

With daily backups and a free CDN, Cloudways makes sure your data is safe and your site loads quickly for users everywhere.

5. Fast Site Loading

Cloudflare's CDN with dedicated IPs ensures your site loads quickly. Their special caching system also helps deliver content faster and saves on server costs.

In short, Cloudways Cloudflare Enterprise Hosting offers fast speeds, good security, and helpful features, making it a top pick for big online businesses.

Why Choose Cloudways Cloudflare 

• Protection from DDoS attacks
• Daily backups for your data
• Free CDN for faster site loading
• Pricing that fits your needs

Pantheon Enterprise Hosting

Pantheon stands out as a premier choice for those seeking enterprise-grade hosting, tailored to support large-scale membership platforms.

Here's a closer look at what makes Pantheon a compelling choice:

1. Unwavering Speed and Reliability

Pantheon is renowned for its WebOps platform, optimized for WordPress. This ensures your site not only loads in a flash but also operates without a hitch, offering your members a smooth browsing experience.

2. Effortless Site Management

With Pantheon, site management becomes a breeze. Features like one-click core updates ensure you're always running the latest, most secure version of WordPress.

3. Growth Without Boundaries

Pantheon's infrastructure is built to scale. As your membership base grows, your site can expand seamlessly, free from the constraints of traditional hosting limits.

4. Fortified Security

Safety is paramount at Pantheon. Their cloud hosting platform is layered with robust security measures, safeguarding your website and its data. This lets you concentrate on content and community, confident in your site's defenses.

5. Flexible Pricing

While specific rates aren't listed upfront, Pantheon is known for offering competitive pricing tailored to diverse needs. Whether you're launching a new venture or managing a bustling membership hub, Pantheon has a plan tailored for you.

In essence, Pantheon's mix of swift performance, steadfast reliability, and diverse features positions it as a top-tier choice for WordPress membership sites. 

For detailed pricing on their enterprise plans, it's best to reach out directly.

Why Choose Pantheon

• Infrastructure built for growth
• Hassle-free one-click updates
• Speedy and dependable WebOps platform
• Tailored pricing to fit your needs

Final Thoughts

There’s no shortage of hosting options for your WordPress membership site.

Almost every hosting plan is compatible with WordPress. There are even specialized WordPress-only packages designed to ensure your website is speedy and secure with near enough 100% uptime.

Shared hosting prices begin at just a few dollars a month. With these non-prohibitive prices, you can partner with a trusted company and launch your membership site right away.

If you're leaning towards premium managed WordPress hosting or considering an upgrade to your current hosting setup, you might find yourself investing around $30 a month.

However, the slightly elevated costs come packed with additional features and advantages, making it a valuable investment for your membership site, especially if you anticipate growth.

If you liked this article, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn for more tips on running and growing your membership site.

With six distinct blogs on different websites, each catering to a unique product, staying on top of things can get pretty intense. And let's not forget about the talented group of writers who contribute their brilliance to our blogs, there are a lot of cooks in the kitchen, spinning a whole load of plates.

At least that's how it used to feel until we discovered a game-changing WordPress editorial calendar. And let me tell you, it's completely transformed our content management experience.

It's called the Strive Content Calendar, and I couldn't wait to share its magic with fellow content creators and blog managers like you.

After using Strive for the past few months, I've come to realize just how invaluable it is for streamlining the content management process.

Ready to rev up your content game? Let's go!

Here's why you probably need Strive

If you're immersed in the world of content creation or blog management, you understand the vital role played by blog content calendars. These invaluable tools serve as the backbone of your operations, enabling you to:

• Track and organize topics
• Structure ideas
• Assign tasks
• Schedule posts
• …and so much more!

Now, if you're as organized as we are, you know that your blog content calendar is just a piece of the puzzle. Enter the mighty main content calendar, where you manage not only blog posts but also a myriad of other content types, such as guides, infographics, ads, and PDFs, all neatly organized by topic.

At WishList Member, we rely on Asana to construct and maintain our colossal main content calendar, which effectively captures the bigger picture. However, we encountered a couple of challenges along the way:

1. The sheer size of our main calendar made it too cumbersome for a practical working blog content calendar.
2. Not all our esteemed writers are housed in our office premises, granting them easy access to Asana. This led to a time-consuming cycle of back-and-forth emails and Google Docs exchanges when assigning topics to external writers.

Thankfully, our salvation arrived in the form of the Strive Content Calendar, which swiftly resolved these hurdles and presented us with a seamless solution. Allow us to shed light on how Strive effectively transformed our content management woes.

Now onto the best part: the Strive Content Calendar

The Strive Content Calendar is a remarkable WordPress plugin, just like WishList Member. This means it seamlessly integrates into the WordPress backend, creating your very own blog content calendar right where you need it most.

This ingenious solution directly tackles my two primary concerns:

1. By housing the blog content calendar within the WordPress backend, each of our six blogs has its own dedicated calendar, distinct from our main calendar. This streamlined approach simplifies the management and organization of topics, ensuring an efficient workflow. (Curious about how we amalgamate all the blog calendars into our Asana main calendar? Keep reading, we'll reveal our secret!)
2. Each of our writers has access to the WordPress backend. With Strive, our blog content calendars are now nestled within WordPress itself. As a result, it's now a cinch to assign, review, and process posts for all involved! No more back-and-forth Google Doc sharing. (We'll delve into more details about this later on!)

Plus, Strive's drag-and-drop functionality just adds to its overall incredible ease of use:

Want to change the date of your post? No problemo! Strive lets you effortlessly rearrange posts to your heart's content, swiftly moving them between scheduled slots and the unscheduled drafts sidebar. Each relocation instantly triggers automatic scheduling within the WordPress editor for seamless organization.

This feature stands out as a personal favorite, but the Strive plugin boasts a whole array of other impressive offerings. Let's take a look at some more.

More of Strive's great features

In addition to its user-friendly setup and seamless integration, Strive is tooled up with impressive features designed to save you valuable time. Such as…

Effortless content revisions

Getting your blog to rank highly and stay there requires regular content revisions. However, the revision process can be a real headache. You certainly don't want to disrupt the SEO performance of a live post that already has substantial value.

Enter Strive's Revisions feature, the ultimate solution to streamline your revision workflow. Upon installing the plugin, you'll notice a “revision” option linked to each published post. Accessible via the frontend admin bar in WordPress or your list of posts in the backend.

This feature works its magic in two simple steps:

• Clicking the “revision” link generates a new draft of the post, separate from the published version.
• As you make updates and hit “Publish,” Strive seamlessly merges the revised version with the original. The result? An optimized article without the hassle of confusing redirects. Your SEO juice remains intact, while you save precious time.

Notably, the Strive calendar view prominently labels revisions, allowing you to easily track the ratio of new-to-updated content.

Alternative Pipeline view

While the Calendar view serves as my primary workspace, the Pipeline view gives you a big-picture perspective. By clicking the Pipeline tab, you get visibility into the statuses of all your posts in a single, organized space.

This prevents any posts from slipping through the cracks, providing a holistic snapshot of their progress. Whether they are scheduled, in progress, ready for editing, or not yet started, you can easily identify and manage each post's status. Additionally, you have the flexibility to toggle between row and column layouts based on your preferred workflow.

Customizable Checklists

Crafting a well-structured blog post involves juggling numerous details, from grammar and style to meta-data and image settings. This challenge becomes even more pronounced when working with new writers.

Strive's Checklists feature comes to the rescue, eliminating any guesswork and ensuring consistency. Simply compile your list of essential details under the Checklist tab, and you're ready to go.

Whenever someone works on a post, they can access the checklist directly from the WordPress editor, and check off items as they progress. This not only streamlines practical writing tasks but also serves as a valuable tool for your process.

Clear Post Statuses

Post statuses play a vital role in organizing your content workflow. How do you know if a post is in progress, ready to edit, or edited and ready to go? Strive's Post Statuses feature offers unparalleled clarity in this regard.

Unlike the default WordPress setup, where it's challenging to differentiate between posts requiring edits and those ready for publication, Strive introduces a crystal-clear solution.

The Strive plugin enriches your WordPress environment with the following intuitive post statuses:

• Not Started
• Writing
• Editing
• Complete
• Published

Each status is associated with a distinct color, providing a visual cue throughout the Strive Calendar. Updating a status in the WordPress editor triggers an immediate reflection in Strive, and vice versa. This feature enables efficient organization, ensuring that you never lose track of your posts' progress.

These are just a few of the remarkable features that make Strive an indispensable asset for optimizing your content process. Now, let's delve deeper into how Strive can revolutionize your blog workflow management.

Streamlining Your Blog Workflow with Strive

In this section, I'll walk you through how the WishList Member Content Team effectively uses Strive to manage our blog post workflow. With several writers contributing to our six distinct blogs, maintaining an organized and controlled workflow is super important.

Thankfully, Strive provides two great features that simplify the process and ensure seamless organization. Let's explore how we leverage these features:

New Drafts

Located on the right side of the Content Calendar page, the “Add New Draft” is your launchpad for your next blog.

When clicked, it opens a pop-up window where you can effortlessly input all the essential details required for a post.

We make use of the Title field to indicate the assigned writer by including their name before the post title.

The magic happens when you click the Add New Draft button at the bottom of the window.

Strive automatically creates a new draft in WordPress, populating all the entered information into the WordPress Editor. This integration between Strive and WordPress eliminates the need for time-consuming data transfer, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow.

When you create a new draft, Strive auto-generates a dedicated box in the Unscheduled Drafts column, conveniently displaying all pending assignments for our writers. This feature enables clear visibility and easy access to ongoing tasks.

Streamlined Workflow with Color-Coded Progress

Strive's vibrant color system not only adds visual appeal but also serves as a powerful tool in our blog post process.

Each color represents a specific stage in the workflow, allowing us to effectively communicate the next steps and responsible individuals. Here's how we utilize these colors:

1. Not Started (Red): When I create a New Draft, it automatically adopts the Not Started status with a striking red color. This signals to the assigned writer that the blog post is ready to be written.
2. Writing (Orange): Once the writer begins working on the draft, they transition the post status to Writing, accompanied by an eye-catching orange hue. This change lets me know that the post is in progress.
3. Editing (Yellow): When the draft is completed and ready for review, the writer updates the post status to Editing, represented by a vibrant yellow shade. This notifies me that the post requires my attention for further review and revisions.
4. Complete (Green): After I finish the edits and consider the post ready for publication, I switch the status to Complete. The post box promptly transforms into a reassuring green color.

Green plays a vital role for us, as Strive offers an optional setting that automatically publishes any Complete (green) post according to its scheduled date and time in the WordPress Editor. This feature significantly saves time. However, it necessitates diligent checking of dates and times whenever we “go green.”

Finally, once a post is successfully published, it transitions to black, indicating that the entire process is complete.

By employing this color-coded system, we maintain an organized workflow, ensuring clear communication and seamless progression throughout the content creation process. Let's explore more valuable features and benefits that Strive brings to the table.

Seamless Integration with Your Main Content Calendar

Strive's individual blog content calendars simplify our blog workflow tremendously. However, what about our main Asana calendar, where we track all the deliverables associated with our topics?

Transcribing each WordPress post into Asana would be a tedious and time-consuming task. Luckily, our remarkable Dev Team devised an ingenious solution using Zapier.

Through a custom Zap, triggered whenever a new draft is created in WordPress, the draft seamlessly transfers into our Asana content calendar, specifically the “New Blogs” section I established.

The Zap automatically assigns the corresponding task to me, ensuring I receive an alert about the presence of the draft. From there, I simply navigate to Asana and effortlessly drag the post into the appropriate topic section.

It's an absolute triumph, streamlining our workflow and eliminating the need for duplicate efforts.

The Takeaway

The Strive Content Calendar is an invaluable asset for creators. It offers a wealth of features and benefits that can revolutionize your content management process all at a very reasonable price.

For only $7 per month, you gain access to all the remarkable features we've discussed and more. Not to mention, the first two weeks come free of charge.

Consider the value of your time, which is estimated at around $100 per hour. With Strive, you'll be paying less than half a cent per hour, making it an incredibly cost-effective solution. Factor in the time-saving advantages it provides, and it's an absolute steal.

Ready to experience the power of Strive firsthand? Click the button below and embark on a test drive that will transform the way you manage and organize your content.

Start optimizing your content process with Strive today!

TRY STRIVE CONTENT CALENDAR FOR FREE FOR 14 DAYS

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