How to Start a Paid Website

Paid websites on the Internet are those websites that require subscription and fees to access their products or services. Such sites are commonly called "membership" websites, and usually require subscribers to pay a monthly fee. In return, members receive content, services, and products offered by the website owner.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Creating the Site

1. Decide which topic you want your paid website to revolve around. There are plenty of examples of paid websites, including those that give monthly access to computer graphics or software, information content like e-books on a monthly basis, or even one-on-one monthly tutoring or coaching.

2. Decide on the technical details of the website. For example, how many membership levels will you offer on your paid membership (i.e., basic membership versus pro membership)? Which specific products and services will be offered to each membership level? How much money will you charge on a monthly or bi-monthly basis?

3. Search for a paid website script or membership management application on the Internet, and review its advantages and features. Advantages might include a member's center where digital products can be uploaded and retrieved. Several different scripts are available for this purpose, including free ones such as MembersGear and ProfileManager Basic by Interlogy. Each offers its own unique selling points and advantages; review and compare carefully.

4. Upload the paid website membership script to your web hosting service with an file transfer protocol (FTP) utility or a file manager program that's included with your web host service.

5. Customize all features of your paid website before you start making it public and advertising it. For example, upload all member content to the member's area; customize any colors, graphics, and logos that are needed for your site. If you lack the technical knowledge or skills required to do this, customization tasks can be outsourced through freelance websites, such as Guru.com.

Advertising Your Website

6. Start advertising your website by making a forum signature with your paid website link included. Making posts in forums where a similar topic is being discussed (i.e., gardening forum if you are promoting a gardening paid website) would attract the most targeted viewers and potential members.

7. Create a pay-per-click (PPC) advertising campaign through Google Adwords or even Facebook that will allow you to target certain keywords or even demographics if applicable. Don't forget to include an attractive title and description in the ad for your paid website.

8. Create promotions, contests, and member discounts so you'll attract more members. Announce the promotions on your blog and community forums.

9. Advertise your paid website offline. Place fliers or small business cards on community bulletin boards and other locations that receive heavy foot traffic.

References

• SubHub
• Interlogy: ProfileManager Basic
• MembersGear