Setting Up Member Sites: A Complete Setup Guide and Checklist
Before creating a member site, ensure you have an active billing plan that includes digital products and SSL enabled on your domain.
Create Your Member Site in 3 Steps:
Step 1: Create Gated Content
- Set up your member site and pricing plan in the Pages panel
- Add pages to build your gated content
- Create a member homepage (first page becomes default landing page)
- Customize member navigation, checkout experience, and email notifications
Step 2: Configure Settings
- Review and select appropriate billing plan
- Connect payment processor (required for subscription/fixed pricing)
- Customize paywalls and access settings
- Set up member navigation
Step 3: Launch and Promote
- Add digital product blocks to your sign-up page
- Create a dedicated sign-up page showcasing membership options
- Manage members through the Contacts panel
- Monitor and adjust settings as needed
Tips for Success:
- Use digital product templates if building from scratch
- Ensure all payment systems are properly connected
- Regularly review member analytics
- Test the sign-up process before launch
- Keep member content fresh and valuable
For best results, continuously monitor member engagement and gather feedback to improve the experience. Consider hiring a Squarespace Expert for custom features or complex setups.
Remember to:
- Maintain consistent content updates
- Communicate clearly with members
- Monitor payment processing
- Regularly review security settings
- Keep member documentation updated
Your member site can be modified at any time to better serve your audience's needs.