Memberships & Associations
August 8, 2024

12 Ways to Boost Membership Retention

Membership Retention

For most membership-based organisations retention remains the top method of sustainable growth. Whilst member acquisition still plays a vital role, keeping existing members engaged, satisfied, and committed long term keeps high churn rates from eating away at bottom lines. 


The question is; how do we turn member retention from a persistent challenge into a powerful growth driver? It’s a question I hear time and again from membership organisations that reach out to us. 

So in this article, I’m sharing twelve actionable and proven strategies guaranteed to resonate with your members. You’ll be able to put these together into a thriving ecosystem of value, engagement and membership renewals. 



Contents:

 

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Key Takeaways
 

  • Member retention is crucial for organisational growth and financial stability.

  • Personalised onboarding and ongoing engagement are key to member satisfaction.

  • Regular feedback collection and data analysis help in understanding member needs.

  • Value-driven benefits and exclusive content contribute to higher retention rates.

  • Community building and networking opportunities foster long term loyalty.

  • Implementing tiered membership structures caters to diverse member needs.

  • Leveraging technology for personalisation at scale enhances the member experience.


Why Does Membership Retention Matter?

Too often, membership organisations prioritise acquisition over member retention. I can see why acquisition takes centre stage. It attracts more people to an organisation’s cause and drives revenue that funds its operations. But most organisations miss the fact that healthy retention rates also lead to growth potential.

When you put in place effective member retention strategies, loyal members become advocates for the organisation, and as a result of each successful referral their value increases. That said, securing higher retention needs a shift in mindset. 


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Understanding Membership Retention

When it comes to retention, some organisations will – naturally – focus on outcome-based thinking. But successful retention requires an acute focus on process-based thinking. Before we see membership retention as a guaranteed method of preventing churn, we need to lock in how your organisation can consistently offer value throughout the member lifecycle. 

Membership organisations are very fortunate in this regard. Their model lends itself well to building a strong sense of community; an absolute must for any organisation.

So, let’s see building a sense of community through a process-based lens:


Strategy: Build a sense of community Process
Objective 1: Offer online spaces for members to interact and create 
  • Launch online forums and highlight top contributors monthly.
  • Promote user-generated content and showcase it in newsletters or dashboards.
Objective 2: Promote peer-to-peer interaction
  • Host regular virtual roundtables or networking events.
  • Pair new members with mentors or peer buddies.
Objective 3: Encourage feedback and evolution
  • Run quarterly feedback loops with surveys or polls.
  • Share “you said, we did” updates to show responsiveness.
Objective 4: Incentivise brand advocacy
  • Launch a member referrals programme with recognition or perks.
  • Feature members who bring in new members via spotlight stories or leaderboards.
Objective 5: Recognise member contributions
  • Create a member spotlight series across your social media channels.
  • Award badges or certifications for engagement milestones.

From the table, it’s clear that to foster a sense of community involves more than just good intentions. It’s easy to list strategies but breaking them down into more  granular, actionable objectives takes a deeper understanding of their impact on member retention.

Retention is rarely driven by one factor alone. It’s always the result of a mix between perceived value, engagement levels, member satisfaction, and a sense of belonging. 

These efforts lead to meaningful outcomes:

 

  • Improved financial stability, due to predictable, recurring revenue.

  • Increased member engagement, which boosts lifetime value and long term loyalty.

Knowing your desired outcomes gives you the destination. Understanding the process gives you direction. Before we dive into the twelve core strategies, let’s take a step back and explore three key foundations and their best retention practices:

 

  1. The challenges facing member retention.

  2. The member lifecycle.

  3. The role of metrics and data in tracking success.


 

Member Retention Challenges for Member-Based Organisations

If there’s one guarantee in loyalty, it’s that the needs and expectations of customers (or in this case members) forever change. Organisations have little choice but to constantly adapt their value propositions. 

But what happens when those changes don’t land as intended? According to the 2023 Association Survey Results Report, 13% of organisations said cancelling events actually led to increased member engagement.

At first glance, this seems counterintuitive. Could it be blamed on a preference for quality over quantity? Did scarcity drive up perceived value? Or is it simply an outlier? 

Regardless of the reason, this reveals a deeper point. Successful retention isn’t just about what you offer but when, how, and why you offer it. Organisations face the challenge of even the best member benefits and incentives falling flat if they lack timing, relevance, or meaning.

Best practice: Make your incentives and rewards timely, relevant and meaningful.

 


 

The Member Lifecycle and Journey

Within the context of retention, a member’s journey typically follows this lifecycle: 

  • Acquisition: The first point of contact and joining—ideally through advocacy or referral.

  • Onboarding: Introducing them to benefits and services when new members join. 

  • Engagement: Building ongoing interaction and increasing perceived membership value.

  • Renewal: A key decision point—continue or exit the membership journey.

  • Loyalty: Long term commitment, advocacy, and deeper engagement.


Each stage presents a unique opportunity to enhance the member experience. For example, a smooth onboarding process can improve short term retention, while personalised engagement strategies are crucial for driving long term loyalty.

Mapping out the member journey uncovers potential pain points and opportunities for better retention. One of the tools we often use is the loyalty ladder. It gives us insights into how members might think or feel next, and allows us to proactively address issues before they surface. As a process, it’s one of the most effective methods I’ve seen for improving both satisfaction and retention.

Best practice: Align your retention strategies to the key stages of the lifecycle. That way, you improve your chances of adding the right value at the right time.

 


 

Retention Metrics and Data Analysis

In our data-driven world, measuring and analysing retention metrics is a must. Key metrics we focus on include:

 

  • Churn rate: The percentage of members who don't renew.

  • Retention rate: The inverse of churn, indicating the percentage of retained members.

  • Engagement score: How actively members use their benefits and interact with the organisation. 

  • Net Promoter Score (NPS): Measuring member satisfaction and likelihood to recommend, 

  • Lifetime Value (LTV): The total value a member brings over their entire relationship.

You should regularly analyse these metrics because they give you a picture of what’s going on in your membership base. That’s why we’ve built data analysis dashboards in the Propello platform. It helps our clients identify trends, predict potential churners, and alter retention strategies accordingly. 

Whichever solution you use, make sure it has similar capabilities. It’s a must-have for successfully retaining members.

Also, segment your membership base. We do the same with our clients’ customers and members. Segmentation analysis paves the way to more actionable insights. Such information leads to better targeted retention strategies because – as we’ve seen with our clients – they’re able to identify which value-adds resonate best with different groups. Again, another game-changer. 

Best practice: Track key metrics regularly to spot trends and risks early. Align retention strategies to what matters most for each group.

 

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Strategies for Effective Membership Retention

Below, I’ve listed twelve strategies, each improves member retention rates. Each one offers tips on either delivering consistent value, understanding your members’ needs, building a strong sense of community or any combination of these. 

 

1) Use Member Feedback and Survey

Research shows that 91% of organisations rely on customer feedback for innovation. We saw earlier how 13% of organisations surveyed had cancelled events in response to low uptake. Most likely, these organisations acted on the back of member feedback.  

Remember, members are invested in your mission because it directly ties to their ethics, interests and values. In this way, membership organisations are lucky as their members are more than likely to share their thoughts. I’d highly recommend all organisations to leverage it. To gather valuable feedback try:

 

  • Consistent communication channels: Use familiar platforms like email for surveys. 

  • Purpose-led messaging: Explain how a member’s feedback will contribute to improving the organisation's mission.

  • Event-specific feedback: Ask about recent experiences to gather timely insights.

  • Open-ended questions: Give members a chance to share their stories as to why they signed up and incentivise them to share suggestions.

Members are often experts in your organisation’s field or at the very least passionate about the cause you stand for. Their insights are practically a guiding hand for further developing your organisation’s retention strategies. 



2) Make a Great First Impression During Onboarding

Research shows that 63% of customers will decide whether to stay subscribed to a service based on onboarding alone. Building a smooth onboarding experience typically requires the following: 

 

  • Personalised welcome messages: Address new members by name and express appreciation.

  • Tailored support: Offer assistance during early stages and promptly address any concerns new members may express.

  • Customised content: Provide resources that match individual interests and learning preferences. 


A strong onboarding process sets the tone for new members from day one. It’s an opportunity for you to instantly demonstrate attentiveness, a commitment to stress-free membership, and reassure newcomers that they’re in good hands. 


 

3) Personalise communication and Focus on Community Building

Following smooth onboarding, the member should experience the full extent of what your organisation has to offer. Personalised communication and a strong sense of community enhances your organisation’s core services. They’re also a great differentiator from competitors.

Your personalised and attentive communication should also tonally align with your organisation's mission and values. Here’s a list of tactics for getting this part of the member experience right:

  • Developing a communication plan: Set clear objectives and establish a consistent schedule.
  • Highlighting achievements: Celebrate collective and individual milestones to cultivate a sense of achievement and belonging.
  • Creating interactive content: Use visuals and multimedia that increase engagement.
  • Building a community space: Offer spaces for member-to-member interactions and discussions. 

Personalised experiences add to overall value perception because they’re unique to the organisation’s brand or persona. They’re a key differentiator against competitors. You can make them truly unique.



 

4) Create Value Through Captivating and Exclusive Content

For successful retention, your value-adds must be consistently delivered and aligned with your organisation’s purpose and mission. Bear in mind that different types of organisations require different value propositions:

 

  • Professional associations: Networking events, webinars, career development resources.

  • Nonprofits and charities: Opportunities to contribute and make a difference.

  • Cultural organisations: Exclusive access to events, exhibits, or performances.


Value-driven benefits may include:

 

  • Educational resources and professional development opportunities.

  • Exclusive content and publications.

  • Recognition and awards programmes.

  • Access to expert advice and mentorship.

  • Discounted services or products.

  • Networking opportunities.

  • Access to cutting-edge research and industry insights.


On a side note, promoting benefits like these across your marketing channels also boost member acquisition.



5) Create an EngagingMembership Calendar

An engaging membership calendar ensures you’ve always got something to keep members engaged and interactive throughout the year. Back this up with a dedicated support team, responsible for planning events, resolving issues and overseeing communications with existing members. For your members to have a positive and fulfilling experience, your team should focus on: 

 

  • A clear mission and set of objectives.

  • Possessing a diverse skills including communication, problem-solving, and a repertoire of soft skills e.g., empathy. 

  • Continual professional development and training in soft skills.  

  • Learning technology and tools to streamline support and track member interactions.

Engagement strategies to consider:

 

  • Create a membership calendar with regular events and touchpoints.

  • Set membership challenges to encourage active participation.

  • Celebrate membership milestones.


A dedicated support and engagement team increases membership retention because they keep interacting with members. This keeps your organisation top of mind. It also keeps your ear close to the ground. If members have an issue, they’ll feel more comfortable reporting it to team members they’ve built a rapport with, allowing for their concerns to be addressed quickly. 

Plus, an overall attentive member experience, makes people feel valued and most importantly, supported. 



6) Set up a Rewards and Loyalty Programme

A well-designed loyalty programme is a must-have for improved retention. Research shows that 79% of customers stay with brands that offer rewards for loyalty. Key benefits of a robust rewards programme include:

 

  • Enhanced member engagement.

  • Increased retention rates.

  • Improved value proposition.

  • Valuable data collection and insights.

  • Higher member satisfaction.

  • Word-of-mouth promotion.

  • Opportunities for upselling.

  • Stronger community building.

A membership benefits programme should definitely be on your to-do list if improving retention is a priority. When designing your programme, focus on member recognition and personalised rewards that align with member values that are also relevant, timely and meaningful. 

 



7) Regularly Refreshing Content

Ongoing assessment and adaptation are vital for improving member retention. A framework for continuous improvement should include:

  • SMART objectives aligned with your organisation's mission.

  • Gathering and analysing member feedback.

  • Developing action plans with clear steps and timelines.

  • Encouraging a culture of innovation among staff and members.

  • Conducting regular process reviews, especially after events.

  • Celebrating successes to boost morale.

In the end, this leads to improved member satisfaction, growth and an increased member lifecycle for every subscriber. A framework for continuous improvement empowers your organisation to adapt, thrive, and provide enduring value to all members. 

 


8) Host Networking Opportunities

Exclusive networking events improve member retention because the opportunities they offer are not readily available elsewhere. Most professionals agree that in-person conferences give attendees the best opportunities. Consider incorporating:

  • Fundraisers.

  • Workshops and seminars.

  • Community outreach sessions.

Events make your personalised experiences that extra bit special. Especially if they are curated based on member engagement and their circumstances. And since they lead to making connections that your members can't find elsewhere, they’ll want to stay. Remember to also tailor events to each member’s interests.

 


 

9) Offer Flexible Options in your Membership Tiers and Pricing

Tiered membership caters to diverse needs and budgets, whilst improving overall retention. Consider these strategies:

  • Flexible membership terms: Offer monthly, quarterly, and annual options.

  • Value-based pricing: Align pricing with the benefits offered at each tier.

  • Clear differentiation: Ensure each tier provides distinct, valuable benefits.

  • Upgrade incentives: Encourage members to move to higher tiers with exclusive perks.

  • Regular review: Assess and adjust tiers based on member feedback and data show uptick in subscriptions.

Tier options give members something to aim for. FOMO and exclusivity are powerful motivators. If you set the right rewards at each tier, you’ll successfully incentivise members to reach higher levels of loyalty. 

 


 

10) Give Brand Ambassadors A Reason to Advocate with a Referral Programme

Referral programmes are powerful tools for both acquisition and retention. Satisfied members who refer others are often highly invested in the organisation themselves. An effective referral programme needs:

  • Compelling incentives: Provide rewards that are valuable to your members.

  • Make it easy: Create a simple, streamlined referral process.

  • Recognise top referrers: Highlight and reward your most active brand ambassadors.

  • Track and analyse: Monitor programme performance and adjust as needed.

  • Educate members: Ensure they understand the benefits of referring others.

Members trust word-of-mouth recommendations that come from friends and family more than ads. 

 


 

11) Implement Value-Based Pricing in Membership Tiers

Back to tiers we discussed earlier, I recommend implementing value-based pricing strategies:

  • Conduct regular market research to understand competitive pricing.

  • Align pricing with perceived value of benefits at each tier.

  • Consider cost-plus pricing for base tiers and value-based pricing for premium tiers.

  • Implement occasional promotional pricing to encourage upgrades or renewals.

  • Use dynamic pricing for events or additional services based on demand.

Pricing should reflect the value you provide while remaining competitive. 

 


 

12) Personalise at Scale Leveraging Technology

Using the right technology allows you to provide tailored experiences efficiently:

  • Implement a robust CRM system to track member preferences and interactions.

  • Use AI and machine learning for member data analysis and predict behaviour.

  • Develop automated, trigger-based communication strategies.

  • Create personalised content recommendations based on member interests and engagement history.

  • Try marketing automation tools for targeted campaigns.

  • Implement chatbots for instant, personalised member support.


Your chosen technology for different purposes must also work well together. Try to find a solution that marries them together, so they work in cohesion instead of against each other. 

 

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Putting Your Retention Strategy into Action

Putting a retention strategy into action requires careful planning, teamwork, and the flexibility to adjust as you go. The most successful organisations stay open to feedback and refine their approach over time. In this section, we’ll explore some of the key steps to bring your retention strategy to life.

 

Automating Key Membership Tasks

Automation helps with scaling your retention efforts  while freeing up your team to focus on other priorities.

Here's how to approach automation effectively:

Automated Renewal Reminders

Design a multi-touch campaign that starts before the renewal date (e.g., 90, 60, 30, and 15 days prior). It’s a great framework for personalising messages based on member engagement levels and historical data. Also, include clear CTAs and make the renewal process as frictionless as possible. 

I’d also consider early renewal incentives for proactive members. Once you automate you should see ROI  on your renewal rates within 6 months after implementation just like 44% of other businesses.

 

Welcome Sequences

For an effective welcome sequence, create a series of onboarding emails or in-app messages spread over several weeks. Don’t forget to introduce key benefits gradually to avoid overwhelming new members. Also, they must be meaningful and relevant! 

Add interactive elements (like short videos or quizzes) to incentivise engagement. It makes the process fun, further preventing recipients from feeling overwhelmed. Lastly, set up triggered messages in your automated systems, based on specific actions (or inactions) during the onboarding period. 

 

Engagement Tracking

Implement a robust CRM system that integrates with your membership platform. You can track key metrics like login frequency, resource usage, and event attendance. 

In addition to this, set up automated systems that alert you to sudden drops in engagement and other red flags. Use this data to trigger re-engagement campaigns for at-risk members. Then you can take actions – such as winback emails (45% of recipients typically read the rest of nurturing sequences). 


Feedback Collection

Automate the distribution of member surveys at key points in the member lifecycle (e.g., post-onboarding, after events, pre-renewal). This includes setting up automatic alerts for negative feedback too. I can't stress enough how important this is.

Most customers—over 95%—won’t tell you when something’s gone wrong. If you don’t have a clear and easy way for people to share negative feedback, you’re likely to miss the warning signs. By the time you notice a rise in churn, the damage may already be done. But giving members a place to express negative feedback sets you up for rapid intervention. 

 

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Utilising Member Profiles

Full member profiles are the foundation of effective personalisation. Here's how to boost their impact:


Collect Comprehensive Data

Use progressive profiling to collect information gradually over time. Last thing you want is to overwhelm users with lengthy forms. Incorporate both explicit data provided directly by members and implicit data derived from their behaviour. Consider running periodic "profile update" campaigns to keep information current. 

To really understand your members, bring together data from all the places they interact with you, such as your website, events and customer service. When you connect these touchpoints, you get a clearer, more complete view of their needs and behaviours.

Segment Your Audience

Personalisation works best with a deeper understanding of who you’re talking to. Start by building rich, multi-dimensional segments instead of just traditional demographics. Focus on behaviour and mindset.

From there, create member “personas” that reflect your key audience types. These profiles make it easier to tailor your approach and speak to what different groups really care about.

You can also use predictive analytics to spot members who might be at risk of leaving or those who are ready to upgrade. And don’t forget: your members' expectations are forever changing. Make it a habit to revisit and fine-tune your segments when  you gather new data and notice shifts in behaviour.

Personalise Content Delivery

Once you have a full dataset informed by well-defined segments, focus on  personalised content. A great way to boost engagement is by using a content recommendation engine that learns from your members’ behaviour. When you know their interests, you can suggest articles, resources and products that actually matter to them.

Take it a step further by adjusting email content to each person’s preferences and past interactions. As a result, you should see a huge improvement in open and click-through rates. Also, consider options for personalising the member dashboard so that it shows the most relevant benefits and they can make it their own. 

 

Enable Self-Service

Self service options empower your members because they have some autonomy over their own experiences. Giving them a chance to take part in membership management evokes a sense of ownership. They can update personal details, manage payments and access resources on demand without friction. Make sure navigation is intuitive, and provide clear guides so members can find what they need without needing to contact support.  

 

Respect privacy

When you’re collecting and using member data, trust is everything. Respecting privacy is a fundamental right. So it’s essential (and legally binding) to uphold complete transparency at all times about what data you collect and how you use it. I recommend auditing your data practices regularly – at least annually – to stay compliant with GDPR and CCPA regulations.

 

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Setting Up Regular Member Meetings

Regular meetings boost retention as they provide consistent human contact in a community setting. Here's how to make these meetings effective:

Keep Engagement High with a Regular Event Schedule

Use an annual event calendar that tells members what’s coming. They can plan ahead and book events in their busy schedules. To make your events even more accessible, try accommodating for both morning and evening sessions. 

That said, be mindful of how often you host events. Regular touchpoints are great but too many can lead to burnout. Strike a balance of keeping members engaged without overwhelming them.

Vary Formats

To keep your events interesting and engaging, offer a variety of formats. Large-scale webinars are great for sharing knowledge with a wide audience. Smaller, interactive roundtables feel more exclusive, encouraging deeper conversations and stronger connections.

Nearly 70% of attendees say hybrid events are their preferred format. If possible offer both in-person and virtual options. Flexibility helps you reach more members, no matter where they are or how they like to engage.

 

Provide Value

The success of any event comes down to one thing: the value it brings to those attending. Take time to understand what your members care about most. When your topics reflect their real interests and needs, engagement naturally follows. Inviting high-profile speakers or industry experts to share insights about these topics also adds credibility and exclusivity to your events.
 
To make participation even more rewarding, consider offering exclusive content or resources to those who contribute or attend. It’s a great way to celebrate your active members.

Follow Up

Send personalised follow-up emails with key takeaways and additional resources. First follow up emails typically see a 49% open rate.  They’re also a perfect opportunity to share recordings or summaries for members who couldn't attend, expanding your reach even more, and being inclusive towards those that couldn’t make it. 

Next, use event participation data to inform future personalised communications. Doing this maintains momentum with members who attended the event. I’d definitely set up an ongoing discussion thread too. It gives members a place to catch up with each other and discuss the event, keeping them engaged and retained.

 



Continuous Leadership Presence

Visible leadership builds trust and authority. 


Regular Communications

Set up monthly newsletters or quarterly video updates. Blending high-level strategic insights with personal reflections humanises leaders. This makes them more relatable and easier to resonate with. 

Storytelling is also a fantastic way of conveying your values and mission. When you craft a compelling story, it strengthens your community because members will feel a part of it. 


Participate in Events

Leaders should not just present but actively engage in member events. Hosting breakout sessions or workshops allows members to connect with leadership on a personal level. 

To make interactions more meaningful, prepare leaders with key talking points and member insights, relevant to the event's theme or attendees. When hands on with attendees, their engagement increases, and they take away a lot more value from the experience. 


Host Q&A Sessions

Hosting regular “town hall” style meetings gives members a valuable chance to connect directly with your leadership team. Encourage both pre-submitted and live questions to keep the conversation dynamic and topics broad.

For any questions you can’t get to during the session, follow up afterward, whether through a personal response or a dedicated content piece. Show members that every voice matters and that you’re committed to listening and responding. Q&A sessions are a great way for leadership to address concerns, share their vision for the organisation, and reinforce the value of membership.


Showcase Thought Leadership

When your leaders share their perspectives through blog posts, articles or insights on industry trends, it positions them, and your organisation, as trusted thought leaders. Encourage them to contribute regularly and support them in developing original research or whitepapers. Deeper pieces strengthen your organisation’s reputation in the wider industry.

 

Personalised Outreach

Create a programme where leaders personally connect with a select group of members each month. Use data to identify who might benefit most. That could be members at risk of leaving or those showing strong growth potential. Equip leaders with key insights about each member so their outreach feels thoughtful, relevant, and personal. One-on-one interactions go a long way in strengthening relationships and building long term loyalty.

Track the impact of these personal touchpoints on member satisfaction and retention to refine your approach over time and demonstrate the value of leadership engagement.

 

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Case Studies and Success Stories

Members of professional associations will find value in benefits such as free networking events and webinars. Whereas nonprofits and charity members feel the benefit of helping others as truly valuable. 

The purpose of your organisation should inform the type of benefits you offer to members. Here are some examples:



Project Management Institute (PMI): Educational resources & networking events 

Members of the PMI will greatly benefit from webinars, workshops and online courses that help develop their careers. Improving member skills, knowledge and expertise is in line with the organisation’s mission and helps it boost retention. 



National Trust: Environmental Initiatives

The mission of The National Trust is to protect the UK’s historic places and green spaces. Members enjoy free access to over 500 properties, coastlines and countryside locations. In addition to this, they receive invites to special events and exclusive member content. 

Content typically includes milestones for raising funds and news about the positive impact of The National Trust. Invites to special events involve supporting local eco-friendly initiatives. Members can participate in environmentally conscious projects or campaigns aligned with their environmental values. 



 

The Royal Society of Arts (RSA): Ethical and Social Responsibility Programmes

RSA members receive invitations to events, lectures and to engage in discussions on societal challenges. Topics often relate to arts, education, and social progress.

It’s this sense of community that makes the benefits of being a RSA member so compelling. Giving members the opportunity to take part in community outreach, volunteering and philanthropic efforts, is the whole point of the RSA. 



 

Independent Society of Music (ISM): Nurturing Talent and Interest 

We’ve implemented a loyalty programme with our client The Independent Society of Music (ISM) to address problems that could potentially cause attrition. Such as low member engagement and lack of reward relevancy. 

  • Diverse reward offerings to meet the needs and expectations of various segments in the memberships.

     

  • Data tracking and reward relevance for driving retention towards brand advocacy. 

     

  • Communication support to assist with real-time data and provide actionable insights.

This programme has made a real difference, boosting member engagement and retention, while strengthening ISM’s reputation in the music industry. It brings together experienced professionals and new talent in a supportive network, reflecting ISM’s mission to grow and celebrate musical talent at every level.

 


ISM Case Study CTA

 

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Strategies to Help Your Organisation Thrive

Strong member retention never happens by accident. It’s the end result of building towards an ecosystem of consistent value-adds and engagement. The right strategies e.g., personalised member onboarding, data-informed loyalty programmes, and meaningful community-building efforts lead to widespread satisfaction and long term retention.

But remember, retention is an ongoing process that requires regular attention and a willingness to adapt. Stay close to your members’ evolving needs, keep delivering value, and focus on creating a sense of belonging. Start small, track your progress, and refine as you go.

When you make retention a priority, you’re actively protecting your organisation’s future and strengthening its impact. With the strategies and practical steps we've covered, you should have the tools to turn retention from a challenge into one of your most powerful growth engines.

 

This comprehensive guide equips you with strategies for sustainable growth, covering member acquisition, engagement, and retention. Prepare to elevate your membership organisation's performance and deliver an exceptional member experience.

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FAQs

What is member retention and why is it important? 

Member retention means keeping members over time. It’s more cost-effective than recruiting new ones and helps grow loyalty, revenue, and trust in your organisation’s value.


How can we improve our onboarding process to boost retention? 

Make onboarding personal and easy. Welcome new members, guide them through key benefits, and give them the support they need to get started with confidence.


What role does member feedback play in retention strategies?

Feedback shows what members care about. It helps you improve services, fix issues, and prove you're listening; both of which are key ingredients for keeping members engaged and satisfied.


How can we implement effective loyalty programmes for members?

Build simple, relevant rewards based on what members value—like points, perks, or early access. Keep it easy to use and clearly explain how it works.


What strategies can we use to build a strong sense of community among members?

Bring members together through events, forums, and shared projects. Celebrate their wins and encourage peer connections to build real community.


How can we leverage technology to enhance member retention?

Use tech to send timely, relevant messages and personalised content. Give members easy access to benefits via apps or self-service tools.


What are some effective communication strategies for improving retention?

Use a mix of channels and personalise messages based on member interests. Share useful content and real impact stories to keep members connected.


How can we create a tiered membership structure to improve retention? 

Offer clear tiers with increasing benefits. Help members see the value of upgrading, and adjust based on their needs and feedback.


What metrics should we track to measure member retention effectively?

Track retention and churn rates, engagement levels, NPS, and lifetime value. Watch for patterns when they’re renewing their memberships and feedback to spot trends early.



How can we re-engage lapsed or at-risk members?

Use data to spot who’s slipping away. Reach out with personal offers, ask for feedback, and make it easy—and appealing—for them to return.

 


 

Author Bio, Written By: 

Mark Camp | CEO & Founder at PropelloCloud.com | LinkedIn
MarkCampProfile-1

Mark is the Founder and CEO of Propello Cloud, an innovative SaaS platform for loyalty and customer engagement. With over 20 years of marketing experience, he is passionate about helping brands boost retention and acquisition with scalable loyalty solutions.

Mark is an expert in loyalty and engagement strategy, having worked with major enterprise clients across industries to drive growth through rewards programmes. He leads Propello Cloud's mission to deliver versatile platforms that help organisations attract, engage and retain customers.

 

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