We all have seen, the fliers, the marketing adds on Google for various membership organizations but do we really see them? With everything hitting us for all over, we are experiencing solicitation overload. The many messages are just a blur and we ask ourselves “What were they trying to tell me?” then at warped speed pass them by.
What makes us stop and read further?
Within 30 seconds you must capture the reader’s or viewer’s attention with eye catching captions, graphics, colors and member services.
Readers quickly start at the top left go to the opening sentence then travel down to the end to decide if the middle is worth reading.
The member interface should be one that is simple for all ages and education levels. Well-planned major (top level) categories, navigation that is easy to find and consistent throughout the entire website. Provide links to the key areas of your site in the top half of your website. This layout format should remain consistent throughout on every page.
Use lots of white space meaning do not add to much clutter.
Use a captivating caption gleamed from the headlines or latest industry news about your product or service.
Add a brief member testimonial to your ad.
Coupons or other incentives mentioned early on your website or ad to promote action.
Instill some inticying urgency that prompts prospective member action.
Survey customers asking them if you are answering their curious questions within the first few seconds.
Feature just one or two products or services.
Keep your membership website and blog current, inactivity may be viewed negatively.
If you want more members, demonstrate sincere interested in your members. Learn about their business, visit members or their websites and provide business to your members. Know as much as possible about their industry and look for collaborative relationships that you can help them nurture. If your membership is a Chamber of Commerce or a membership that attracts many different industries, create a networking event just for one particular industry each month.
As with any relationship it is not what you say that is important, it is what you do. What you do for your members is an incentive for them to renew and refer more members.