Want to launch a WordPress membership site? As WordPress experts at WPBeginner, we've helped thousands build profitable membership platforms using its unmatched flexibility and user-friendly tools. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through every step to create a professional membership site—no coding skills needed.
Creating a membership site has never been simpler than with WordPress. Unlike a decade ago, anyone can now set one up quickly without advanced technical knowledge.
To get started, you'll need just three essentials:
Follow our proven process, and you'll have a fully functional membership site live in under 30 minutes.
In this guide, you'll master:
Ready? Let's dive in.
Start with self-hosted WordPress.org for full control over features (see our detailed WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org comparison). You'll need hosting, a domain, and SSL.
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After signup, install WordPress using our step-by-step WordPress setup guide. Your site is now ready for membership features.
WordPress shines with its plugin ecosystem. We've tested the top options—check our full comparison of best membership plugins.
Decide your needs first:
We'll use MemberPress next—it's reliable, integrates seamlessly, and powers sites just like ours.
Install and activate MemberPress via our plugin installation guide. Then, head to MemberPress » Options to set it up.
Start with the Payments tab. Select gateways like Stripe, PayPal (Standard/Express/Pro), or Authorize.net.
Enter credentials—we recommend Stripe for cards + PayPal as backup. Add multiple via the Add button. Save with Update Options.
Go to MemberPress » Memberships > Add New.
Title your plan, set pricing/expiration (e.g., annual), and customize options in the metabox.
Publish and repeat for more levels (including free trials).
Use MemberPress » Rules > Add New to control access by tags, categories, pages, etc.
Enable drip/content expiration if needed. Save and repeat.
Create posts/pages, apply tags/rules for protection. Use the MemberPress Unauthorized Access metabox for non-member views (excerpts, login, messages).
Publish—confirmation shows it's protected.
Visit MemberPress » Groups > Add New. Add memberships, choose a theme, publish.
Copy group URL from MemberPress » Groups. In Options » Unauthorized Access, set redirect.
Add MemberPress Login widget via Appearance » Widgets.
Add pricing page to menu via Appearance » Menus > Groups tab.
Test as a visitor—everything works seamlessly.
MemberPress integrates with LearnDash for courses, BuddyPress/bbPress for communities. We've optimized countless sites this way.
Pro tips:
That's it! Your membership site is live. Boost it with our WordPress SEO guide.
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