How to Make a Members Area on a Website
- 1). Add membership software to your website. Choose a membership software package compatible with your website. For example, if your website is published using WordPress or another content management system, you may be able to purchase an add-on module that will handle the membership site functions. If your site is a traditional HTML website, you may need to purchase software that will run on your website hosting server to provide the membership functions. The different types of software include s2Member, a free, open source plugin for WordPress.
- 2). Modify the members area content pages. No matter which type of membership software you are using, you will need to provide a way for the software to know which content is restricted to the members area and which is publicly viewable by non-members. This can be as simple as pasting a code on the members area pages. Follow the instructions from your membership software provider to configure your existing and new pages. You'll also need to add a sign-in section to pages that your members may want to sign in from.
- 3). Add a sign up or registration page. You'll need to have a way for your visitors or members to sign up or register. Your membership software should include code or a form to add to your website that will handle the sign-up process. Add this code or form to the appropriate place in your website, such as a new member sign-up page. You can link to this page by placing a link near the sign-in section saying something like "Not a member? Sign up today!" and link the text to your sign-up page.
- 4). Test your membership set-up. Approach your website as a new visitor would. Can you access the members-only content without signing in? Try to sign up or register as a new member would and verify that your sign-up process works. Once you've signed up, try to access the members-only content. Sign out and try to sign in again and test the membership content control. Make any necessary changes and retest if you make changes.
