Many associations rely on their members to sustain their purpose and impact. To effectively manage members, outreach, programs, and member engagement are all critical measures. Technology today plays an immense role in engaging, retaining, nurturing, and managing association memberships. Using software and technology, initiatives can be enhanced and streamlined into highly effective management processes.
Let’s learn how to use technology for efficient association membership management.
Communicate with Members
Every member has a preferred method of communication. Through this, an association can send relevant messaging and keep members informed of pertinent information about their membership, the association, and related events. Whether by phone call, text, email, social media message, or association management systems, there are many ways to reach members.
Create a Centralized Database of Member Information
Technology is helpful for association database management. Like any Customer Relationship Management system, critical member data can be stored, interactions and engagement are tracked, and data histories are automatically generated. This simplifies administrative tasks, from sending member renewal reminders to event invitations, email marketing, and more.
More Personalized Messaging & Higher Member Engagement
Personalized messaging has advanced in the past decade. Associations can include a member’s name when interacting with a user. Additionally, they can provide recaps based on past engagements, interests, and communication preferences. An association can also offer personalized offers, such as member discounts, unique perks that don’t apply to all members, and more.
Remote Learning Systems Offered Through Member Portals
Member portals require users to sign in to access a digital library of valuable information. Associations can offer remote learning, courses and tutorials, and individual or group classes. Members who need to maintain or upgrade their credentials can do so online without presenting in person. Remote learning can be arranged and delivered through a personalized curriculum or pre-made videos.
Self-Management of Member Profiles by Online Portal
Online portals allow members to update their contact information, make donations, note communication preferences, register for events, and access resources. It’s a highly effective way for members to self-manage with self-service options. A portal is also a way to message other members, connect, foster bonds, and more.
Create Engaging Content and Resources for Members
With content creation software, you can generate videos, written text, infographics, courses, long-form articles, podcasts, images and graphics, and more. Having exclusive content offered for free to members is another benefit of membership. Associations can benefit enormously from high-quality content and resources that support their members.
Auto-Renewal and Online Membership Payments
Technology makes it possible to auto-renew members and process online membership applications. A potential member can join the association without too much delay. Additionally, include secure payment gateways incorporated into an association’s website. Likewise, prepare an efficient, hassle-free membership application page. These streamlined processes make it easy for members to register and be confirmed.
Automate the Onboarding Process with an Email Path
Association management systems can automatically integrate new members into onboarding. This process can provide members with the documents they need. They will receive personalized and written follow-up emails. Also, engagement strategies will welcome members from the first day they join your association.
Monitor Trends, Preferences, and Engagement Patterns
Associations can see trends and patterns in member data through analytics and reporting. This allows you to understand better your members, their values, and what benefits or perks appeal to them. Develop better communication strategies. Measure membership sign-up initiatives and marketing strategies. There is unlimited data to explore and examine.
Deliver Timely Updates to Members Worldwide
Associations can leverage communication channels through email, social media, and mobile devices. They provide instant updates, share meaningful stories and data, and promote events or initiatives targeting member engagement. Members are more likely to remain informed of the latest happenings, which will enhance your association’s ability to get members to participate.
Solicit Member Feedback with Periodic Surveys
In the past, associations had to mail a survey on paper or pay for postage, which was a hassle. Modern association tech tools make it possible to create a survey and automate its release based on the time of year or where the member is in their membership journey. The data collected is automatically filtered into an easy-to-read report.
AI, Chatbots, and Member Communications
AI and chatbots make it easier for associations to keep up with member communications, provide information, and answer questions. AI is quickly becoming a must-have tool for associations wanting to provide interactive content and enhance engagement. It can offer suggestions on maximizing the membership experience based on user demographics, member behaviour, and more.
