The right membership website builder can be the cornerstone of your online community or subscription-based business.
With today’s digital landscape, having a user-friendly, robust platform is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. But with so many options out there, how do you decide which builder fits your unique needs? If you don’t, you might end up with a platform that hampers growth rather than fostering it.
Let this guide cover all bases, letting you walk away with a membership site that not just exists but excels.
5 Best Membership Website Builders in the Market
Let’s dive into the details of the top 5 membership website builders that have proven their worth in the market.
Each builder is evaluated based on features, ease of use, customization options, and overall value for the price.
Whether you’re launching a new membership site or looking to upgrade an existing one, these platforms offer a suite of tools designed to accommodate both novice users and experienced webmasters. We’ll explore what sets each apart, so you can make an informed decision tailored to your project’s requirements.
Wix – The Design Flexibility Champion
Wix is renowned for unmatched design flexibility. Create free or members-only content pages using its intuitive drag-and-drop editor. Plus, a suite of membership-focused features make Wix a top choice, despite higher price points.
Wix Pricing
Core ($27/month): Ideal for those starting out with 50GB storage, basic analytics, and basic ecommerce.
Business ($32/month): Step up with 100GB storage, advanced shipping, and multi-currency support.
Business Elite ($159/month): For large-scale operations offering unlimited resources and video hours.
Pros:
- Beginner-friendly and excellent eCommerce features
- Extensive app market
Cons:
- No dedicated templates for membership sites
- Premium pricing structure
SITE123 – Effortlessness Defined
Perfect for non-techies, SITE123 ensures a hassle-free build process for membership sites. While it lacks dedicated templates, its affordability and inclusive plans make it a practical solution for content of all kinds.
SITE123 Pricing
From Basic ($12.80/month) with 10GB storage to Platinum ($45/month) offering extensive storage and advanced eCommerce features, SITE123 caters to a wide spectrum of membership site requirements.
Pros:
- Affordable with simple usability
- All premium plans support memberships
Cons:
- Absence of dedicated membership templates
- Recurring payments aren’t an option
Shopify – The Ecommerce Powerhouse
Shopify needs little introduction in the ecommerce space. Apply its robust platform to your membership site and unlock gated content, forums, and an expansive app marketplace.
Shopify Pricing
Ranging from Basic Shopify ($29/month) to Advanced Shopify ($299/month), it offers an array of features including POS integration, advanced report builders, and multi-location inventory management.
Pros:
- Extensive ecommerce functionality on all plans
- An ecosystem of apps and multichannel selling
Cons:
- Not the most wallet-friendly option
- No dedicated membership templates
Squarespace – Aesthetic and Exclusive
Opt for Squarespace if you’re looking for visual appeal and a fully integrated member area. While prices lean towards premium, its all-in-one approach ensures you don’t need to rely on external apps.
Squarespace Pricing
From Personal ($16/month) to Advanced Commerce ($49/month), Squarespace provides various tiers including customer accounts, professional emails, and advanced ecommerce features.
Pros:
- Elegant templates catering to membership sites
- In-house features that enhance functionality
Cons:
- Premium prices and additional costs for a forum feature
Weebly – Simplicity Meets Efficiency
Weebly’s strength lies in its balance of affordability and effectiveness. While customization may be limited, it delivers a straightforward, efficient builder for both full-scale membership sites and exclusive content areas.
Weebly Pricing
Pro ($12/month) and Business Plus ($38/month) are among the standout plans, providing diverse membership options, ecommerce capabilities, and advanced site stats.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly plans
- Easy-to-use editor
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Sparse choice of dedicated templates
What Is The Best Subscription Website Builder?
Determining the best subscription website builder boils down to aligning the platform’s strengths with your specific needs.
For design versatility, Wix is unmatched, whereas Shopify shines if ecommerce is your central focus. Squarespace scores highly for integrating aesthetics with an all-in-one solution. Those seeking simplicity and cost-effectiveness without the need for extensive customization will find Weebly to be the most suitable.
Lastly, SITE123 is ideal for individuals looking for a straightforward setup and managing a smaller membership base on a budget. Evaluate your priorities—be it design, ecommerce tools, affordability, or ease of use—and select a builder that aligns with your business model and the particular experience you wish to offer your members.
Is Wix Better Than WordPress?
When comparing Wix to WordPress, it’s essential to consider what you value more: ease of use or flexibility. Wix provides a more user-friendly interface with its drag-and-drop editor, making it excellent for those without technical expertise.
On the other hand, WordPress stands out with its endless customization options and extensive plugin ecosystem. While Wix’s simplicity is ideal for quickly creating a sleek-looking site, WordPress is a powerhouse for those willing to invest more time into learning and building a highly personalized experience.
What’s Better Squarespace or Wix?
Choosing between Squarespace and Wix ultimately depends on your specific needs and skill level.
Squarespace offers stunning, designer-quality templates and an all-in-one platform, making it a great choice for those prioritizing aesthetics and minimal reliance on third-party apps.
Wix, with its superior design flexibility and extensive app market, is better suited for users who want a more tailored website experience and have some technical confidence.
If ease of use is your top priority and you want to get a site up quickly with lots of potential to customize down the line, Wix could be the way to go.
For a more design-centric, cohesive experience without much tinkering or need for add-ons, Squarespace might be your best choice.
What Membership Website Builder Do Most Companies Use?
The most commonly used membership website builder among companies often depends on the specific needs and industry of the business.
WordPress stands out for its flexibility and robust plugin ecosystem, making it a popular choice for companies that require custom solutions.
Additionally, platforms such as Wix and Squarespace are also frequently utilized for their design capabilities and user-friendly interfaces, especially by companies with less technical expertise aiming for visually compelling and functional sites.
Shopify, meanwhile, is a go-to for businesses with a strong ecommerce element. Ultimately, the choice of builder is dictated by the unique priorities and objectives of each company.
Set Up A Membership Website: Can I Do It Myself?
Absolutely, setting up a membership website can be a DIY project, especially with the variety of user-friendly website builders available today.
Builders like Wix and Weebly offer intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces that make it simple for those with no coding experience to create a functional and attractive membership site.
WordPress is also a viable option with its extensive library of themes and plugins designed specifically for membership-based sites, although it may have a steeper learning curve.
Before you start, it’s important to outline your site’s goals, structure your content, decide on membership levels or tiers, and choose the appropriate tools that align with your site’s objectives.
With the right preparation and website builder, you can craft a membership website that meets the needs of your audience and fosters a sense of community around your content or services.
What Makes A Good Membership Website Builder?
A good membership website builder should provide an intuitive interface, robust customization options, and reliable security features.
It must allow for the creation of multiple membership levels or tiers, offer ease in managing members, and automate processes like signups, renewals, and payments. A variety of engaging content types such as forums, articles, and courses should be supported to keep members engaged.
Additionally, SEO tools, responsive design for mobile access, and excellent customer support are crucial for the success and growth of a membership website.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Membership Website Builder
Choosing the perfect membership website builder isn’t just about prices or templates. Look for an intuitive interface, robust membership management tools, content protection, secure payment gateways, CRM integrations, and reliable customer support. Each feature plays a vital role in ensuring your membership site’s success.
Additional Considerations for Membership Site Owners
Beyond the basics, consider whether the website builder offers community engagement features, e-learning capabilities, forums, live events, and marketing tool integrations to enhance your members’ experience.
To Top It Off…
Your membership site’s foundation is its website builder. Whether prioritizing design, user-friendliness, ecommerce ability, or affordability, our comprehensive guide maps out the best paths tailored to different needs. Choose wisely, and watch your digital community thrive.
Remember, in the world of online membership platforms, the right website builder doesn’t just meet expectations—it propels you towards your goals.
Read next: Can You Create A Membership Site On GoDaddy?
