7 Ways to Increase Association Membership

7 Ways to Increase Association Membership

Recruiting new members and keeping existing members has been an ongoing struggle for many associations for some time now. Add to it the current situation and many associations are suffering. 

If you need help keeping and recruiting members of your not-for-profit association, I hope these 7 quick tips will help.

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1. Be the source for discussions

Today, an active social media presence is vital to the success of associations. To keep your members engaged, make sure you’re hosting the discussions related to your industry and you’re the spark for these discussions. You can do this in many ways, either a forum on your website for members only or by hosting the discussions in private groups on social platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook. The added advantage of an active discussion group is the possibility of advertising revenue from companies that want to reach your members.

2. Host events that will attract professionals of all ages

Events have always been an effective way to gain visibility and encourage new membership. So much so that fact remains true today. Hosting lunches, expos, and events have always been an effective way to gain momentum while adding value to existing members. Hosting lunches, virtual summits, and online seminars are a great start. It’s important to engage new and experienced members with these events by featuring relevant topics and relevant speakers to appeal to members of different levels.

3. Provide benefits they can’t resist

The benefits that worked a decade ago are no longer as relevant to today’s professional. While insurance and membership kits were once a popular offering, the shifting generation of workers is looking for unique opportunities they can’t get anywhere else. Specific and relevant online learning, special guest speakers, and event perks and incentives are all ways to make members feel like your association is a worthwhile investment. 

4. Keep new members engaged

Association membership doesn’t always make it past the first year, which is why engaging new members is essential to retaining their membership. How do you engage your newest members? Communicate. Connect. Create opportunity. Using all of your avenues for communication—email, website, social media—make sure new members receive all the information they need from the moment they sign up. Make it easy for members to network, make new friends, and get involved in association activities and events. And keep the communication coming. When members feel connected and engaged, they’ll be enthusiastic—and longstanding—in their involvement. 

5. Have an association membership drive

When it comes to driving new association membership, competition is a great motivator. Offer a highly-sought-after prize for those who gather the highest number of new members. Make the drive an annual event that members begin to anticipate each year.  

6. Get feedback from new and current  members

Feedback is paramount to the success of your association. Association membership is what drives the success of your organization, and understanding the needs and wants of your members will help you gear your programs and offerings toward the very lifeblood of your association. Give opportunities throughout the year for members to provide insight into their experiences with the events, benefits, and even the messaging of the association. Use that feedback to make changes, offer new benefits, and introduce new topics. Spread the news across your website, email, and social platforms to make sure members are aware of both the changes and the fact that you are willing to hear what they have to say. 

7. Start the renewal process early

It takes an average of 6 emails to make a sale. Whether it is because emails go ignored, get deleted, or are simply forgotten. In general, this statistic should be applied to the renewal process as much as trying to sell someone a product. Start the renewal process early, and create an effective email drip that will provide ample reminders—and time—for members to renew. And make the process as easy as possible. Members will be more likely to complete renewal if it requires just a few simple steps. 

Professionals are eager to be part of an association that provides the opportunity to learn, grow, and network in their field. Increasing association membership each year involves staying ahead of the trends in your profession, clearly communicating with members, and providing plenty of benefits and events they simply can’t resist. 

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