Need help creating a members only website

[WAHM-Chicago]

I recently formed a consulting service and I would like to offer paid member services to my clients (i.e., access to job opportunities, monthly letter, telecons, and etc.). I am beginning with a very frugal budget and would like to create the website myself (if possible).

Is anyone aware of how to create this type of "members only" website or a company that does?

Thank you in advance.

[pascalevdb]

I have a membership driven website and let me make a few suggestions:

1) Pay someone to design your site. At first, I wanted to develop my site too to save money---but if you are doing a membership site, you really need to invest money in a well-run, well designed site. Find someone you trust--a great place to go for good prices on webdesign is www.getafreelancer.com . They bid for your work and I have found really good vendors there at great prices.

2) If you have a membership site, that means you need a database. I use www.amember.com . Great price, great service, lots of options.

My only other thing to say is "be patient" with this type of a site. Because surfers are used to looking for free information, it can be slow to start when convincing them they should pay you for internet information. So you really need a unique product---something they cannot find on the internet for free.

I'd love to hear what you have found out. My site is pretty new as well and I'm still learning something new every day.
_________________
Pascale Vandenbroucke
http://www.workoutsondemand.com

[buzzen]

I realize your post is over a month old, but I just joined this group. I have the PERFECT solution for you. We use it for our company and it has everything you are looking for. You can totally create it yourself and it has so many features: blogs, podcasts, video/MP3 gallery, up to 100 custom webpages, discussion boards, audio/video postcards, and LOTS more.

You can check out our membership site by using this link. It will give you a free 60 day membership and you can see what we have set up so far.

http://hive.buzzen.us/members/buzzen/info/Buzzen-join.html+CharterMembers

Use this link to check out the company that hosts the membership site. They are GREAT to work with and cheap. The base rate is $29/mo. for up to 100 members, and then you can add additional modules for more $. You also pay so much per member above the 100, but it is nominal and if you are charging them to become members you can easily make money with your site. I HIGHLY recommend it!

http://www.igroops.com/Buzzen

[Kenna]

I really liked the set up of your buzzen website. Thanks for the membership information. I was only familiar with a couple others so this one is new to me.

Thanks again.
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[Kenna]

Hi Buzzen,

I like your site as well. Just curious, are you an affiliate for igroops?

Also, does someone else manage your site for you or do you? If you, how long did it take you from start to finish to set up?

It sounds as if there is a built in autoresponder. I already have one that I use, can you use the one you have or have to use theirs?

Sorry for so many questions. The only one that ever comes highly recommended to me is membergate.com. It is a bit pricey but supposedely worth it. However, when they launched there were not as many membership options as there is now which brings the price down for all.

Thanks for sharing.

Kenna
_________________
FREE Video Course
*Helping You Earn Money Online*
www.creatingawebsitebusiness.com

[KimG]

Hi everyone,

A great (and free) solution for a membership site is BuddyPress. It's based on Wordpress but with a complete social networking aspect.

I use it for my networking group. If you want to see it in action, take a look at azwsn.com.

Hope this helps.

Kim