Introduction

MemberPress is the #1 WordPress membership plugin, allowing you to:
✅ Sell subscriptions & digital products
✅ Restrict content to members only
✅ Create drip courses & online communities
✅ Automate user access & payments

If you’re running a course platform, premium content site, or SaaS business, MemberPress is a powerful solution.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

✔ How to install & set up MemberPress
✔ Configuring membership levels & payments
✔ Restricting content effectively
✔ Must-have add-ons for better functionality

Step 1: Install MemberPress on WordPress
Prerequisites:
✔ Self-hosted WordPress (not WordPress.com)
✔ SSL Certificate (for secure payments)
✔ PHP 7.4 or higher (check in Hosting → PHP Settings)

Installation Steps:

Purchase MemberPress (from MemberPress.com)

Download the plugin .zip file

Go to WordPress Dashboard → Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin

Install & Activate

Enter your license key (found in your MemberPress account)

Step 2: Configure Basic MemberPress Settings
A. General Settings
Go to MemberPress → Settings

Set Currency, Timezone, & Pages (Login, Account, Thank You)

Enable “Allow User Accounts” (if users can self-register)

B. Payment Gateways
MemberPress supports:
✔ Stripe (Credit/Debit Cards)
✔ PayPal (One-time & recurring payments)
✔ Authorize.net (Enterprise-level processing)

Pro Tip: Enable Stripe + PayPal for maximum conversions.

C. Email Notifications
Customize emails for:

New memberships

Subscription renewals

Failed payments

Step 3: Create Membership Levels
Go to MemberPress → Memberships → Add New

Set:

Membership Name (e.g., “Gold Member,” “Premium Access”)

Pricing Options (One-time, Recurring, Free Trial)

Access Duration (Lifetime, Expiration Date, Recurring)

Save Membership

Example Pricing Models:

$9.99/month (Basic)

$99/year (Annual Saver)

$299 one-time (Lifetime Access)

Step 4: Restrict Content to Members Only
A. Restrict Posts, Pages & Categories
Edit any Post, Page, or Category

In the MemberPress Restriction meta box:

Choose “Protected”

Select which memberships can access it

B. Drip Content (Time-Based Access)
Want to release content gradually?

Go to MemberPress → Rules → Add New

Set “Delay Access” (e.g., “7 days after signup”)

Use Case: Perfect for online courses where lessons unlock weekly.

Step 5: Must-Have MemberPress Add-Ons
Add-On Purpose
MemberPress Courses Turn WordPress into an LMS (like Teachable)
MemberPress Groups Sell team/group memberships
MemberPress MailChimp Sync subscribers to email lists
MemberPress BuddyPress Add a social community
Step 6: Optimize for Conversions & Retention
A. Increase Signups
✔ Offer a free trial (7-day access)
✔ Use coupon codes (“SAVE20” for discounts)
✔ Add testimonials (social proof boosts trust)

B. Reduce Churn (Cancellations)
✔ Send renewal reminders (3 days before billing)
✔ Offer annual discounts (e.g., “Switch to yearly & save 20%”)
✔ Provide exclusive perks (early access, member-only webinars)

Step 7: Launch & Market Your Membership Site
Marketing Strategies:
🔹 Run Facebook Ads (target “online course buyers”)
🔹 Start a Referral Program (“Refer a friend, get 1 month free”)
🔹 SEO-Optimize Membership Pages (target keywords like “premium [niche] content”)
🔹 Leverage Webinars (Free webinar → Upsell to paid membership)

Final Thoughts

MemberPress turns WordPress into a powerful membership platform—whether you’re selling courses, premium content, or SaaS subscriptions.

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