How to Create Simple Membership Sites
in Increase Productivity by Nicole on
I’m super busy (as I assume you are, too), so for me, a traditional membership site sounds like SO MUCH WORK!
Yes, I love recurring income that you can get from setting up a site that provides value and bills happy customers month after month, automatically. Heck, I have some streams of income that are like that and I LOVE it.
But, I look at sites like Mom Masterminds or Lynn Terry’s Elite Club and get commitment-phobic when I consider creating something that offers similar training on an ongoing basis.
I work from home in my own business so I can be free. I outsource so that I can be free. The LAST thing I want to do is to create a full-time job for myself sitting on my butt fulfilling too many commitments.
I love teaching and sharing my knowledge, but an ongoing “forever” commitment just scares the poop out of me, to be totally honest. How could I possibly disappear for four weeks to travel with my family every year if I promised people live monthly calls? Then, it would become a working vacation – and I’d have one 8 year old girl giving me big brown round eyes — and that’s not something I want to deal with.
Thankfully, there are two options that make complete sense for me and my goals. I can still benefit from the recurring income, without sacrificing my lifestyle goals. And both are taught by people I respect and trust.
Simple Six Figures by Paul Evans.
Paul Evans just launched Simple Six Figures. And, I’m eatin’ it up.
Finally, something that makes sense.
If you’ve been wanting to have a recurring income, but are overwhelmed by it – I’m thrilled to announce this BRAND NEW program by Paul Evans.
I’ve got an early bird discount promo link right here: Check out Simple Six Figures.
The price will increase shortly, but you can save by going through that link.
I’m going through the course right now, and am watching the videos. Paul has *really* simplified the process of getting membership sites up and running quickly.
Membernaire by Jimmy D. Brown
Now, I know that many of my readers are taking the Membernaire training from Jimmy D. Brown and are wondering how this compares. Membernaire quite simply rocks. It’s another GREAT course.
My link for Membernaire: Membernaire by Jimmy D. Brown.
Comparison of Membernaire & Simple Six Figures.
Which course to take? Honestly, I’ve learned different things from each course.
Jimmy’s course is huge and complete and is an entire education in creating a Fixed Term Membership site. (Fixed Term means that it runs for a set period of time.) Actually Membernaire itself is set up as a Fixed Term Membership site, so the course is also a model for how he runs the Fixed Term Membership sites. After you set it up, then you move on to create the next one. Set it and forget it – other than promoting and updating, of course. So, Jimmy creates the course content once, and then focuses on promoting the course. I’ve worked with Jimmy for several years and he’s all into automation so he can travel with his wife and their son and spend time on his mission work.
Paul’s method is perfect in its simplicity. The one thing that really stands out is that Paul is also kind of lazy (in a good way) and doesn’t deal with things like article marketing. He’s more into buying advertising and marketing with social networking and having a great affiliate program to entice people to promote. So, he puts in more time in creating content, and less time in marketing. But, even so, he’s extremely active with his mission work and his family, so he’s got a system to create content quickly and easily, too.
Other differences:
Membernaire focuses more on written content.
Simple Six Figures focuses more on recording calls and videos as content.
If you have questions about which course is right for you, please post a comment and I’ll help you to make the decision.
If you’ve already taken Membernaire – my answer is YES! You will learn from this course as well. Just listening to Paul’s common sense advice is easily worth the price.
I will add more to the review as I get further into the course, but here are the links again to check out both programs:
Simple Six Figures by Paul Evans.
Membernaire by Jimmy D. Brown.
Got to run. I need to listen to the last few videos.
Warmly,
Nicole
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Twitter: kimsmith
October 21st, 2009 at 2:17 pm
I DM’d you…
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Twitter: DiYMCoach
October 21st, 2009 at 4:14 pm
Nicole,
This is a very helpful comparative review of both Membernaire and SSF.
You’ve pointed out some key differences like content creation vs. promotion, article marketing vs. paid ads etc. You’ve analyzed and dug up very granular details on SSF that’s not easily visible from the sales page.
Being able to get that kind of first-hand information is the most the valuable part of your post, IMO.
I agree with your assessment that both courses will teach you different things. May be one needs to go through both in order to truly learn how to run a successful membership site.
This post should help others make a more informed decision if one had to choose between them.
Thanks for sharing your insight.
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Nicole
Twitter: NicoleDean Reply:
October 21st, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Thanks Archie! I’m glad it was helpful.
I know many of my readers are on a tight budget so I try to act as a filter — or sense-maker and guide them to the courses that I think can REALLY help by people who are actually making money online and living the “freedom” lifestyle.
Both Jimmy and Paul qualify.
Thanks for commenting!
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October 21st, 2009 at 5:52 pm
Hi Nicole,
Just want to echo your thoughts. I have purchased many courses on internet marketing and Membernaire and Simple Six Figures are 2 of my favorites. Well worth the money.
Thanks for your great content!
Bruce
http://www.GodsMoneyCoach.com
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Twitter: themenumom
October 21st, 2009 at 7:44 pm
You know me… Do you think either one would be a benefit to me?
Christine
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Nicole
Twitter: NicoleDean Reply:
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:46 am
Hey Christine,
Let me get through more of the course.
Since you’ve already built several successful membership sites, I’m not sure yet.
The sections on monetizing on the back end and traffic generation may make it worth it for you.
I’ll pop in later today to let you know for sure whether it’s a worthwhile investment for you or not.
Thanks for asking!
Nicole
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Nicole
Twitter: NicoleDean Reply:
October 24th, 2009 at 10:41 am
Well, I’ve nearly gone through every video in Paul’s course, and, while I think it would be valuable for you to listen to the course, it isn’t something you *need* to do as someone who already successfully runs two membership sites – with great affiliate programs.
That being said, I got lots of ideas and some clarity at the same time. I really like how Paul keeps things simple.
I’d say that Paul’s course would be valuable to you as far as gleaning nuggets and ideas – plus, it’s broken down into quick 15 minute chunks which would be easy for a busy mom like you to take time for.
So, to answer your questions regarding Paul’s course –
Do you need it? No.
Will you enjoy it? Yes.
Hope that helps, Christine!
Chat with you soon!
N
[Reply]
Christine Steendahl
Twitter: themenumom Reply:
October 24th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
Thanks, that is helpful! Hey, what plugin do you use to make it so you can comment on comments?
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October 22nd, 2009 at 8:04 am
Thanks for the comparison–it has helped me decide which one to go for.
My gift is writing, and life circumstances forbid me getting into calls and videos, so guess which one I choose?
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Nicole
Twitter: NicoleDean Reply:
October 22nd, 2009 at 2:28 pm
I’m hoping Membernaire. lol! You’ll LOVE it!
Glad to know I was able to help.
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November 21st, 2009 at 8:49 pm
I am currently looking at membership sites. I thank you all for sharing some insight on the potential benefit of them.
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October 27th, 2010 at 11:04 am
Hi nicole…
Pleasure to meet you nicole my name is edwin, but we actually know each other via jimmy and your emails, etcccc…:)
You said something here that hit home, the last thing I want is something that ties me down, freedom to do what I want and not be tied to a desk every day all day…:( is important to me and if it does not fit this criteria not interested
Still a little confused on simple 6 figures vs jimmys program! Confused on the following:
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Questions on simple 6 figures..:)
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1) Sounds like I would have to promote my membership site via adwords to make simple 6 figures work did he cover in the videos for those whom are short on cash can we promote via his suggested free methods until we are able to do it payed way through adwords this concerns me since I do not have this money at this moment
2) it is a long term membership recurring revenue site that he teaches vs a short term one that ends in 3 months etcc
3) creating content does he teach how to go out and get this content making these calls which I assume is interviewing others and then recording videos never have done this either does he explain how to do the videos as well clearly
4) if you were in my position and were on a tight budget to drive traffic via adwords what free method would you take to promote your new simple 6 figures new membership site model and drive traffic to it
[Reply]
Nicole
Twitter: NicoleDean Reply:
October 28th, 2010 at 9:37 am
Hi Edwin.
Let’s see if I can help.
First, Membernaire is no longer available, as it’s been retired, so that’s off the list.
To answer your questions…
1. You can do ANY form of web traffic generation that you like best. However, in this course, Paul teaches paid advertising, social media and setting up an affiliate program as his preferred methods. But, you can honestly do anything that you’d normally do to promote. I have a free web traffic course that you can sign up for at http://www.WebTrafficBasics.com if you’re not experienced at Traffic methods yet.
2. Paul teaches ongoing. But, you could set it up either way.
3. Let’s see. I haven’t watched the videos in awhile, so I’m not positive on this one. I remember Paul giving an overview of audios, but he didn’t teach anything specific on video creation, no. He structures his around monthly calls.
4. If you’re on a tight budget, I would recommend doing some sort of content marketing – like article marketing, and also finding JV partners who are willing to promote for a commission. Neither method requires up front expense for you and it’ll help get your name in front of potential customers. Paul is big on list-building as am I so I’d funnel traffic into a free offer and then convert those people into customers.
Hope that helps!
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Nicole
Twitter: NicoleDean Reply:
October 28th, 2010 at 9:40 am
As for whether I’d recommend you purchase or not, that really depends on you, personally.
Do you have experience in your life that you can share with others to help them and/or a plan that you’re going to put into action with this business model?
If so, then yes.
If you’re still thinking it might be an option, but don’t have a plan, then you may want to wait.
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October 27th, 2010 at 6:41 pm
Ooooops sorry did not think of this question I assumed it was part of the simple6figures, but is there a workbook, checklist, guide, pdf transcripts, audio of the video to read it instead of viewing it?
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Nicole
Twitter: NicoleDean Reply:
October 28th, 2010 at 9:38 am
There are audios, but not transcripts.
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October 28th, 2010 at 5:21 pm
Thanks nicole…
Great honest review unlike some other people online, you are a breath of fresh air, thanks for your honesty with your review and feedback to questions…:)
edwin
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Nicole
Twitter: NicoleDean Reply:
October 28th, 2010 at 8:01 pm
You’re very welcome, Edwin.
Thank you for stopping by!
Best wishes,
N
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Twitter: jeff_wise
January 18th, 2012 at 11:23 pm
Hi Nicole,
I’m new to membership sites and am about to create my first one.
I need info on how to structure it, the model to use and everything that goes with that.
Is the Paul Evans material still fresh and relevant today? I ask because it’s around three years old.
I can’t find any contact information on his sites. I love the price point of his product but I’m just not sure.
What are your thoughts on this in the year 2012?
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