13 Nov 2020

How to create a great first-year experience online

As part of MemberWise’s Membership OnTrack programme, Pixl8 consultants Lucy Conlan and Neil Rosewarn shared examples of how to deliver a great online onboarding programme.

First impressions have always been important but this has never been more true than in recent months. Membership organisations need to offer potential as well as existing members guidance, support, empathy and at times hope. 

Joining has always been about member value and a strong proposition and since March 2020, some of the core needs around information, aspiration and inspiration are still there. What has changed is the method of delivering them. 

Member needs are now more focused on digital activity and can include guidance and advice about operating during a pandemic, serving stressed working members as well as those furloughed or redundant. 

Being able to empathise as well as tailor content and messaging effectively is becoming increasingly important. 

We’d love to share a few pointers with you:

But what does this look like?

Some of the new ideas, shared from the Pixl8 team on how to conduct an engaging online programme include: 

Gap analysis:

It’s important to consider what you know and what you need to know about your members. You are likely to know key facts, such as their date of joining, renewal deadline and email engagement. However, understanding their likelihood to renew, what interests them in terms of content and their reason for joining will help keep them engaged in the first-year. 

Reasons to come back:

There are many ways in which to further member retention: online CPD activities, online mentoring, webinars series and learning certifications to name a few.

Warm welcome:

When onboarding in the first-year, it is important that you help new members experience the value of your product first-hand. Provide a staggered welcome so you can gradually show how the services and opportunities can help them achieve their career, personal or even cultural ambitions. 

Tailored announcements:

By personalising all communications between you and your members, you are making it easy for them to engage with you as an organisation. This personalisation can be furthered by a tailored logged-in page when your members access your site. 

Download the slides

Gain all the insights and examples in this inspirational and practical talk from Lucy and Neil.