Whether you’re managing a union, an association, or another member-based organization, memberships are the backbone of your success. An engaged community doesn’t just make your organization stronger—it keeps the cash flowing and sets you up for long-term wins.

Let’s be honest—people are constantly swamped with content. So, how can you stand out, grab the attention of potential members, and convince them to sign up? The secret to success is creating a strong value proposition, streamlining the sign-up process, and continuously offering experiences that truly resonate with potential members.

When your audience sees the real advantages of joining—whether that means access to exclusive content, valuable networking opportunities, or special member perks—they’ll be far more inclined to take that next step and get involved.

It’s not just about getting people to sign up, though; it’s about creating an experience they want to stay for. So, without further ado, let’s look at some techniques to boost your membership and take your sales to the next level!

Developing a Marketing Plan

Before diving in and testing different approaches, it’s important to have a clear strategy. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

• Set clear objectives: What’s the goal? More sign-ups? Higher engagement? A better retention rate? Get specific so you can measure your success.
• Identify your target audience: Who are your ideal members? Are they professionals looking for networking opportunities, newbies passionate about advancing in their field, or industry practitioners looking for accreditation? Know your crowd.
• Select the right marketing channels: Facebook, LinkedIn, email newsletters—each of these has its own “vibe”, so make sure to use the tools that your audience will actually engage with.

Strategies to Boost Membership Sales

Now for the fun part: making your membership sales soar!

1. Simplify the Enrollment Process

If your sign-up process is too complicated, potential members may give up before they even complete it. Instead, make it as easy as putting together a sandwich—simple, fast, and intuitive. A streamlined, user-friendly process reduces friction and increases conversions. Consider:

• One-click sign-ups
• Clear pricing (no hidden fees)
• Mobile responsivity (because nobody wants to struggle with a tiny screen!)

2. Offer Incentives and Limited-Time Deals

People are always drawn to a great deal. Build anticipation and drive action by creating a sense of urgency and excitement with:

• Early-bird discounts
• BOGO (Buy One, Get One) memberships for referrals
• Exclusive launch offers for first-time members (such as discounted/free courses)

3. Utilize Social Media & Online Platforms

If you’re not using social media to promote your memberships (and all they offer!), you’re leaving money on the table. Social media is a powerful tool for reaching potential members, engaging your current audience, and showcasing the value of your organization. Use platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) to:

• Post engaging content (such as behind-the-scenes videos, testimonials, and sneak peeks of new courses).
• Go live! Q&A sessions and virtual events can build hype. Run paid ads targeting your ideal members–after all, members can only join your association if they know you’re out there!

4. Offer Valuable & Exclusive Content

People don’t just want to join a group; they want to feel like they’re in a community of their peers. Building a strong sense of belonging is key to attracting and retaining members. Make them feel like VIPs by offering:

• Members-only webinars, courses, and/or networking events
• Special discounts, freebies, and/or priority access to new features
• Industry insider information they can’t get anywhere else

5. Partner with Complementary Organizations

Teamwork makes the dream work! Collaborate with businesses or groups that share your audience but aren’t direct competitors. Strategic partnerships can enhance your offerings, attract new members, and strengthen your association’s credibility. For example:

• A professional association could collaborate with soft skills career coaches.
• A teachers’ association could work with educational publishers.
• A medical association could partner with healthcare product providers.

6. Host Conferences and Exhibits

Sometimes, nothing beats face-to-face interaction when it comes to building relationships and growing your membership. Hosting industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events gives you direct access to potential members who are already engaged in your field. You can:

• Set up an eye-catching welcome booth with engaging visuals, informative materials, and interactive elements to draw attendees in.
• Offer live sessions, exclusive giveaways, or limited-time membership discounts to encourage sign-ups on the spot.

7. Leverage Social Proof & Testimonials

People trust real experiences more than advertisements. Highlight your satisfied members and let their stories showcase the value of your association:

• Share video testimonials
• Post screenshots of positive feedback
• Display success stories and case studies on your website

You may also like: Expanding Your Reach: How to Market Your Association’s Continuing Education

Monitor & Evaluate Strategies

What’s working? What’s not? Here’s how to ensure your strategy is helping (not hurting):

• Track KPIs: Monitor conversion rates, engagement levels, and retention rates.
• Gather feedback: Ask new members what convinced them to join (and what could be better).
• Refine based on data: If a strategy isn’t delivering, tweak it until it does!

Conclusion

Selling memberships doesn’t have to be a struggle. With the right mix of strategic marketing, compelling incentives, and meaningful engagement, you can turn potential members into enthusiastic advocates. The key is to make the process simple, exciting, and packed with value—because when people clearly see the benefits, they’ll be eager to join.

Now, go out there with confidence and boost your association’s membership!

References

Content Marketing Institute. (2023). CMI: Content Marketing Strategy, Research, “How-To” Advice. Content Marketing Institute. https://contentmarketinginstitute.com/

Marketing General Incorporated. (2025). The Membership Lifecycle. Marketinggeneral.com; Marketing General Incorporated. https://www.marketinggeneral.com/solutions/the-membership-lifecycle

MCIM, H. M. (2023, June 13). Elevating Club Membership Sales with Demand Generation Strategies. Linkedin.com. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/elevating-club-membership-sales-demand-generation-mcguckin-mcim/

The post Selling Memberships Like a Pro: Fun & Effective Strategies to Boost Your Numbers appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

Regardless of industry, one thing is clear: true marketing success lies beyond the simple promotion of products or services–it involves the creation of a thriving community.

This, of course, is also true of associations. When you weave connections between your organization and its members, you create a sense of belonging. Member engagement is key to success!

Today, we’ll be looking at 5 ways to enhance your member engagement by building a flourishing, healthy community with your members:

1. Discussion Boards

The impact of a space that allows members to build relationships, talk experience, and engage meaningfully should never be discounted. And where better to foster this space than on discussion boards?

Forums can be organized to cater to your different courses, categories, events, career stages, and other interests. You aren’t only creating a hub of knowledge for your members–you’re creating a place for everyone to connect and collaborate.

(Don’t forget to moderate your boards, though; you want posts to stay appropriate and on-topic!)

2. User Reviews

It’s said that word of mouth is one of the most powerful methods of engagement and marketing; take advantage of this by encouraging members to share their experiences by posting reviews. Positive testimonials shared by members can help influence the purchasing decision of fellow peers.

If you’re having trouble getting people to take part, you can try encouraging members to submit feedback by offering discounts (or other rewards) for their participation.

Make sure to keep it authentic: you want to keep your members’ trust. Showcase the positive reviews, but make sure to address any issues that are shared. You want to demonstrate a genuine commitment to improving the member experience!

3. Course Descriptions

When it comes to writing a course description, keep in mind that you’re trying to catch the attention of your members. Try to create a compelling narrative that highlights the value of each course and clearly outlines what it teaches.

Remember to include any learning objectives and key features that your continuing education course covers. You’re offering members a taste of what they’ll get if they buy the full thing, so make it enticing!

4. How-to Guides

You want your members to be able to navigate your platform with ease, and the best way to accomplish this is with how-to guides.

Whether you use step-by-step picture and text tutorials or video demonstrations, make sure your instructions are clear. Make sure you cover platform navigation, course enrollment, and resource access.

Regardless of format, the use of visual aids will make it easy for members to learn and go–breaking down any barriers to entry they may face and allowing them to get the most out of your platform.

Don’t forget to keep your tutorials in a visible place (like a main tab or your front page) so that members can review them at any time!

5. Member Discounts

Show your community how much your association cares by offering exclusive discounts and perks. Member benefits (like course discounts) are valuable incentives to keep members coming back year after year.

You want to make sure these discounts are easy to find and use; try incorporating them into your marketing campaigns and newsletters to really show off the value membership provides. Attract new members and reward loyal members with a single step!

Conclusion

Weaving these strategies into your marketing plan won’t only help drive sales, but help you build a loyal community of enriched, engaged members. By prioritizing the experience of members and helping them connect (both to each other and your association), you can cultivate a welcoming, valuable environment. After all–the more the merrier!

The post Building Better Bonds: Boosting Engagement through Community appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

Now, while discounts and bundles and incentives (oh my!) may sound like simple enough solutions to keeping your members invested, it’s important to note that strategy should be employed here. You don’t just want to improve your return on investment: you want to maximize it!

In today’s article, we’ll be going through how to tailor your efforts so that everyone gets the best bang for their buck.

Boosting Your Reach

First, you can’t sell a course if your members don’t know it exists. Coupons and discount codes are similar; they’ll go unused unless you advertise them to your members.
There are plenty of ways to get the word out: post discount codes to your association’s social media, send out an email blast, announce them at events, add them to your newsletter, put them on your website–anything that helps you drum up excitement and let members know about the sweet, sweet savings you’re offering.

Don’t Go Big–Go Small

While broad discounts cast a wider net, you may be missing members with this approach. Instead, think small. Target specific groups with your discounts to create a sense of exclusivity and urgency. There’s a reason “limited time offers” are so enticing–you’re touching that Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO)!

When it comes to the “who” of your group, the sky’s the limit, so make sure to experiment. You can target different membership tiers, frequent users, or event attendees. Reward members for their time (and money) spent!

Your Approach

When it comes to discounts, there are plenty of options to pick from:

1. Giveaways

Have an upcoming event? Just looking to get some engagement going? Try hosting a contest where participants get the chance to win discount codes. Whether you do it online or off, giveaways present a fun and interactive way to give a little something back to your audience.

Hold a raffle, play bingo, do a quiz–whatever game you play, your members will be sure to enjoy it. You can even have “tiered” rewards–varying levels of discount for those who come in first, second, or third place!

2. Early Bird Renewal Discounts

If you want to encourage members to renew their memberships early, you can try offering discounts for on-demand continuing education content during the renewal season. You can even be adventurous and offer more alluring rewards, like 5 free courses for members renewing in the first month!

3. Bundles

Sometimes, members want to buy courses. Sometimes, they even want to buy a lot of courses. Take advantage of this by creating bundle discounts where members save more as they buy more. You could set it so that purchasing x number of courses gets them a nice percentage off (e.g. 4 courses give you 25% off), or you could set a spending threshold that, once passed, gives even greater savings (e.g. spend $50 to get $5 off or $100 to get $15 off).

This strategy doesn’t just increase the perceived value of your content, but encourages members to explore all the categories your platform has to offer. They may stumble across courses they never thought otherwise to take!

4. Student Discounts

One should never forget students when it comes to discounts. Not only are you providing a service to those who are not yet fully out in the field–you’re paving the way for a long (and strong!) relationship with your association.

Connect with local educational institutions and reach out to guidance counselors, teachers, and registrars; provide them with discount codes for students of your industry who may be interested in what content you have to offer. You’re building loyalty and value in one easy step!

You may also like: Vocalmeet’s Guide to Optimizing Your Association’s Marketing Channels

Conclusion

When it comes to boosting engagement, sales, and reach, discounts are an association’s best friend. By tailoring your discounts to different audiences, you maximize your impact within those groups. Additionally, taking a variety of approaches (giveaways, early bird discounts, bundles, and student discounts) can help you reach members of every kind. You’re not just slashing prices–you’re creating value!

Finally, keep in mind that what you want to do with this is experiment. You can’t make great decisions without great data, so try out as many options as you can when it comes to finding the best discount strategy for your association. You never know what’s going to get the most members through the door–but a nice discount never hurts your chances!

The post Who Doesn’t Love a Good Discount? appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

Technology has given us the ability to witness things in real time with few restrictions through the birth and growth of live-streamed events. While some organizations and event planners still question how this movement will impact in-person event attendance, the vast majority are readily investing in live streaming. 

For those who are still on the fence about live streaming their next event, today we’ll be looking at some of the major benefits it can offer. Your members and your audience will appreciate it!

Continue reading to learn how introducing live streaming to your event can improve your association overall:

1. Increased Attendance 

Live streams have the ability to increase your event attendance in several different ways. 

For one, live streams expand the reach of your event. With virtually no geographical restrictions and the reduced costs associated with attending live streams, people from all over can tune in. 

These digital events also cater to an additional crowd: attendees who would otherwise never attend an in-person event can watch from the comfort of their own homes. People with physical disabilities or social anxiety, for example, can not only attend your event but participate with virtually no limitations. Inclusive and effective!

In general, live stream attendance requires much less of a commitment, so people who were originally on the fence about attending are granted an easier, lower-stakes decision. Live streams mean lower costs and easier access, so there are fewer barriers to entry.

However, live streams don’t just improve overall attendance of your current event–they may also impact future events, both online and in-person. 

Live streams can serve as an introduction to your organization and your events, giving potential attendees a closer look at how things are done. This can help interested attendees make an educated decision on whether to attend an upcoming event–they’ll be able to see what your association can offer, after all! In fact, upwards of 30% of live stream attendees may actually attend the same event in-person the following year.

2. Improved Engagement 

Nothing inspires engagement like videos–even more so when they’re live! 

According to Fidji Simo, the Product Management Director at Facebook, live video viewers comment 10 times more often than regular video viewers. The live aspect better connects viewers to the content and other viewers, likely because they can interact and receive responses in real-time. 

For even greater effect, event organizers can interact with viewers on their streams by hosting a Q&A, participating in the discussion, and involving the stream audience in the physical event as much as possible. 

Live streams can also improve engagement among members within an organization–especially those who aren’t as involved, committed, or enthused. Often called “dormant members,” these more inactive people may be more willing to tune into a live stream than attend a physical event.

In many cases, live stream audiences are partially made up of people who have never attended a physical event in the past. Providing this group with a means of interacting and engaging with your organization can pay major dividends now and in the future!

3. Create New Material

While a live stream is a powerful tool at the moment, the session recording can be used in a number of ways for a variety of purposes in the future, too. 

A recording of your event can be archived and made accessible to viewers at a later date. For potential event attendees, an archived recording of a past event may help convince them that the new event will be worthwhile. These event archives can also be used to attract potential speakers, exhibitors, advertisers, and sponsors for your future sessions. 

Furthermore, the recorded material can be broken up, reused, and repackaged in multiple ways. For instance, an organization may use videos of workshops or presentations as part of future training programs. They may package certain videos by theme or type, or else make a “highlights” package for quick event recaps. 

You can even use event clips for marketing purposes to help drive brand recognition, promote future events, and encourage membership renewals. 

4. Additional Revenue Streams 

In addition to the revenue-boosting material live streams bring about after the fact, live sessions can help bring in new revenue in real-time.

For example, live streams often feature digital workshops or online-only offers, which present additional revenue-earning possibilities. Your live streams don’t just provide the material for these offers, but they also help encourage the audience to partake in these offers. 

Moreover, live streams can help attract new advertisers and sponsors, particularly those with an online influence or those with a brand influence that stretches beyond the location of the physical event. In fact, they can be especially attractive to advertisers and sponsors due to their replayability; because live streams are typically recorded and hosted for later viewing on an association’s website (whether in course-form or not), the expanded audience means a higher return on investment!

5. Enhanced User Data

One of the most underappreciated aspects of live streams is the data that they can provide an organization. 

Aside from the obvious recording of an event and its sessions, live streams often leave a very detailed record of audience activity and responses. Organizations can use the resulting viewer data, forum records, and survey results to generate an accurate reflection of the event as a whole.

This information can be incredibly helpful for planning future events and improving customer service: 

• How well was a speaker received? 
• Which topics drew in the most consistent traffic? 
• What was missing from the event or the live stream? 
• What were some of the highlights and lowlights? 

Live stream data can go a very long way in helping organizations answer these questions–and more. 

When associations take advantage of the information available to them, they become better able to serve their audience by pinpointing areas of improvement and excellence; you can do more of what works and fix what doesn’t. Because of this, collecting data and analytics is crucial when planning for the future!

You may also like: Keeping Current with Technology: How Your Association Can Benefit

Conclusion

Keeping these benefits in mind, it’s no wonder that event live streaming has become an increasingly popular option for event planners and organizations.And, with the increased attendance, improved engagement, and ease of creating new material, it’s easy to see why! The additional revenue potential and access to enhanced user data make it an especially attractive option for those looking to expand their reach and boost their profits. 

Incorporate live streaming into your next event; your audience–and your association–will appreciate it!

Sources

The post 5 Benefits to Live Streaming Your Association’s Event appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

Of these revenue opportunities, sponsorships often contribute a significant amount. Not only can sponsorships increase your event budget, but they can help attract new audiences and bolster your credibility as well!

Yet, many associations don’t quite know where to start when recruiting sponsors. 

Thankfully, while the process can seem daunting at first, there are a few steps you can take to take the guesswork out of it all. Below, you’ll find an outline of some of the things you can do to appeal to the sponsors of your choice. 

Without further ado, let’s delve into what it takes to get the support you need for your next event!

1. Develop Your Brand

Before you approach any potential sponsors, it’s important to build a strong brand. Unfortunately, there isn’t a single or simple way of accomplishing this. 

Every sponsor that signs on to your event will be putting their name next to yours, so you need to think about the vetting process these brands will go through and ensure you measure up. That may mean beefing up your website and making sure everything is accurate and up-to-date. You may also need to ensure that your mission statement is clear and something that your desired sponsors will support. 

You’ll also want to clean up and strengthen your social media accounts. This will help demonstrate that you hold a solid position in your industry and that your members and consumers recognize this. 

For many sponsors, nothing is more attractive than an association with an active community. Give your members the space and reason to be active, such as an online forum or a well-attended social media channel. Each of these factors will combine to help define your brand identity. 

The more a sponsor knows and understands your organization, the more willing they will be to support it.

2. Know Your Audience and Your Event 

The biggest reason why organizations sponsor events is to reach the attendees. This means that associations should know who their audience is before ever reaching out to potential sponsors. 

Start by getting some information and statistics about your attendees. Whatever you can learn about your ideal sponsors’ audience can prove useful as well. If your target demographics overlap or your primary members are an underutilized demographic for the sponsor, a sponsorship could carry more value. 

You can also reach out to your audience and ask them what type of sponsors they want to see at future events. You can use this information in your proposal, informing the brand that there is demand for a partnership. Your customers likely know, trust, and follow the sponsor already, so there is a mutual benefit already in place. Your attendees will appreciate sponsors more as well!

3. Seek Out Aligned Organizations

One of the best sponsorship search approaches is to seek out brands that align with your organization in various ways. 

Perhaps you share similar goals or missions that you can highlight in your pitches. There’s a good chance that you share a similar audience with the proposed sponsor if both organizations are pointed in the same direction and looking for the same things. 

You’ll also want to look at your upcoming events. Think about the themes of the events and what sponsors might value that messaging most. 

A good method for identifying potential sponsors is to look at related events from the recent past. If an organization has sponsored a similar event, that means they are already familiar with the industry, the audience demographics, and the returns on their investment. 

While some sponsors may be loyal to your competition, most are open to any and all ways of improving their own businesses! 

4. Fill Out the Proposal 

In addition to including much of the information above, you need to ensure that your sponsorship proposal clearly outlines how the sponsor’s investment will generate a return. 

It’s important to be as specific as possible. Use as much data as you have access to in order to reflect the potential and actual value–remember, numbers talk! 

Use all of the information you currently have and fill in the blanks with numbers from past events. Consider ticket and registration numbers, resulting sales, attendance numbers, specific demographics, vendor information, social media engagement, website traffic, and past sponsorship and advertising returns. 

Possible sponsors won’t know what they’re missing unless you show them, so make sure to dazzle them with your experience!

5. Provide Integration Options

As a way to improve the value of a sponsorship deal for your events, think of ways that you can integrate them; this can add some extra incentive to your proposal and give sponsors something more to consider. 

Some possible integration options can include offering the customers of your sponsors free admission to the event (or even a membership with your association!). You may try using the sponsor’s brand of technology during sessions or giving them an exhibitor booth. 

Think about what would be attractive to your organization if you were to be a sponsor. If it sounds too costly, don’t worry–adding non-financial benefits to your proposal can still be a powerful motivator! Get creative with it and you’ll have sponsors lined up in no time.

6. Offer Different Packages

When it comes to sponsorship opportunities, one size rarely fits all. 

To give your potential sponsors some choice and flexibility, consider offering a variety of packages. Allow them to choose how invested they want to be by setting up a tiered system. A basic sponsorship package can open the door to some really impactful brands that might otherwise not get involved. 

You can also allow for customizability in the sponsorship. Enable organizations to suggest their own level of involvement and work with them to find an appropriate middle ground. Giving over some control can also lead to more invested sponsors; they may take on more responsibility in the success of the event and give more of themselves in return!

7. Take the Event Online

Once an in-person event is complete, most event sponsorships come to an end. For some organizations, this is how they want it set up. 

Many, however, would love to have their sponsorship extended beyond the timeframes and location of the event. This is what live streaming and online events can offer. By posting videos of the event online–both during the actual event and after it ends–traditional sponsorships can take on new life. 

Not only is an online audience different in many ways, but live streamed events can cast a much larger net. The recorded events can be played long afterward, which means sponsors can receive returns much longer than they would otherwise. 

As a result of the boosted audience and reach, online events can also change the type of sponsors available. Your association may be able to look for sponsors outside of your local area or explore possible sponsors with a greater online presence. 

Think about how live streams will alter your event and your audience, then look for sponsors who might benefit most from this change.

Conclusion

By following the tips above, you can increase the chances of success the next time your association looks for sponsors. It’s essential to put in the time and effort to properly structure your proposal and effectively represent your event (and its value!). Gain an edge in appealing to potential sponsors and secure the support you need for your next event–you’ve got this!

Sources

The post How to Get Sponsors for Your Next Event (and Beyond!) appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

For convenience and simplicity, many rely on their association to provide them with these opportunities.

In fact, many members go to their associations first for professional development! 

For obvious reasons, associations should be ready, willing, and able to answer the call.

It may sound difficult to become the landing spot for all your members’ continuing education needs, but it can be done with the right LMS and the right plan. 

Optimizing your CE system is more than just providing great content; associations need their entire system and all of their processes working toward the same goal. 

The results will speak for themselves: increased revenue and more engaged members! 

To get your association’s CE on the right path, follow the steps below:

1. Connect Everything

Your continuing education platform shouldn’t be an island. 

Ensure that your CE is interconnected with your entire system–including your event center, career services, and CRM software. 

With proper integration, members are able to access your association’s store, job board, and main page directly from the CE platform, allowing these sections to work together to enhance the user experience. 

Your continuing education platform should look and act the same as your main website–you want to provide the most seamless transition possible! Ideally, users shouldn’t even notice they are going between different platforms.

The easy exchange of data across your entire system allows for additional benefits, including single sign-on (one login for everything!) and a better shopping experience overall. 

2. Get Social

Your association should also consider integrating various social systems, like connecting their CE to social media and establishing a member forum. Continuing education isn’t only courses and training, after all; social learning in peer discussions and communities can offer some of the most valuable and relevant lessons available!

Consider creating a course-related forum section for current and past learners to discuss the material–or even open the forum up to all members! You can even mix and match with specific threads within your forum. Encourage discussions by posting think pieces, industry news, and relevant topics.

With social media, learners can share about their learning experiences, which can grant them validation and support. Additionally, by creating a digital badging system, members can showcase the training and certifications they’ve completed on social media, member forums, and job boards–promoting their achievements and your CE all at once! 

3. Personalize It

The most effective learning systems organize their entire experience around each individual user. 

The advanced AI present in many learning management systems today can create personalized learning recommendations for members based on usage and interests. For example, course and certification suggestions can be generated based on past job searches, showing members what training is a prerequisite or could give them an advantage. This can work for non-members as well–effectively turning your LMS into a recruitment tool!

Don’t be afraid to ask members for more information about their likes, interests, and goals, either. You can use this information and create a personalized development path as well. Offer them training in the formats that appeal to them most, suggest training that might serve some of their objectives, and provide recommendations that can give them a helpful career boost. 

4. Support and Evolve

Even with the most intuitive LMS, members will still need support from time to time. Make sure that your association’s lines of communication are open, that your instructions are clear and easy to understand, that there is someone to contact when necessary, and that training and support resources are easily accessible. 

This goes beyond technical support, however; members can also benefit from continuing education support. Provide assistance and advice for members as they plan their careers and educational development paths; a little help can lead to a lot of loyalty! 

Next, you want your association to be at the forefront of your industry. Your courses need to evolve over time, and your materials need to be updated to reflect any changes in the industry. If compliance regulations shift, be sure to offer courses and training that allow members to update and maintain their skills. 

Be sure to incorporate the latest in learning trends and technologies–your members want you to be cutting-edge, and keeping your courses (and platform!) modern will go a long way. Keep your content as up-to-date as possible so that members will be confident in your CE and your association overall. 

5. Create New Opportunities

To get the most out of a training course, associations may need to advertise it and offer it in various ways. Consider making your in-person conferences hybrid, which can improve attendance, engagement, and revenue generation. When it comes to online sessions, record them! You can then use the resulting videos to make fast, easy on-demand courses for members.

Associations can also look at repacking and repurposing older courses with newer ones to help renew interest in past content. Try offering different price levels for different groups–member tiers can create an additional revenue stream and let members pick the plan that’s right for them. That’s instant personalization!

Finally, pin any training that is related to current industry news or changes–this highlights the importance of both the item and your CE. The most important content is that which is evergreen (always relevant) and that which is relevant to the now. Be creative with it! Filling niches is one of the best things an association can do.

You may also like: How to Sell Your Online Courses to Your Members

Conclusion

When it comes down to it, becoming the go-to continuing education resource for your members is a goal that can be achieved with the right tools, strategies, and dedication. 

Combine the right LMS with a well-thought-out plan, and you can provide your members with the best CE experience around, rewarding your members with new skills and your association with repeat renewals for years to come!

References

The post Become the Go-to Continuing Education Resource for Your Members appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

As the leader of a member-based organization, you know that investing in the right tools can make all the difference when it comes to boosting member engagement.

In today’s digital age, many organizations are turning to learning management systems (LMS) to provide continuing education (CE) programs for their members. But how do you know if investing in an LMS is worth it?

The answer lies in calculating your projected return on investment (ROI): the measurement of how much value you gain compared to what you spend.

Calculating the ROI for an LMS, however, is not a one-size-fits-all equation; every organization will have different results depending on its needs. Results will depend on factors like course pricing, member participation, staff capacity, implementation costs, and overall system adoption.

In this article, we’re giving you a quick refresh of why it’s important to understand your technology’s ROI and, of course, how to do it yourself!

Key Takeaways

• ROI projections support smarter decisions 
  • Estimating potential return helps clarify whether a learning management system (LMS) aligns with financial priorities, operational needs, and long-term goals. 
• Non-dues revenue is only part of the picture
  • Course sales matter, but so do hidden cost reductions like staff time savings, tool consolidation, automation, stronger analytics, and easier reporting. 
• ROI will vary by organization 
  • Pricing, participation, staff capacity, setup approach, and workflows all shape results. Treat ROI as a strategic estimate, not a guaranteed outcome.
• The right LMS fit matters 
  • Ease of use, relevant features, scalability, and continuing education (CE) support all affect adoption, engagement, and long-term value. 
• Look past upfront costs 
  • A full analysis should include implementation, training, integrations, and management, along with gains in efficiency, automation, engagement, and scalability. 
• A strong LMS supports both delivery and growth 
  • A good LMS can improve engagement, simplify operations, and support long-term scalability. 

ROI (And Why It Matters)

The fundamental formula for an ROI is as follows:

ROI = [(Revenue – Investment) / Investment] x 100

Basically, it measures an investment’s profitability, providing a clear picture of the potential return relative to the investment cost (Southern Illinois University, 2024).

But why should you bother getting into the nitty-gritty calculation of your LMS? As it turns out, investing in technology creates a solid foundation for your organization’s growth!

In an article published by Wilcox (2025), “The Real ROI of Investing in Technology: Beyond the Numbers”, a successful digital transformation gives organizations the long-term boost they need to lead their industry. It improves financial performance, overall agility, and member satisfaction.

Crunching the numbers can therefore help determine whether investing in a quality LMS is the right move for you. Calculating ROI turns a simple math equation into a clear, strategic roadmap for your organization. By understanding the value of a tool, you can confidently adopt new technology and position yourself for a competitive advantage.

Calculating the ROI of Your LMS

Now that we’ve quickly brushed through what an ROI is and its importance, let’s look at how that specifically applies to an LMS investment.

The basic formula for calculating the ROI of investing in an LMS for continuing education programs is as follows:

LMS ROI = [((Average Course Price x Annual Enrollments) + (Members Influenced by LMS x Membership Fee x Attribution %) + Cost Savings – LMS Investment) / LMS Investment] x 100 

Now, this may look complicated, so let’s break it down step by step:

• Average course price: the cost of a typical course in your catalogue.
• Annual enrollments: how many course registrations you receive/expect to receive in a year. This figure includes enrollments across your full course catalogue.
• Members influenced by the LMS: this represents the estimated number of members whose renewal, engagement, or participation is positively impacted by your learning platform.
• Membership Fee: the cost of your annual membership fee.
• Attribution %: how much you attribute renewals/member registrations to the LMS and its offerings as a percentage. This will determine how much of the membership fee should be included in the ROI calculation.
  • If your CE is one of the main membership benefits for your organization (or a regulatory requirement!), you will likely opt for a high attribution percentage.
  • If your CE is a nice benefit but not the main draw of your organization, you may choose to go with a lower attribution percentage.

• Cost savings: the amount saved by using an LMS. This can include savings gained from consolidating separate tools and freeing up staff time.

• LMS investment: the total cost of acquiring, implementing, and maintaining the LMS.

For a more complete picture, you’ll want to break the investment down over time (ideally across the full length of your contract).

The first year on a new system will typically carry higher upfront costs due to implementation. After that, expenses are usually tied to ongoing platform use, maintenance, and any add-on services (such as end-user technical support).

Using a 3-year contract as an example, the formula would be as follows:

3-Year LMS ROI = [((Total Course Revenue + LMS-Attributed Membership Revenue + Total Cost Savings) – Total 3-Year LMS Investment) / Total 3-Year LMS Investment] x 100 

Let’s Try It!

Let’s say you run a health organization with about 8,000 members. Members need continuing education credits to maintain their professional standing, and your organization wants to use a learning management system (LMS) to deliver on-demand courses.

After reviewing your current programs, you estimate:

• You’ll offer about 20 courses on the platform
• The average course price will be $50
• You expect about 6,000 paid enrollments per year
• After course production, speaker, marketing, and administrative costs, you estimate a 50% net margin

This gives you:

$50 × 6,000 enrollments = $300,000 in gross annual course revenue

With a 50% net margin:

$300,000 × 50% = $150,000 in net annual course revenue

Because continuing education is an important member benefit (and, in your case, a regulatory requirement), you also estimate that the LMS will influence retention or renewal for about 3,000 members. Your annual membership fee is $150, but you only attribute 10% of that value to the LMS.

3,000 members x $150 x 10% = $45,000 in LMS-attributed membership revenue per year

Next, you estimate cost savings. By streamlining credit tracking, course administration, reporting, and event registration, the LMS could save about $45,000 per year in staff time and tool consolidation.

Finally, your vendor quotes:

• $25,000 for implementation
• $60,000 per year for the platform

Over a 3-year contract, your total LMS investment is:

$25,000 + ($60,000 x 3) = $205,000

Now, plug those numbers into the 3-year formula:

3-Year LMS ROI = [((450,000 + 135,000 + 135,000) – 205,000) / 205,000] x 100

3-Year LMS ROI = 251.22%

In this example, your preferred LMS delivers a strong return because it supports continuing education revenue, helps retain members, and reduces administrative costs over time.

But what if you want to see the value in dollar terms? Simple: your net return is as follows:

Total Gains – Total Investment

In this case, that works out to:

($450,000 + $135,000 + $135,000) – $205,000 = $515,000

So, all in all, for every $1 invested, your organization would receive approximately $3.51 in total return.

Things to Consider

Of course, revenue is only one part of the equation. An LMS can also add value by helping your team save time, reduce manual tracking, automate certificate issuance, manage CE credits, and access clearer reporting. These benefits may not always show up as direct course revenue, but they can still make a real difference in your overall return. (That’s why we have a “savings” section in the formula!)

There are a few key things to consider before investing in an LMS:

• Suitability: Ensure that the LMS you choose is the right fit for your organization. You need to make sure that it can offer the features and tools you need to successfully implement your continuing education programs.
• Intuitive navigation: Your LMS should be easy for members to use. If your members can’t find their way around, they won’t use it, and you won’t get a high ROI.
• Budget: It makes sense, after all: everything comes down to cost! This is where the ROI calculation comes in: if the expected costs exceed the expected benefits, it may be time to rethink the investment, adjust your approach, or look for a better fit.

You should also consider the full cost of the LMS, not just the annual subscription price. This can include both optional and mandatory items, such as:

• Data migration
• Implementation
• Staff training
• Support
• Integrations
• Time spent managing the system

On the benefits side, you want to think about more than simple course sales. Consider whether the LMS can:

• Save administrator time
• Improve CE tracking
• Issue certificates faster
• Support member engagement
• Provide comprehensive reports

Conclusion

Investing in a solid LMS can be a great way to get the most out of your continuing education programs. By calculating your ROI and taking the time to find the right fit, you can ensure that you get the most out of your investment. And, by arming your organization with the right tools, you’ll be able to offer your members a learning experience that’ll keep them coming back for more!

References

Southern Illinois University. (2024, June 20). Discover the Importance of ROI for Business Decision-Making. SIU Carbondale. https://onlinedegrees.siu.edu/programs/business/mba/finance/importance-of-roi-in-decision-making/

Wilcox, S. (2025, April 7). The Real ROI of Investing in Technology: Beyond the Numbers. Bluetread.com. https://www.bluetread.com/posts/the-real-roi-of-investing-in-technology-beyond-the-numbers

The post How to Calculate LMS ROI for Associations: Revenue, Cost Savings, and Continuing Education appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

While non-dues revenues are different from membership revenues, they shouldn’t be viewed as totally separate from one another. In fact, many of the best methods for increasing non-dues revenues also enhance memberships. By adding additional or improved revenue streams, members find more value, and the association benefits from a raised profile, increased membership, and more engaged members.

Consider the following options when looking to expand your association’s non-dues revenues. You might just find that everyone connected to your association will benefit from these changes.

An Event to Remember

For most associations, events represent the largest non-dues revenue generator. Between registration fees, exhibits and sponsorships, events can bring in a significant amount of revenue. Each of these elements can be improved with some carefully planned initiatives. By thinking creatively about conferences and other events, associations can increase traffic and registration, while providing better experiences for their members.

There are countless ways to improve these events. You can work on improving the event offerings, recruit better speakers, and design more useful and relevant workshops to make your events more attractive to attendees. With more and more conferences going online, this is a great opportunity to supercharge conferences with shorter and more creative online sessions.

One useful method that might accomplish several of your goals all at once is to better integrate sponsors so that they are not only sponsoring but also have an opportunity to share their subject matter expertise with members. Try to develop a mutually beneficial relationship with some sponsors in your industry by inviting them to join your event planning committee. They might be able to add value to your event and your attendees by adding creative elements that you may not have thought of. In turn, your events can offer more varied sponsorship packages, which can increase revenues in more ways than one.

Incorporate More Learning

Many associations incorporate continuing education as part of their offerings for members. There is room to supercharge learning opportunities that go beyond standard continuing educations courses. For example, you can offer special workshops or create training courses on industry-adjacent topics. You may also consider offering a special learning package to provide semi-regular training, such as learning labs where members can join cohorts to work on issues together. These new options may provide additional revenue without encroaching on the membership offerings.

Another creative way to generate more learning-related revenue is to offer live stream access to in-person workshops or event training. This will make it easier for members to attend training at events, while also increasing the headcount and involvement in these programs. Try connecting all attendees, those in-person and online, to allow for interaction between the two groups and enhance the experience for everyone involved. This can be done through an online forum or an integrated learning platform that offers both on-demand and live sessions.

Make Time for Non-Members

Associations that see non-members as an important part of the association are the ones that stand to benefit the most from this group of visitors. Every visitor to your association’s website should find some value there. While you want to make sure that the bulk of the content is available to members only, keep some things accessible in order to advertise what your association offers and help turn those visitors into members.

One option is to offer training courses that non-members can access for a small fee or even for free. While these should be as widely accessible as possible to make the largest impact, a one-time fee or free courses shouldn’t replace the need for getting a membership. This is just a simple way of increasing non-dues revenues, while also giving potential members a taste of what membership can bring.

Job Board Access

For many members, job opportunities represent one of the primary reasons why they joined an association in the first place. While job assistance and career development are often built into a standard membership, associations can offer different levels of support for additional fees. Consider, for example, offering enhanced job board access that provides maximized exposure of job postings and searches in addition to one-on-one coaching, mentoring and resume writing workshops. Consider partnering with employers as this can work for both employers and job-seekers looking to improve their odds of finding the right job or person.

Your association might also set up a special program for certain members whereby recommended opportunities are sent directly to them based on their preferences and payment plan. This program might also allow members to engage with the employer/applicant more thoroughly. They may gain access to more information about the posting, such as employer information or a more detailed job description.

Bolster your Online Store

For obvious reasons, an association’s online store presents one of the largest opportunities to increase non-dues revenue. While increasing the amount and quality of products and services offered in the store can drive profits, associations can generate more interest in the store by creating and selling season- or event-related goods and services. Furthermore, associations can package relevant products or combine past products with newer items or to create a renewed interest or give a second life to older goods.

The post How to Generate More Revenue in a Changing World appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

In an increasingly competitive world, the ability for associations to distance themselves from their competition is becoming more and more difficult.

Associations everywhere are looking for new ways to increase profits, attract more members, and retain them for longer. Thankfully, continuing education–particularly of the online variety!–has proven to be the most effective method of meeting all three demands.

For members, the need for continuing education is only growing stronger, regardless of field. Additionally, industries are evolving faster than ever before, meaning both knowledge and experience become outdated quickly.

In this ever-changing world, those who stay up-to-date with industry knowledge and trends through continuing education are the ones who thrive–and the associations that offer this education are poised to reap the profits!

When it comes to associations offering continuing education, increased profits come in several different sizes and shapes.

The first, and perhaps most important, is the revenue stream that online continuing education opens for associations. For career-driven members, the cost of education is more than justified by the value of the return. Moreover, continuing education presents a variety of benefits, including generating new leads, bringing in new members, enhancing member engagement, and even positioning your association as an industry leader.

1. Continuing Education as a Revenue Stream

For today’s workforce, the ability to stay ahead of the curve (or even just to stay competitive) within a given industry depends on the skills and education one can acquire–as well as how up-to-date both are.

In the past, experience went a lot further than it does now; today, current knowledge is a necessity, and it requires proof, typically displayed through degrees, diplomas, and certifications. Consequently, associations that offer members the chance to stay up-to-date on industry trends and educational requirements provide not only a highly in-demand service, but one that is crucial in almost every industry!

For the association with an established continuing education platform, they now have a constantly evolving and replenishing revenue stream in place. The more options and opportunities an association makes available to its members, the more potential revenue continuing education offers the provider! Everybody wins.

Additionally, as industries evolve and require new certificates or skills, associations gain equal opportunities for new revenue streams. The cycle of revitalization that new and changing industry certificates and educational requirements provide an association is a blessing in disguise. While you do have to create the courses that match trending topics and new requirements, the demand will easily lead to a great return on investment for any association that participates.

Industry trends aren’t the only factor affecting continuing education, though; ever-increasing globalization taps continuing education in to provide international knowledge and education. E-learning means that your association’s reach can expand far beyond geographical boundaries, as well. Consider: you could be bringing new members in from across the globe, sharing your education with people from everywhere!

2. Continuing Education for Lead Generation

Another great benefit for associations offering online continuing education is that it can bring an increase in both new and potential members.

Take, for example, the offer of a free course. This can be used to attract potential members to an association’s website in exchange for their contact information. From here, the association can target this new and qualified lead in the future with association information, other course offerings, and advertising.

Don’t want to go the free course route? You can instead use continuing education as a point of approach for potential new members. You’re providing something of value to discuss with and offer your candidates.

If nothing else, continuing education gives an association yet another benefit to tempt members interested in registering, while also positioning your association above any competitors who lack educational opportunities.

3. Continuing Education for Member Engagement

One of the most important and most overlooked elements of an association is the matter of member engagement.

It stands to reason that the more engaged in an association members are, the more invested and willing to renew they will be. By offering continuing education, associations establish a system that keeps members involved, simply by keeping them up-to-date on current industry trends, demands, and opportunities.

But, it’s also more than that!

Continuing education encourages members to participate and advance in their fields by keeping them educated and informed. An informed member is a valuable asset, not just to an association, but to the industries they belong to! There’s no better way to help advance careers (and industries!) than by cultivating a member base filled with skilled, knowledgeable professionals.

At the end of the day, continuing education is a service that members are better for receiving and they, in turn, reward their associations with their loyalty year after year.

4. Continuing Education for Industry Positioning

Part consequence, part intent, offering continuing education to members also establishes the providing association as a thought leader within the industry.

Those who keep members engaged and informed in their industries and those who provide industry education tend to become a hub for industry discussion and involvement. For most associations, this is a very welcome and profitable side effect to offering continuing education!

Members seek out associations that represent their needs and provide them with a voice, so what better choice than one that seeks to better its members in return? The potential opportunities that result from this are plentiful for associations, including a more significant and visible presence within the industry, as well as the option to expand into other educational content (such as with tutorials, webinars, and conferences).

From this new industry position, associations will typically see increased interest, memberships, renewals, and–most importantly–profit!

You may also like: How to Recession-Proof Your Association

Conclusion

In conclusion, offering online continuing education can be a great way for associations to increase profits, attract new members, and retain existing ones. With the need for lifelong learning only increasing, the provision of quality continuing education not only becomes a valuable asset for any association looking to differentiate itself from its competition–but a crucial one!

Overall, the benefits of offering online continuing education to members are clear, and associations that prioritize this service will be well-positioned to thrive in the competitive landscape of today’s environment!

The post Profiting from Online Continuing Education appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

Every day, more associations are discovering that online courses are a viable and powerful way of generating additional revenue. Yet, while the opportunity seems to present endless possibilities, there are still countless online courses that fail to sell. The question is: why? What is it that separates the successful programs from all the rest?

Of course, there can be many different reasons and meaningful coincidences that account for one’s success (as well as another’s failure), but there are some commonalities visible in most–if not all–of the struggling courses offered by associations.

More importantly, knowing these specifics means that your association can (and should) take the necessary precautions to avoid them–or, better yet, turn them into strengths!

Without further ado, here are five big reasons why online courses don’t sell:

1. Subpar Content

It may seem obvious, but old or subpar content is a red flag for potential low sales. This isn’t to say that all your content has to be on the bleeding edge, but it does have to be comparable with your competitors at the very least.

First of all, this means knowing who your competitors are, as well as what kind of content they offer.

Next, your content needs to be a reflection of the wants and needs of your customer base. If you don’t know that, ask them! Get to know them, join their communities, and discover how to address their primary needs.

It doesn’t necessarily take a lot of money to keep content updated, but it does take time, energy, and commitment. Despite this, it’s worth the expenditure: outdated content gives your members doubts about its accuracy. Even if the content is still valid (an older-looking video with still-relevant content, for example), it will still trigger feelings of inadequacy.

Most people are attracted to the new and “shiny”, so don’t shy away from giving your content a new paint job when it starts to fade!

2. Unresponsive in the Face of Feedback

Static or unresponsive courses are technically a subcategory of “subpar content”, but the importance of them deserves its own category.

We all make mistakes; even the best of us have overlooked certain things when creating something. Designing course content is no different, and it may be difficult (or even impossible) to avoid these mistakes.

However, the inability to react to problems, mistakes, or suggestions for improvement is avoidable.

We are quickly entering a world where personalization is king. Customers and students want content that is built for them and understands them; what better way to show that yours is than with timely and accurate responsiveness?

This requires a line of communication with your customers, both during and after the sale. Know what they liked and what they didn’t, make changes based on suggestions, and address any concerns that didn’t lead to changes.

For the same reasons that old content is unwanted, static and unresponsive content is, too. Stay dynamic and you’ll be ahead of the game!

3. Underwhelming Web Design

Along with solid course content comes solid formatting and a solid webpage. Your association is setting itself up as a reputable source of information and snap judgements, for good or ill, are part of a customer’s decision process.

Today, professionalism in a website doesn’t require dump trucks of money. Professionalism can be simple, accessible and easy to use. A professional website is not only easier to self-promote, it is more likely to be promoted by your customers. We want to be proud of where we take online courses, so give us a reason to boast, share and discuss your programs.

Professionalism also includes transparency. Our online-savvy eyes have been trained, whether we know it or not, to avoid the spammy, the scammy, and the vague. Make sure your copy is straightforward and unambiguous. Be clear about what your course delivers and actually deliver it, no secrets and no doubt. Tricking people into buying something other than they paid for hurts only you in the end.

Another element here is eliminating the objection of a lack of payment options. An easy-to-navigate checkout and shopping cart is an absolute must because not being able to accept someone’s money is no longer an acceptable excuse. Have a safe, versatile payment system and make payment processing a small step, not a hurdle.

4. Poor Pricing

Associations often generate a course price in a thought process equivalent to throwing darts at a dartboard. This practice should be avoided.

Accurately matching a price to a product requires knowing your competition and how you compare to them; knowing your customer base, as well as what they’re willing to pay; and knowing what your market strategy is. This means that your association needs to decide if your courses are meant to drive revenue, visitors, or something in between.

Be honest with yourselves and decide on a price that will excite your customers. Also, don’t be afraid to test out pricing strategies–you can camouflage test pricing through promotions (or even “new and improved” course content).

See how people react, respond to the changes, and base your final decisions on what arises from it!

5. A Lack of Marketing

Last (but not least) is the ever-damaging lack of marketing when it comes to selling online courses.

In the digital world, digital marketing must play a role, however daunting that may seem. Stop blasting emails out blind and take time to make yourself present in the world you want to occupy.

Mastering digital marketing channels requires you to set yourself and your association up as the industry authority that your courses represent. It’s tempting to always be selling or promoting on these channels, but use them instead as a way to stay in contact with your clientele and learn more about them. Brand recognition is sure to follow when you join the discussion!

Proper digital marketing requires personalization. Understand your customers, what they want, and what stage they’re at–then separate them. For instance, you can develop email marketing and social media campaigns that deliver interesting points of view on issues that are important to your potential customers; this will put you on the fast path to get them listening to you.

Send abandoned shopping cart reminders or ads to those who never completed their purchase. Send similar (or complementary) product promotions to those who did go through with a purchase. Personalize your messages and let your customers know that you’re paying attention.

Finally, don’t cut corners. Spend time marketing in several channels, track the impact, and then decide where your time and money is best spent. No one is saying it’s easy, but it is necessary.

You may also like: Keeping Current with Technology: How Your Association Can Benefit

Conclusion

While online courses present massive potential to the associations that provide them, it‘s important to first understand the factors that can make or break the success of your educational offerings.

From understanding your target audience to creating an effective marketing strategy, it‘s essential that you take the time to research and understand what it takes to make your online course a success.

With the right approach (and a little elbow grease!), your online course can be a great way to generate extra income and share your association’s knowledge with the world.

The post 5 Reasons Online Courses Don’t Sell appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.